Celtic
FC Women picked up the first silverware of the season with a superb 1-0
victory over Glasgow City in the SWPL Cup final at Firhill.
A powerful header from Caitlin Hayes was enough to give Fran Alonso’s
side victory, delivering the first trophy to the club since 2010 and
their first since becoming a professional set-up.
The trophy triumph was well-deserved too, and the margin of victory
could have been wider had the Hoops converted some of the many chances
they created throughout the 90 minutes.
Indeed, inside the first two minutes of the game Charlie Wellings saw
her header pushed on to the post by the City goalkeeper, before the
striker had another effort that went wide.
It was clear that Celtic were determined to take control of
proceedings at Firhill, and they eventually took the lead on 25 minutes.
The impressive Sarah Harkes delivered a free-kick from the right into
the City area, and Hayes showed tremendous courage to bullet home a
header.
Not surprisingly, City tried to find a way back into the game, but
they found themselves up against a well-organised Celtic defence, along
with goalkeeper, Rachael Johnstone, while Harkes and Liv Chance
maintained control of the midfield.
Into the second half and the Hoops continued pressing for a second
goal. That nearly came on 56 minutes when Wellings set up Jacynta, but
Lee Alexander in the Glasgow City goal denied the Australian forward.
Five minutes later, Chloe Craig had the ball in the City net, but it
was ruled out for offside, while at the other end, Johnstone continued
to deal comfortably with any City threats.
And late in the game, substitute Tegan Bowie almost scored for Celtic
after working her way into the box, but she was denied by the
goalkeeper.
However, the Hoops remained in control and saw out the game
successfully, the final whistle sparking scenes of celebration amongst
the players, management and supporters as the green and white ribbons
were tied on to the SWPL Cup.