Scottish Women’s Premier League
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC… 2
(Craig 70pen, Cavanagh 89)

GLASGOW CITY… 1
(Davidson 77)

Celtic FC Women maintained their perfect start to the SWPL campaign after defeating Glasgow City 2-1 at the Excelsior Stadium.

After the visitors went down to 10 players with 20 minutes remaining, the Hoops managed to take the lead from the spot through Chloe Craig.

However, the away side levelled through a deflected effort. But as the match entered the closing stages, up stepped Colette Cavanagh to score the all-important winner.

The opening 45 minutes of the fixture proved to be very close as both sides looked to try and open up the opposition defence.

Celtic forwards, Kit Loferski and Amy Gallacher, were trying to cause trouble in behind the Glasgow City defence, but the away side did well to deal with their threats.

The Hoops’ best opportunities of the half came via set-plays as the likes of Caitlin Hayes and Chloe Craig attempted to pile the pressure on the City backline.

On one occasion, the ball almost fell to Hayes before eventually making its way to Shen Menglu, and the winger's shot was well-blocked and cleared to safety.

From a defensive perspective, the Celts were doing well to restrict the visitors, with Kelsey Daugherty having very little to do in the first half.

Most of the American’s actions between the sticks were saves from long distance and collecting crosses into the box.

Although both teams did continue to try cause danger going forward, ultimately neither side could be separated heading into the break, with both goalkeepers rarely being troubled.

The game seemed to burst into life heading into the second half, and right from the off, Daugherty was forced into her first big save of the evening.

The Celtic shot-stopper did brilliantly to deny the Glasgow City forward, diving to tip the ball over the crossbar.

On the 70th-minute mark, Fran Alonso's side finally managed to carve open the City defence as Kit Loferski was sent through on goal.

Racing in on the Glasgow City goal, the forward prepared to shot but was brought down inside the area by Kenzie Weir, who was given a red card for the challenge.

Up stepped the ever reliable Chloe Craig from the spot, and the defender made no mistake, sticking the ball in the bottom corner of the net.

With a player advantage, the Hoops were looking to take control of the match, and they went straight on the front foot to try and grab another goal.

However, it was Glasgow City who grabbed an equaliser with 13 minutes remaining. Cutting in from the left, Lauren Davidson struck an effort towards goal, which took a touch off Kelly Clark and landed in the back of the net.

As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Fran Alonso’s side were looking for some late heroics and they found it through Colette Cavanagh.

Picking the ball up just outside the area, the midfielder drove a powerful low effort into the bottom left-hand corner to give Celtic a 2-1 lead.

With seven minutes of additional time at the end of the match, the Hoops stood strong and held on for all three points.

That victory sends Celtic back to the top of the SWPL and ensures that they have maintained their 100 per cent record to start the campaign.

Next up for the Celts is another league fixture this Sunday, when they welcome Motherwell to the Excelsior Stadium.

Colette Cavanagh strikes late as Hoops maintain perfect domestic start with victory over Glasgow City