Elena Sadiku: We want to keep building on opening day victory | OneFootball

Sunday afternoon marked the start of the new SWPL campaign, and it proved to be a successful one for Celtic FC Women.

Travelling to the capital on the opening day, the Ghirls took home all three points with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Morgan Cross and Natalie Ross.

With the Oriam proving to be a tricky venue for the Hoops last campaign, it was a good way to start the season for Elena Sadiku’s side, with a win on the road.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, the Head Coach expressed her delight at the all-round performance of her side.

She said: “I would say it marks a great start in terms of the performance. Our attacking play, especially in the first half was very good, the amount of chances we created and the nice goals we scored.

"But also in the second half, even if we were not as good at switching the ball or keeping possession higher up, we defended really well.

“And this is only the start. We need to keep building, developing and just become better and stronger together.

“We said before the game, this is the start now. We want to show how good we are and how good we want to be this season.

“I think the players did it really well. Obviously, there is a lot of work that goes in behind the players as well. This is a great journey that we are on together as staff and players. We are all in this together.

“I think you could see that on the pitch. I am very proud of the journey so far, but this is only the start.”

Not only did Sunday’s match mark the start of the new season, but for a number of players, it was also the start of their Celtic career.

Making her second debut for the club, Lisa Robertson was joined by fellow summer signing, Claire Walsh, in the back four.

There would also be two debuts in the second half, with Aislin Streicek and Academy graduate, Sienna McGoldrick, coming on to play their part.

Their adjustment to the team is another aspect that Elena Sadiku was left pleased with, as she looked ahead to getting back to New Douglas Park next weekend.

“Obviously it was very nice to see Claire Walsh make her first appearance for Celtic,” she said, “And Sienna McGoldrick and Aislin Streicek as well.

“It’s nice to see them coming in and adjusting very fast. There is more to build on, but we are very happy with them all.

“Obviously, going back to Hamilton next week is going to be another massive game, but it’s just so nice to be out here with the fans.

"They mean so much for us, and we want to give back to them. So, we are all just really excited to have the season started again!”

More on the match

Capital gains as Ghirls pick up opening day three points against Hearts - read more

Join the Journey

Having kicked off the new season with all three points, the Ghirls return to New Douglas Park next week for their first home match of the campaign.

With the Celtic fans playing their part on the road in the capital on Sunday afternoon, the Ghirls need your support once more as they return home next week.

You can play your part, with season tickets available to buy online now!

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Fixtures

Hearts Women Vs. Celtic Women - Sun, Aug 17th 2025, 13:00 Final score: 1 - 2