UWCL Wednesday, September 4, 2024Šiauliai Central Stadium KUPS…1 (Ariyo 18) CELTIC…3 (Noonan 63, 91, 97) Celtic FC Women advanced to the final of Round One in the UEFA Women’s Champions League after coming from behind to defeat KuPS 3-1 on Wednesday morning. After falling behind in the first half, the Ghirls fought back to seal victory thanks to the impact from substitute, Saoirse Noonan, who fired home a hat-trick. Facing off against the Finnish champions, the Ghirls went into the match looking to advance to the final stage of Round One. Kicking things off in the Lithuanian sun, it was an even opening stages of the match with both teams looking to settle into proceedings. During the opening 45 minutes, the Celts were getting plenty of joy down the right-hand side through Hana Kerner, who was making her first start since returning from long-term injury. The full-back’s first positive action came eight minutes into the game sending a dangerous looking cross towards the back post, which almost landed on the head of Lucy Ashworth-Clifford. But it was just out of reach for the winger. Despite that somewhat positive start, it was the Finnish side who would take the lead in the game early on. Creating space on the edge after winning possession back, forward Roosa Ariyo’s strike from outside the area found the bottom corner to hand KuPS the lead. The Celts quickly looked to recover as a corner sent into the box almost landed on the head of Hayes but was cleared just in time to take away from the defender. Once more Kerner was looking to cause danger on the right, and at the end of the half the Ghirls almost found a way to level the scoring. Her delivery was spilled by the goalkeeper, before both Amy Gallacher and Natalie Ross attempted efforts, which were both blocked off inside the area. Heading into the break, the Hoops had work to do after finding themselves a goal behind after 45 minutes of action. And the Celts came out firing in the second half, starting the much brighter of the two sides. The first chance fell the way of Hayes who found space at the back post from a free kick, but saw her effort saved. The Celts continued that positive start by maintain that pressure, and Elena Sadiku was able to introduce a number of changes to her side. One of those being Saoirse Noonan, who made an instant impact by grabbing the equaliser. After initially seeing an effort saved by the goalkeeper, the Irish internationalist was on hand to help the ball home from close range. Getting themselves back in the game, it was all Celtic in the second half. However, the Finnish side did have chances, and Kelsey Daugherty produced a number of excellent saves to deny the opposition. Despite that pressure, the Hoops couldn’t find the breakthrough with the game heading to extra time. Once again, the Celts made the perfect start to extra time, scoring inside the opening minute through Noonan. Following some brilliant work on the right-hand side by fellow substitute Kit Loferski, the striker was on hand to tap the ball home. The hat-trick would soon follow for the forward too, who produced another fantastic finish, finding the top corner from inside the area. Despite falling behind, it proved to be an excellent performance from the Celts who put in a dominant display and showcased their fitness. Following Wednesday’s win, the Ghirls will now advance to the final, where they will face either FC Gintra or Agarista CSF Anenii Noi. CELTIC: Daugherty, Hayes, Clark, Bruna, Kerner (Smith 72), Ashworth-Clifford (McAneny 105), S.Carstens, Ross (Goldie 72), M.Carstens (Noonan 61), Gallacher (McGregor 81), Agnew (Loferski 61). Subs: Rodgers, Barclais, Richardson, Cavanagh.FixturesCeltic FC Women Vs. KuPS Kuopio – Wed, Sep 4th 2024, 10:00
Trending Now
