Flint at the double as Celtic beat Hibernian | OneFootball

Scottish Women’s Premier LeagueSunday, February 11, 2024Meadowbank Stadium

HIBERNIAN … 1(Baucom 23)

CELTIC… 3(Flint 13 & 43, Hayes 31)

Celtic FC Women sealed an impressive victory on their travels to the capital this afternoon (Sunday), running out 3-0 winners against Hibernian at Meadowbank Stadium.

After opening the scoring inside 15 minutes through Tash Flint, the Ghirls were quickly pegged back in the first-half.

However, Caitlin Hayes’ second goal in two games and a late strike in the half from Flint was enough to make sure all three points headed back to Glasgow.

From kick-off, Elena Sadiku’s side looked in the mood, with the likes of Shen Menglu and Kit Loferski aiming to cause trouble with their directness in behind the Hibs defence.

After coming close to getting on the scoresheet for the first time since returning in the January transfer window, Tash Flint was back amongst the goals in the early stages as she grabbed the first goal of the match.

Released through on goal by Natalie Ross’ precise pass, the Celtic forward made no mistake with her finish, slotting the ball under the goalkeeper.

Despite the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, the home side still had some positive moments of their own in the first half, testing Kelsey Daugherty between the sticks.

And just 10 minutes after the Hoops had taken the lead, Hibernian equalised as Jorian Baucom pounced upon a slack pass and produced a terrific finish in off the underside of the crossbar.

The Celts didn’t let that setback affect them, though, and were quickly looking to get back in front as Flint send a dangerous-looking ball across goal, which was cleared by the Hibs defence.

Just after the half-hour mark, the Ghirls put themselves back in front as Caitlin Hayes popped up with her second goal in as many games.

Floating the ball to the back post at the second attempt, Shen Mengyu’s cross found the head of the defender who powered her header home into the back of the net.

Things got even better just before the break for Celtic, with Elena Sadiku’s side grabbing their third goal of the half to extend their advantage.

Once again, Tash Flint was on hand to secure her brace as the forward met Hayes’ knockdown, smashing a left-footed strike towards goal which deflected into the back of the net.

Heading into the second half, the striker came within inches of grabbing a hat-trick in the early stages, seeing a low strike cleared off the line with the ball seemingly destined for the bottom corner of the net.

The Hoops continued to search for a fourth goal in the second 45 minutes of action, delivering a number of dangerous corners into the box. However, they weren't able to trouble the Hibs shot-stopper.

Some nice play also saw Murphy Agnew released into space on the left-hand side, which almost led to a goalscoring opportunity, but the flag was up for offside.

Ultimately, it was job done from the Hoops, with their first half performance proving the deciding factor in the capital.

Victory at Meadowbank Stadium also sees the Celts close the gap at the top of the SWPL table as they gear up for another huge match next Sunday, travelling to Ibrox to face rivals Rangers.