Ghirls maintain their top-spot lead going into final week | OneFootball

SWPLSunday, May 12Excelsior Stadium

CELTIC…3

(Gallacher 10, Agnew 63, Shen 65)

PARTICK THISTLE…0

Celtic FC Women rounded off their final game at the Excelsior Stadium of the season on Sunday afternoon by securing another three points, running out 3-0 winners over Partick Thistle.

A first-half strike from Amy Gallacher, was followed up by two quick-fire goals from Murphy Agnew and Shen Mengyu as the Celts started an important week with three points.

As we enter the final week of the league campaign, the three games will prove pivotal as Elena Sadiku’s side aim to create history.

Going into the game, the Celtic boss was insistent on her squad remaining focused on one game at a time, starting with Sunday’s match against Partick Thistle.

And from the off, Celtic’s intentions were clear after making a bright start to proceedings in Airdrie.

Inside the opening few minutes, Celya Barclais had the first chance of the game as the ball broke her way from a Clare Goldie cross, but the defender couldn’t get enough power on her header.

The Ghirls didn’t have to wait much longer for the all-important first goal though, as Amy Gallacher scored her 23rd league goal of the campaign.

After timing her run to perfection and beating the offside trap, some unselfish play from Murphy Agnew laid the ball on a plate for Gallacher to tap home from close range and hand Celtic the best possible start to the match.

During the first 45 minutes, the Hoops continued to push and look to grab more goals, with every goal proving crucial at this stage of the season.

However, the ball just didn’t seem to be breaking their way with a number of decent opportunities going astray.

Heading into the second half, the Celts attacking intent remained clear with several free kicks and corners into the box causing trouble for the Thistle defence.

And that pressure paid off just beyond the hour mark as Sadiku’s side grabbed a quick-fire double to take their advantage to three goals.

Working hard and pressing all afternoon, Murphy Agnew grabbed a well-deserved goal after latching on to a loose pass back, before smashing the ball beyond the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Just two minutes later, Shen Mengyu got in on the act scoring the third goal of the afternoon.

Winning the ball back on the left, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford clipped cross was cleared by the Thistle defence. However, the midfielder was first to react to the ball inside the area, producing a smart finish into the bottom corner.

The Chinese internationalist almost scored a double of her own, striking a dangerous effort towards goal from range. But it was well saved by Cunningham between the sticks.

The Celts couldn’t add to their advantage in the final half-an-hour, however, it was another strong display in what is gearing up to be an important week for the Ghirls.

Next up for the Celts is a trip to the capital on Wednesday evening as they travel to take on Hearts in the penultimate game of the campaign.

Fixtures

Celtic Women Vs. Partick Thistle Women - Sun, May 12th 2024, 12:10 Final score: 3 - 0