UWCL Wednesday, September 4, 2024Šiauliai 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 victory over FC Gintra. Goals in each half from Shannon McGregor and Kit Loferski sealed the Hoops’ place in the next round of qualifying in Lithuania. Having secured their place in the final with victory over Finnish side KuPS earlier this week, the Ghirls went into the match confident. Elena Sadiku was also able to ring the changes to her squad, bringing four players into the starting 11 with Celya Barclais, Clare Goldie, Shannon McGregor and Saoirse Noonan in from the start. 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. The Ghirls’ early pressure paid off too as Sadiku’s side opened the scoring on the 22nd minute mark. 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 being 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 their 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 their part 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. Sadiku and her squad will discover their opponents at the beginning of next 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 FixturesFC Gintra Vs. Celtic FC Women – Sat, Sep 7th 2024, 18:00
Trending Now
