SWPL Sunday, October 20, 2024New Douglas ParkCELTIC…1 (Cross 9) SPARTANS…0 Celtic FC Women returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon after running out 1-0 winners against Spartans. Securing three points as we head into the first international break of the season, Morgan Cross’ first-half strike was enough to seal victory at New Douglas Park. Following on from their efforts in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in midweek, the Ghirls were swiftly back in league action at the weekend. Playing out their first home league match since August, the Hoops were aiming to get back on track in the SWPL after losing out to Hearts the previous Sunday. After quickly coming off the back of another tiring evening of action in the Spanish capital, Sadiku and her squad started the game brightly. Breaking down the left, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford sent a testing delivery into the box for Cross to meet. However, she just couldn’t quite hit the target. The visitors could have taken that as an early warning. But it was those two players who would soon link up to score the opener for Celtic. This time around, the Hoops forward was on hand to turn home Ashworth-Clifford’s brilliantly delivery, slotting the ball into the back of the net from close range. Looking to build upon that advantage, the Celts continued to send a number of testing deliveries into the box from open play and set pieces. Having set up the opener, Ashworth-Clifford came close to grabbing a goal of her own, battling to win the ball inside the Spartans area. Her effort just went wide of the target though. Despite their dominance in the first half, the Hoops couldn’t add to their advantage, heading into the break one ahead. In the second half, Elena Sadiku was quick to make changes to her side with two changes at the break and a further three as the half went on. The Ghirls continued to dominant possession looking to create more openings in front of goal, with some positive running on either wing. The best chance to double the scoring fell the way of Saoirse Noonan, who smashed an effort on goal on the spin. But it was matched by the goalkeeper. That was the story of Celtic’s match, with much of the opportunities being blocked off or collected by the Spartans shot stopper. Ultimately, all three points were secured on their return to league action, which was the main objective for Sadiku and her squad after a busy few weeks of action. The Celts now head into the international break with another three points, with the Ghirls next in action at the beginning of next month as they travel to face Motherwell. CELTIC: Rodgers, Hayes, Clark, Bruna (Barclais 46), Lawton, Ashworth-Clifford (Smith 46), Ross (Cavanagh 79), McGregor, Gallacher (McAneny 68), Cross (M Carstens 68), Noonan. Subs: Daugherty, Richardson, S Carstens, Luana.
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