SWPL Sunday, January 18, 2026K Park MOTHERWELL…0 CELTIC…2 (Walsh 39, Noonan 44) Celtic FC Women sealed their first league win of the year on Sunday after running out 2-0 winners over Motherwell at K Park. First half goals from Claire Walsh and Saoirse Noonan handed Grant Scott his first league victory as Ghirls boss, securing another important three points on the road. Having come off the back of a positive start to life in the Celtic dugout last weekend, Scott named one change to his side from that 3-2 win over Hibernian. In came Emma Westin to the starting line-up, replacing Jenny Smith, whilst there was also a place in the squad for the first time since September for Natalie Ross, who return from injury. It was a dominant first half showing from the Celts, who were looking to continue building upon the momentum they have gained at the start of 2026. Quickly, there were chances being created, with the Hoops looking to lay down their marker at K Park. Both Saoirse Noonan and Maria McAneny tried their luck with early opportunities but just couldn’t hit the target or test the Motherwell goalkeeper. There were much more chances for the Ghirls to test the goalkeeper though, and Amy Gallacher thought she had opened the scoring with a superb strike from distance. However, it was brilliantly saved by the Well shot-stopper, who palmed the ball away to safety with a strong diving save. One two separate occasions, the Ghirls also had the ball in the net, but it wasn’t quite to be the opener with the offside flag quickly going up. Both McAneny and Noonan thought they had the opened the scoring, before being denied by the assistants flag. With the half time whistle approaching, it might have seemed that both teams would be heading in level. However, before the break, Celtic grabbed two quick-fire goals to put themselves two goals ahead. The first of which came on 39 minutes as Claire Walsh scored her first goal for the club since signing in the summer. The defender was on hand to turn home the ball inside the area after Amy Gallacher’s corner caused all sorts of bother for the home side, with the Irish centre-back taking full advantage. There was still time left in the half too for her fellow Ireland internationalist to double the scoreline as Saoirse Noonan grabbed her 18th goal for the season so far. Following some nice control from Morgan Cross inside the area, the Celtic striker was quick to react, cushioning the ball beyond the on-rushing Motherwell goalkeeper. That handed Celtic a well-deserved lead heading into the break after an extremely dominant first half display. Going into the second half, it was much of the same for the Ghirls, who were looking to continue where they left off having scored twice late in the opening 45 minutes. McAneny was once again unfortunate not to find the net, seeing a headed effort cleared off the line less than ten minutes into the half. Saoirse Noonan also came close to doubling her tally for the day, after meeting Emma Lawton’s delivery from the right. But she just couldn’t direct the ball on target. There was also a welcome return to action for Natalie Ross, who came on to play her first minutes since the 21st of September. Although the Hoops couldn’t add to the scoring in the second half, it was another strong showing from Grant Scott’s side to secure the Head Coach’s first win in the league since taking charge. Next up for Scott and his squad is a return to New Douglas Park for his opening home game in charge next weekend as the Ghirls take on Montrose.FixturesMotherwell Women Vs. Celtic Women – Sun, Jan 18th 2026, 16:00
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