SWPL Sunday, November 17, 2024New Douglas Park CELTIC…2 (Hayes 43, Noonan 67) RANGERS…3 (Hardy 3, Wilkinson 61, Cornet 78) Celtic FC Women slipped to their second league defeat of the campaign on Sunday, losing out 3-2 against Rangers. Despite fighting back from behind on two occasions, a late goal from the visitors meant that there wouldn’t be, at the very least, a share of the spoils coming Celtic’s way. Following on from a big evening on Wednesday against Chelsea at Celtic Park, the Ghirls were quickly back in action with another huge game. Turning their attention to league duties once more, Elena Sadiku’s side took to the second Glasgow derby of the campaign, at New Douglas Park. It couldn’t really have gotten off to a much worse start to the Celts though, with the away side opening the scoring just three minutes into the match. An effort from the edge of the area from Rio Hardy, took a huge deflection and looped into the back of the net, giving Kelsey Daugherty no chance. The first half was a fairly even affair, with both teams looking to grab the all-important second goal in the game. Sending a number of testing crosses into the box, the Hoops were quickly looking to level up the scoring and get back into proceedings. That being said, Daugherty did have to remain on her toes, being forced into a big stop just beyond the half hour mark. As the game approached the half time whistle, the Celts managed to pull themselves level through Caitlin Hayes. After a free kick was initially sent into the box from deep, the second phase landed at the feet of Emma Lawton, who floated a beautifully weighted cross to the back post. Up stepped Caitlin Hayes, who was on hand to head home her first goal of the campaign and pull Celtic level. Heading into the second half, the Celts looked to use that momentum towards the end of the half to push on. Emma Lawton had a big chance to find the bottom corner with the outside of her right foot, but it was well saved by Jenna Fife. Despite enjoying a decent spell in the game, it was once again Rangers who would strike first, scoring from the penalty spot to make the scoring 2-1. Shannon McGregor was judged to have fouled inside the penalty area, which gave Katie Wilkinson the chance to step up from the spot as she had done in the previous meeting between the sides. However, Celtic weren’t behind for long. After just minutes previous, Hoops boss Elena Sadiku was sent to the stands, Saoirse Noonan levelled up the scoring with a tremendous free kick. With the Ghirls trying to kick on once more, chances almost fell the way of Noonan and Murphy Agnew. But they just couldn’t find the net. Which ultimately led to the Hoops being hit with their third sucker punch of the match as the away side scored a third. Latching onto a loose clearance, a clean strike from Chelsea Corner once again gave Daugherty no chance, landing in the back of the net. It will have ultimately been a disappointing return to league action for the Hoops in what has been a hectic eight days. That games don’t slow down just yet either, and the Celts will be aiming to pick themselves back up as they travel south to face Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this midweek.FixturesCeltic Women Vs. Rangers Women – Sun, Nov 17th 2024, 12:00
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