Productive week in Stockholm ends with loss to Swedish champions

Pre-season friendly Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Tyresovallen Stadium, Sweden HAMMARBY…3 CELTIC…0 Celtic FC Women rounded off their pre-season trip to Sweden on Wednesday evening, suffering defeat to Damallsvenskan champions Hammarby. The Ghirls week-long stay in the Swedish capital came to a close with a 3-0 defeat, in what will be an extremely valuable experience heading into the competitive action. After sealing a 2-1 victory in style late on in their first match in Stockholm against Djurgarden, the Celts returned to action on Wednesday night, this time facing the current league champions. From start to finish, it proved to be another good test for Elena Sadiku’s side as they get set for Saturday’s SWPL league opener against Dundee United. Kicking off the match in the hot Swedish sun, it was the Hoops who would start off the brighter of the two sides. The Ghirls enjoyed some positive early possession, with Lucy Ashworth-Clifford looking to take on her marker down the left-hand side early on. The first chance of the game almost fell the way of Murphy Agnew after a nicely worked one-two between the American and Shannon McGregor. However, the move just broke down before she could get a shot off. It was the forward who would soon get the Celts’ first shot on goal of the game too, following some positive running down the right-hand side. It allowed her to get a shot off, but she couldn’t quite trouble the Hammarby shot stopper. However, soon after it was the home side who would take advantage in front of goal, tapping the ball home from close range after a cross into the box. After conceding the opening goal of the game, Celtic look to respond straight away as Ashworth-Clifford delivered a superb looking cross into the box. But the Swedish shot-stopper did well to react and claim. Before the half-hour mark, Hammarby would double their advantage though, once again turning home a cross from close range giving the Hoops an uphill battle with around an hour left of the match to play. Celtic certainly didn’t let that affect their confidence, though, with plenty still to gain from the match as they gear up for the new campaign.Heading into the second half, Elena Sadiku was also able to ring the changes, introducing a new eleven as the second 45 minutes went on. The Ghirls started the half off in a positive manner once more, and even had the ball in the back of the net through Ashworth-Clifford. But the flag was quickly up for offside after the winger turned the ball home at the back post. Around 10 minutes into the second half, though, the home side added a third. Kelsey Daugherty found herself extremely unfortunate to concede, seeing a cross loop over her head and into the back of the net. The Celts continued to battle and push forward throughout the half, but just couldn’t find the way to goal. Despite the result, it was another very good outing for Sadiku and her squad as they rounded off an extremely productive week in Stockholm. All the hard work on the training ground and in the two games have led up to this Saturday’s league opener as the Hoops take on Dundee United and unfurl the league flag. CELTIC: Daugherty, Smith (Barclais 58), Craig (Luana 83), Clark (Bruna 46), Hayes (Richardson 83), Ashworth-Clifford (Kerner 58), S Carstens (Cavanagh 46), Goldie, McGregor (M Carstens), Gallacher (McAneny 58), Agnew (Noonan 65). Sub: Rodgers.FixturesHammarby Women Vs. Celtic FC Women – Wed, Aug 7th 2024, 15:00Celtic Women Vs. Dundee United Women – Sat, Aug 10th 2024, 13:00