SWPL
Sunday, November 03, 2024
K Park

MOTHERWELL…0

CELTIC…4

(Lawton 11, Noonan 33, O.G 39, Ashworth-Clifford 50)

Celtic FC Women marked their return to action on Sunday afternoon with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Motherwell.

A strong first-half showing saw the Ghirls burst into a three-goal lead, before Lucy Ashworth-Clifford’s strike rounded off the scoring.

Following the first international break of the 2023/24 campaign, Elena Sadiku’s side were back in action as they made the short trip to face Motherwell at K Park.

After a two-week absence, the Hoops were looking to continue their winning ways, after bouncing back with a win over Spartans, pre international break.

And they looked right up for it from the off, going on the front foot looking to grab an early goal in the game.

That came just 11 minutes into the game as Emma Lawton handed the Hoops the lead with her second goal of the campaign.

Meeting a corner on the volley, the defender smashed the ball home into the bottom corner, handing Celtic a well-deserved lead.

That early goal allowed the Celts to settle into the game as they quickly pushed for more and aimed to build upon their quick start.

On two occasions, both Colette Cavanagh and Shannon McGregor came close to adding to the scoring, meeting two deliveries into the box from Murphy Agnew. But neither could hit the target.

They didn’t have to wait long to double their advantage though as Saoirse Noonan got in on the scoring, diverting a cross from the right into the back of the net with a header.

The Ghirls continued their impressive first-half showing by adding to the scoring just before the break.

After opening the scoring, Emma Lawton this time turned provider, setting up the third goal with a low cross into the box, which was diverted into the back of the net by a Motherwell defender.

Sadiku and her squad continued their dominance at the beginning of the second half, scoring just five minutes after the restart.

Sending a ball in from the left-hand side, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford’s delivery found the back of the net, via the post.

With all three points wrapped up, the Celtic boss was able to make changes to her side bringing fresh legs into the game. That included the return of Kit Loferski, who made her return to action following injury.

The American almost made an instant impact, running through on goal before looking to find the bottom corner. But it was well saved by the goalkeeper.

The Ghirls couldn’t add to the scoring further in the second half, however, it was a strong display on their return to action on Sunday.

Next up, is another quick turnaround as the Celts quickly get back to league duties once more as they welcome Queen's Park to New Douglas Park on Wednesday evening.

Celts mark their return from the international break with victory over Motherwell