UEFA Women’s Champions LeagueSunday, September 22, 2024Albert Bartlett Stadium, Airdrie VORSKLA POLTAVA 0 CELTIC…1(Agnew 5) It is advantage Celtic FC Women in Round Two of the UEFA Women’s Champions League after Elena Sadiku’s side sealed a 1-0 victory in the first leg over Vorskla Poltava. An early strike from Murphy Agnew was enough to separate the two sides and give the Ghirls the lead at half-time in the final round of qualifying. It is set to be an exciting week for the Hoops, with both legs of the tie being played at the Albert Bartlett Stadium. Kicking off the first of those two legs on Sunday, the Hoops faced off against the Ukrainian champions, intent on creating more Celtic history by reaching the group stages of the competition for the first time. And Elena Sadiku couldn’t have asked for a much better start, with her side taking the lead just five minutes into the match. With the ball bouncing around the Vorskla penalty area, it eventually made its way to Murphy Agnew, who made no mistake with her finish, finding the bottom corner with a superb left-footed effort. Having opened the scoring early on in the match, Celtic piled on some early pressure as they aimed to build upon a positive start. Both Hana Kerner and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford were causing trouble on either wing, sending a number of dangerous crosses into the box. And it was from one of those crosses that Caitlin Hayes came desperately close to doubling Celtic’s advantage. After working some space for herself from a set piece, the defender powered a header towards goals which was somehow tipped over the crossbar. Having set up a few early chances, it was the turn of Ashworth-Clifford to have a shot at goal, with the ball falling her way inside the penalty box. Following some clever play by Shannon McGregor, it allowed the winger to attempt a right-footed shot, but she just couldn’t hit the target. The away side did offer a threat, too, with most of their chances coming on the break. And just before half-time Vorskla had a big opportunity to level up the scoring. A cross in from the left found the striker at the back post with an empty net to tap home into, but Ukrainian player somehow missed the target. Heading into the second half, the Hoops had more chances to extend their advantage, with Ashworth-Clifford being unfortunate again after seeing a side-footed effort strike the post. TheUkraine side did continue to offer a threat going forward too, but Kelsey Daugherty was doing well to withstand any pressure faced. As the game approached the latter stages, Kit Loferski had a big chance to add to the scoring on the day. Using her pace to break in behind, the American looked to slot the ball into the bottom corner of the net, but saw her effort saved. It was a controlled performance from the Celts on another impressive afternoon as they established a one-goal advantage going into the second leg. The Ghirls will face Vorskla Poltava again this coming Thursday as they return to the Albert Bartlett Stadium (KO: 7:30pm). CELTIC: Daugherty, Hayes, Clark, Bruna, Kerner (Lawton 46), Ashworth-Clifford (McAneny 90+1), Ross, Cavanagh (S. Carstens 76), McGregor, Gallacher, Agnew (Loferski 76).Subs: Rodgers, Barclais, Richardson, Smith, M.Carstens, Cross, Noonan
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