Kelsey Daugherty: Saving a penalty is as good a feeling as scoring

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Celtic F.C.

·11 November 2024

Kelsey Daugherty: Saving a penalty is as good a feeling as scoring

It was arguably the perfect evening for Celtic FC Women shot-stopper Kelsey Daugherty, who played her part in the Ghirls’ Sky Sports Cup penalty shootout victory over Glasgow City.

After keeping a clean sheet in 120 minutes of action, neither of the two sides could be separated with the game heading to spot-kicks.

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Coming up with the goods, the Celtic No.30 very much played her part from 12-yards, saving two penalties to help the Hoops to a 4-3 win.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, the goalkeeper spoke of her excitement, admitting that the feeling of saving a spot-kick was just as good as a goal.

Having been on the end of penalty disappointment last campaign in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Valerenga, it was also a poignant moment for the American to enjoy.

She said: “We all feel buzzing after that! I think it was just such a good team performance. Playing 120 minutes can be tough.

“We fought during the entire game, and then obviously came away with the win in the end. So, we are feeling great after that.

‘Saving a penalty is like scoring one sometimes. Or maybe even better to be honest. But it’s good, and it’s no secret that we have been in shootouts before.’

“Like in the Champions League last year against Valerenga. So, it’s nice to kind of come back from that a bit.”

After playing out 120 minutes of action, it took a lot of effort from the Celtic squad to push through and secure their place in the last four.

With more huge games on the horizon, including Wednesday’s clash against Chelsea at Celtic Park, Daugherty insists playing games is exactly what the Hoops want to be doing during a hectic part of the campaign.

“120 minutes is a lot of football, especially with our schedule coming up,” she said. “But everyone put their heads down and got the job done.