SWPL
Sunday, January 12, 2025
New Douglas Park

CELTIC…4

(Noonan 7, 73, Clark 80, McAneny 84)

PARTICK THISTLE…2

(Boyce 58, Falconer 89)

Celtic FC Women marked their return to competitive action on Sunday afternoon, running out 4-2 winners against Partick Thistle.

The Hoops fought off a second-half leveller from the away side, with late goals from Saoirse Noonan, Kelly Clark and Maria McAneny.

The Celts kicked-off their first competitive game of the year by returning to New Douglas Park as they welcomed the Jags to Hamilton.

Having spent some time in Gran Canaria during the week, the Ghirls were aiming to put that work into action on Sunday afternoon.

And that appeared to be the case right from the off as Saoirse Noonan fired the Hoops in front inside the opening ten minutes of the match.

The work on the training pitch appeared to pay off with Elena Sadiku’s side producing a superb team goal to kick-off their scoring for the year.

Working the ball down the right-hand side, Emma Lawton’s cutback found the feet of the Irish forward, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

The Celts continued their promising start to the game, showing more attacking intent in the opening stages.

A good move down the right almost seen Amy Gallacher head the ball home, but it was well saved by the Thistle shot stopper.

A number of dangerous looking crosses into the box also looked to cause the away side trouble, but Elena Sadiku’s side couldn’t add to the scoring in the first half.

At the beginning of the half, Noonan was unfortunate not to add to her tally, seeing a volley from range whistle just beyond the post.

Despite their positive start, it was ultimately Partick Thistle who would grab the second goal of the game, capitalising on a Celtic error to level.

Carla Boyce gave Chloe Logan no chance with her dinked effort, after pouncing upon a loose pass from Caitlin Hayes at the back.

Having found themselves level heading into the final half hour of the game, it was important that the Celts remained calm in their pursuit of a goal.

And they found that breakthrough with three late goals to seal all three points as the game headed into the closing stages.

Firstly, it was Noonan who would fire the Hoops back in front, showcasing some fantastic hold up play to spin beyond her marker and find the bottom corner.

After being introduced to the game at half time, Kelly Clark then added to the scoring, grabbing a goal from close range, turning home Mathilde Carstens' dangerous corner.

Just moments later, Maria McAneny grabbed the fourth of the match, heading the ball into the bottom corner to wrap up all three points.

Partick Thistle would pull one back just before the 90-minute mark. However, it was too little, too late, with all three points wrapped up for Celtic.

CELTIC: Logan, Lawton, Hayes, Bruna (Clark 46), Barclais, Ross, McGregor (Cavanagh 64), Gallacher (McAneny 74), M. Carstens (Ashworth-Clifford), Cross (Smith 64), Noonan

Subs: Rodgers, Richardson, Luana

Ghirls return to competitive action with a convincing home win