UWCL
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Šiauliai Central Stadium

FC Gintra…0

CELTIC…2
(McGregor 22, Loferski 81)

Celtic FC Women made more history on Saturday evening after booking their place in Round Two of the UWCL following a 2-0 victory over FC Gintra in Lithuania.

Goals in each half from Shannon McGregor and Kit Loferski sealed the Hoops’ place in the next round of qualifying.

Having secured their place in the final with victory over Finnish side KuPS earlier this week, the Ghirls went into the match confident of progressing further.

Elena Sadiku was also able to ring the changes to her squad, bringing four players into the starting XI, with Celya Barclais, Clare Goldie, Shannon McGregor and Saoirse Noonan all selected.

The Celts made a bright start to proceedings, kicking off with how they left off on Wednesday.

Floating a series of corners into the box, the Hoops caused some early danger for the Gintra shot-stopper, who was forced into a number of saves on the evening.

And that early pressure paid off as Elena Sadiku’s side opened the scoring in the 22nd minute.

One of the players coming into the side, Shannon McGregor, was on hand to score a fantastic effort from long-range, opening up her account for Celtic and handing the Hoops the lead in the process.

Celtic quickly had the chance to double their advantage too, this time from the penalty spot after Saoirse Noonan was judged to have been fouled inside the area.

Stepping up to take the spot-kick, Mathilde Carstens was unfortunate to see her effort saved before it was cleared away to safety.

It was a dominant performance from the Ghirls on the night, with Kelsey Daugherty being forced into very little between the sticks.

Chances came Celtic's way in the second half, with Kelly Clark and substitute Amy Gallacher unfortunate not to add to the scoring.

However, it was another substitute who would play a decisive role in sealing victory as Kit Loferski grabbed a goal off the bench.

Scoring the second of the night, the American forward leaped to head home Jenny Smith’s pinpoint cross from close-range.

Those two goals would seal the victory for Celtic and create yet more history as the Hoops advanced to Round Two of UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying for the first time.

Elena Sadiku and her squad will discover their opponents at the beginning of the week, with the draw taking place in Nyon on Monday.

CELTIC: Daugherty, Hayes, Clark, Bruna, Barclais (Smith 61), Ashworth-Clifford, S.Carstens, Goldie (Ross 61), McGregor (Gallacher), M.Carstens (Agnew 46), Noonan (Loferski 72).
Subs: Rodgers, Richardson, Cavanagh, Kerner, McAneny

Ghirls create more history with European victory in Round One Final