Dare To Dream – Amy G and Goal Machine set up Celtic Title Glory Day
Brendan Rodgers made sure that his Bhoys spirited over the finishing line in the Scottish Premiership to wrap up the title in spectacular fashion with a 5-0 win down at Rugby Park.
Meanwhile over at the Oriam in Edinburgh Elena Sadiku’s Ghirls defeated Hearts 3-1, in a result that means Celtic FC Women will become Women’s Scottish Champions for the first time in the club’s history this Sunday at Celtic Park if they beat Hibs.
The big question for the Celtic support is this. Can we get a big crowd to together to witness this unique piece of Celtic history, and indeed Scottish football history because it would be the first time ever that the men’s and the women’s teams at any club has won both titles in the same season.
The Celtic Star had Jessica Elliott reporting from the Hearts v Celtic FC Women match last night with Colin Poultney there taking the photographs. Here’s Jessica’s report…
Celtic FC Women are one win away from a historic first SWPL title after overcoming Hearts in the capital last night. The Goal Machine Tash Flint earned herself a brace and Amy Gallacher also got her name on the scoresheet as usual as the travelling Celtic support were given plenty to be happy about.
This was a professional performance that got the points secured by the interval before Celtic adopted a game management strategy to see out the game with Sunday’s title winning chance in mind.
Elena had the Ghirls on it right from the start as we worked the ball well, looking to carve Hearts open at any given opportunity. But it wouldn’t take long as with 17 minutes on the clock, the ball found its way to the feet of Flint, who controlled it and slotted into the bottom corner to the delight of the Celtic fans.
We came close to a quickfire second as Gallacher struck towards the net, but it was well saved by the goalkeeper. She wasn’t put off though as it was her who doubled our advantage just after the half-hour mark. Caitlin Hayes flicked a corner onto Gallacher, and she found the back of the net with an outside-of-the-foot wonder strike.
Just three minutes later, Flint grabbed a brace for herself as she slotted it past the onrushing Rachael Johnstone to put her side three goals to the good going into the break. It was a real predator’s goal that few strikers would have managed to execute, as the Goal Machine proved her worth and the huge contribution she’s made to the Celtic cause since returning to the club on loan from Liverpool.
Early into the second half, Gallacher and Murphy Agnew combined to almost score a fourth. It was well-defended though and the Celts were in total control of the match. Had they needed more goals there’s little doubt that that could have happened.
Just short of the hour mark, Hayes sent a ball to Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, who was making a great run, and although she headed towards goal, she couldn’t find the net and the flag had been raised.
As Celtic settled for the three goal advantage, Hearts came out kicking in the final stages as they started to get forward more. Great defending from Chloe Craig, Caitlin Hayes and Kelly Clark denied them until they got a corner, when Lizzie Waldie headed home to give the hosts a late consolation.
That was all the action to be had at Oriam though as we secured a huge three points in Edinburgh that see us go into the final day top of the SWPL table, with 16 goal difference separating us and theRangers. This title is ours to lose now and we can’t afford to lose it. These players want their names written in the Celtic history books and they’re just one step away from doing just that.
Amy Gallacher was substituted off in the second after she went down holding her ankle. Hopefully, the forward will be alright for the game at Celtic Park and that taking her off was simply a precaution. Kit Lofreski returned from her ankle knock and is now in contention for a place at Celtic Park on Sunday.
Natalie Ross was also replaced, albeit early into the game, after she had gone down in the first half. She tried to continue but was eventually taken off for Colette Cavanagh who put in a great shift as always.
Although I’m sure we’d all rather have no injuries going into the final game, it’s probably best that it’s happening now rather than if it were to have occurred a few weeks ago. These are important players though so hopefully they can be back in time for Sunday.
And speaking of Sunday, you can purchase your tickets now for that huge game at Celtic Park. With the men having already secured the league title this season, why not witness history by watching Celtic become the first team to have both their men’s and women’s teams win a league title in the same season?
