Honours even after derby clash with Glasgow City | OneFootball

SWPLWednesday, May 1, 2024Excelsior Stadium

CELTIC… 2(O.G 18, Hayes 45+1)

GLASGOW CITY… 2(Lauder 4, Wardlaw 59)

Celtic FC Women were held to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday evening as they returned to the Excelsior Stadium against Glasgow City.

After falling behind early on, the Ghirls produced a response in the first half to equalise before Caitlin Hayes headed them into the lead at the break.

However, just before the hour mark, the visitors found a leveller which would ultimately see both teams take home a share of the spoils.

Following Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final exit, Elena Sadiku’s side were looking to produce a response in the first of their final five league fixtures of the campaign.

But it got off to the worst possible start as Glasgow City took the lead inside four minutes, with Hayley Lauder tapping a loose ball inside the area home from close-range.

However, the Hoops didn’t dwell on the early goal, kicking on and quickly looking to find a way back into the match.

Tash Flint was causing trouble early on for the visitors and the forward came within inches of scoring in the 10th minute, hitting the post with a shot.

But the Hoops didn’t have to wait long to find themselves level as Caitlin Hayes played her part in the goal.

Latching on to a corner into the box, the defender connected with the ball. It looked to be heading goalbound before striking the post, and landing in the back of the net off Glasgow City goalkeeper, Lee Gibson.

The Celts finished the half strong as they continued to hunt for an all-important second in the opening 45 minutes.

Lucy Ashworth-Clifford tried her luck with an effort from distance, which just narrowly crept over the crossbar.

As the half time whistle approached, Celtic took the lead as Caitlin Hayes headed home. Digging the ball out from under her feet, Tash Flint sent a dangerous cross into the box for the defender, who guided the ball into the top corner.

At times throughout the game, the Ghirls were doing well to pin the away side into their own half, and Murphy Agnew created a good opening early in the second half.

After winning the ball back high up the pitch, the American went on a mazy run, before working space for a shot, which she just couldn’t hit the target with.

Just before the hour mark, Glasgow City were able to pull themselves level after Celtic were found short at the back and Charlotte Wardlaw slotted the ball home to make it 2-2.

There was still time for either side to take control of the game after an entertaining match-up, and the best chance fell the way of Hayes late on as the defender headed the ball goalwards from a corner, but it was well held by Lee Gibson.

It would end all-square at the Excelsior Stadium, maintaining the Hoops’ place at the top of the SWPL with just four games remaining.

The objective for Elena Sadiku’s side remains the same, with the league title still in the Ghirls’ hands as they gear up for another huge day of action this coming Monday as they play out the final Glasgow derby of the season against Rangers (KO: 12noon)

CELTIC: Daugherty, Barclais, Ross, Craig, Gallacher, Shen, Agnew (Cavanagh 80), Clark, Hayes, Ashworth-Clifford (Menglu 80), Flint.Subs: Logan, Cummings, Robertson, Smith, Burchill, Goldie, McAneny