SWPL Sunday, January 26, 2025New Douglas Park CELTIC…4 (McGregor 7, Noonan 37, Cross 43, Ross 61 HEARTS…0 Celtic FC Women ran out 4-0 winners on Sunday evening after putting in a terrific performance to take home all three points against Hearts. Racing into a first-half lead, through goals from Shannon McGregor, Saoirse Noonan and Morgan Cross, Natalie Ross rounded off the scoring just beyond the hour mark. Returning to league duties, it was a little later than first anticipated for the Hoops, with Sunday evening’s match being rescheduled from Friday. With the winds and cold weather causing havoc over the weekend, it could have taken the Celts some time to warm into the match. However, that certainly wasn’t the case at New Douglas Park, with Elena Sadiku’s side coming flying out the traps. It took just seven minutes to open the scoring as Shannon McGregor headed home the first goal of the game. Following some good work on the right by Morgan Cross, the forward delivered a superb ball into the box, which was diverted goal bound by the midfielder. The Ghirls didn’t rest on that advantage either, aiming to quickly build with new signing Emma Westin looking to cause trouble down the left flank. On a few occasions, the Swede beat her marker before delivering a dangerous ball into the box, which was well cleared by the home side. Making a bright start, Saoirse Noonan appeared to be in the mood for a goal, with a few early shots on goal. And she found her way to goal just beyond the half hour mark as she headed home to double the Hoops’ advantage. A lofted free kick to the back post appeared to be out of her reach. However, the Irish forward headed back across goal, finding the back of the net. Just before the break, there was time for another as the Celts rounded off what was a superb first-half showing. This time, it was Morgan Cross who got in on the act, finding the net after Emma Westin initially saw an effort saved. Cross was quickest to react at the back post, tapping into the net, and extending Celtic’s advantage further as the Ghirls headed into the break with a three-goal lead. Heading into the second half, the Celtic boss was able to make some changes to continue freshening things up. With the return of Murphy Agnew to action, the Celtic squad continues to grow in strength as Abi Harrison was also handed her second Hoops debut after returning to the club earlier this week. After also taking her place back between the sticks, it was a good evening for Kelsey Daugherty who marked her return with a clean sheet, doing well to deal with any cross balls coming her way. Following on from a top first half performance, Natalie Ross was on hand to extend the Ghirls’ advantage as they took a four-goal lead just past the hour mark. Winning the ball back high up the pitch, the midfielder remained composed, tucking the ball in the bottom corner. After marking her return to the Hoops, it was almost instant impact off the bench from Harrison, who looked to set up Agnew with a pinpoint cross. The ball fell to the forward inside the area, who directed her shot on goal, which struck off the post. Although the Celts couldn’t add to their advantage late on, it was a strong showing from Sadiku’s side at New Douglas Park. Climbing to fourth in the table, with a game to play this midweek against Queen’s Park, the Hoops have the chance to climb once more and level Glasgow City on points as they eye up another important three points in midweek. CELTIC: Daugherty, Lawton, Clark, Barclais, Cross, Westin (Bruna 64), Ross (Agnew 64), Cavanagh (McAneny 87), McGregor, Gallacher (M. Carstens 74), Noonan (Harrison 74) Subs: Logan, Smith, Loferski, LuanaFixturesCeltic Women Vs. Hearts Women – Sun, Jan 26th 2025, 19:45
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