Report & Picture: Celtic FC
Hamilton Academical 0 Celtic 2
Craig 32
Ewens 85
It was a very good weekend for Celtic as their 2-0 victory at Hamilton put them at the top of the league and was a club record of five successive games without losing a goal. A debut goal by Emma Craig and a late strike from Sarah Ewens sealed a comfortable victory.
Celtic started strongly and within the first minute a shot at goal by Natalie Ross was spilled by the goalkeeper but she recovered well to block Heather Richards’ follow-up.
The first 15minutes continued with Celtic controlling possession and with plenty of shots and crosses into the box they constantly tested the goalkeeper whenever possible.
With attempts at goal from Keeva Keenan and Cheryl McCulloch, Celtic looked for a breakthrough and again Keenan fired another shot at goal which the goalkeeper tipped over the bar.
However, in 28 minutes Celtic found the breakthrough after the Emma Craig cut inside on her right foot and fired a shot from 30 yards into the top corner. A truly great strike from the young player to give Celtic the lead they deserved.
The half continued with Celtic challenging the Hamilton goalkeeper with crosses and attempts at goal but at half time Celtic still led 1-0.
The second half continued with Celtic still attacking with shots and crosses building up towards the Hamilton goal. Attempts from Ross, Josi Giard and Craig all resulted in comfortable saves by the Hamilton goalkeeper.
Hamilton then came into it more with the game becoming stretched. A series of corners from Hamilton looked dangerous with Celtic having to protect their lead with some strong defending.
Celtic saw out the pressure from Accies and began to control the game again with some good possession.
They managed to finish the game off in 85 minutes with another sublime strike – this time from substitute Ewens. Driving in off the left-hand side, she cut inside and fired a shot from 25 yards into the far corner.
Nicole Pullar could have made it three when she was sent clean through by ClaireAdams but her lob over the outrushing goalkeeper just went wide of the post.
Celtic will be pleased to get three points against a team who are hard to break down and difficult to play against. With good performance from the back line and another clean sheet they hope to continue the good form next Sunday against Hibernian .
Celtic: Gibson, Keenan (Connor), Rafferty, McCulloch, Cavanagh, Richards, Adams, Ross, Giard (Pullar), Donaldson (O’Neill), Craig (Ewens) Subs not used Cunningham, Clark
