Scottish Women’s Premier League
Sunday, 27 August, 2023
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC... 9
(McAneny 7, Ross 11, 41, Craig 19, Cavanagh 24, Burchill 32, Gallacher 63, Sharkey 81, Loferski 85)

DUNDEE UNITED... 0

It was another emphatic win for Celtic FC Women this afternoon (Sunday) as the Ghirls made it four wins from four to start the campaign, defeating Dundee United 9-0 at the Excelsior Stadium

The Ghirls took an commanding lead in at the break, scoring six without replay in the first-half thanks to a double from Natalie Ross, and goals from Maria McAneny, Chloe Craig, Colette Cavanagh and Tiree Burchill.

In the second half, Amy Gallacher, Amy Sharkey and Kit Loferski added to the scoring as the Celts put on a show in front of the home support.

After scoring so early in each of their opening three games of the campaign, Fran Alonso’s side were aiming to make a similar start at the Excelsior Stadium, and they did exactly that as Maria McAneny opened the scoring after seven minutes in fantastic style.

The versatile midfielder has showcased her dangerous delivery from set pieces in the past, but on this occasion the Academy graduate found the back of the net directly from a corner to hand Celtic the lead.

Just three minutes later, the Ghirls doubled their advantage as Natalie Ross got her first of two goals for the afternoon.

Following some brilliant play down the right, Paula Partido dribbled past her marker before delivering the ball into the box, where Ross was waiting to smash the ball home.

Defender Chloe Craig continued her impressive run in front of goal, scoring her fourth in four league games. A corner into the box on the near side appeared to have evaded the centre-back before Craig reached out and got a tremendous touch on the ball to direct it into the back of the net.

The scoring in the first-half wasn’t done, however, as Colette Cavanagh opened her account for the season, scoring for the first time since her return to the club.

The midfielder showed terrific determination to win a header at the back post, nodding the ball home to make the score 4-0.

Tiree Burchill was next to get on the scoresheet, rounding off a well-worked free-kick move. Receiving a pass inside the penalty area, the youngster made no mistake with her finish.

And just before the break, Ross added to her and Celtic’s tally. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, she managed to turn before unleashing a shot which looped over the goalkeeper.

Going into the second half, the Celts continued to push forward in search of further goals, and Kit Loferski, on as a substitute, almost made an instant impact with an effort that was cleared off the line.

On the hour mark, Amy Gallacher scored her sixth league goal of the campaign. After winning a free-kick on the edge of the box, the forward stepped up and powered a strike into the back of the net, with Celtic’s number seven scoring the seventh of the game.

The substitutes introduced to the game continued to make an impact as Amy Sharkey came off the bench to score her first goal for the club.

The Academy graduate showed great anticipation to latch on to a poor back pass, finding the net with a one-touch finish into the net.

There was time for one more goal in the closing stages too as Celtic matched their opening day result against Montrose.

Continuing her strong goalscoring start to the campaign, Kit Loferski added to the scoresheet, leaping highest to get on the end of a corner to head the ball home.

After maintaining their incredible start to the new SWPL season, the Hoops will be aiming to continue their fine run of form when they take on Hibernian at Meadowbank Stadium next Sunday.

Hoops hit Dundee United for nine with another superb display