SWPL Sunday, September 07, 2025New Douglas Park CELTIC…0 RANGERS…2 (McAuley 62, Austin 79) Celtic FC Women suffered their first defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon, losing out 2-0 against Rangers. Despite having some early openings, two second half goals inflicted defeat upon the Celts in the Glasgow derby. Following the Ghirls’ 7-0-win last weekend against Partick Thistle, Elena Sadiku named an unchanged side for the opening Glasgow derby of the season. There was also a place on the bench for new signing, Grace Courter, who was named in the matchday squad for the first time. With three wins on the bounce to open the campaign, the Hoops kicked things off with plenty of confidence and had the best of the early openings. With four goals in those opening fixtures, Morgan Cross was looking to cause danger for the visitors. A long ball over the top looked to cause trouble as the winger latched onto the ball on the right, before firing across goal. Her delivery just couldn’t find a team-mate. But it wasn’t the only dangerous move from the winger in the first 45. Not long after, Maria McAneny showcased brilliant persistence to get the ball to the byline on the left before delivery. On the stretch, Cross looked to reach the ball into the box, but it was just out of her reach, with the Hoops still looking for their first shot on goal. The away side had chances of their own in the first half, with Lisa Rodgers being forced into a big save from close range after a dangerous delivery from a free kick. Celtic’s best chance of the half fell just before the half hour mark as more good work from McAneny freed her on the left. The midfielder sent another good ball into the box, where this time Cross would meet at the back post. The winger looked to force the ball goal bound, but seen her effort blocked before trying a second attempt, which also went narrowly wide. As the half came to a close, Rangers also had a big chance of their own to open the scoring. A defensive header from Claire Walsh made its way to the feet of Lizzie Arnot, who dragged an effort from inside the box wide of the target. With both sides making an edge start to the second half, it would be the away side who would strike first through Mia McAuley. A ball in behind found the run of Katie Wilkinson. The striker took her time before picking out the Rangers winger, who smashed the ball into the top corner leaving Rodgers no chance. The damage was further inflicted on 79 minutes as substitute Eilidh Austin doubled the away side’s advantage with a header at the back post from a corner. Despite having some opening’s in the opening 45 minutes, there wasn’t too many chances to shout home about in the second for Elena Sadiku’s side. That ultimately resulted in their first defeat of the season, with their winning start coming to an end. The Ghirls will aim to bounce back next week as they get set to be on their travels once more, with a trip to face Aberdeen.FixturesCeltic Women Vs. Rangers Women – Sun, Sep 7th 2025, 15:05
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