Celtic Women’s Team

Elena Sidiku has had a full pre-season now to fully implement her own ideas, so will be interesting to see how this change of formation from last season goes for the Ghirls, from last season's 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 now.

 

DJURGARDEN…1

CELTIC… 2
(Hayes 88, Noonan 90)

Celtic FC Women kicked of the first of two matches in Sweden with late victory as they ran out 2-1 winners over Djurgarden in Stockholm.

After falling behind to a superb strike, victory appeared to be heading the home side’s way. However, two late goals from Irish duo, Caitlin Hayes and Saoirse Noonan turned the match on its head.

It was the home side who started the game brighter, but given they are currently in the middle of their season, that was understandable, but the Celtic defence did well to withstand the early pressure.

However, as the half wore on the Hoops grew into the match, starting to string some passes together as they continued to press the game really well.

The majority of the chance for the Celts were coming from wide areas, with Lucy Ashworth-Clifford causing problems for Djurgarden down the left-hand side.

Going up against the Swedish side was proving to be a great test for Elena Sadiku’s squad, who were putting in a positive pre-season showing as they headed into the break.

That continued going into the second half, with both teams creating opportunities in what was a competitive friendly outing.

Caitlin Hayes denied what looked to be a certain goal for Djurgarden when she produced a superb headed clearance off the line.

The Celts soon replied with a huge chance of their own as Jenny Smith’s cross found the run of Ashworth-Clifford at the back post. On the stretch, the goalkeeper produced a fantastic save to deny Celtic the first goal of the game.

Celtic continued to have chances as the game went on too, with substitute Murphy Agnew seeing an effort well-saved.

Summer signing, Shannon McGregor, also came close to her first goal in green and white, looking to catch the goalkeeper out with a first-time effort from a loose pass, which went just narrowly by the post.

However, as the game approached the final 10 minutes, it was Djurgarden who would open the scoring.

A superb solo strike left Lisa Rodgers with no chance, as the powerful effort from distance hit the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.

But Elena Sadiku's side refused to accept defeat, scoring twice in the last two minutes of the match.

First, Caitlin Hayes latched on to a long ball, getting in ahead of the goalkeeper, before tapping home the equaliser. And then striker Saoirse Noonan grabbed the winner in the last minute, showing great composure to slot the ball home to make it 2-1 to Celtic.

Next up the Ghirls face a second match in Stockholm before the season opener next week as they face Hammarby on Wednesday.

CELTIC: Daugherty (Rodgers 46), Gallacher (Noonan 77), Smith (Barclais 67), S.Carstens (Cavanagh 60), McGregor (Richardson 86), Clark (Craig 60), Hayes, Ashworth-Clifford (Kerner 67), Bruna (Luana 86), Goldie, McAneny (Agnew 46).
Subs: M.Carstens

 

This Saturday the Ghirls have their league champions flag day at Paradise, ahead of their season opener v Dundee.

Hopefully they get a decent turnout show up, especially as the Bhoys are playing on Sunday, so no conflict there either.

 

This Saturday, August 10, Celtic FC Women begin their 24/25 season against Dundee United Women at Celtic Park, featuring our first ever Flag Day celebration. Get your tickets now to be a part of this incredible occasion!

The atmosphere created by fans on the final day of last season was truly unforgettable, with the roar following Amy Gallacher’s historic goal etched in Celtic FC history.

Team captain, Kelly Clark, said: "The support from our fans has been instrumental in our success.

'We’re really eager to experience that energy once again as we kick-off our new season as defending champions.'

"Dundee United is a tough first test for us with some very good players who'll be looking to start the season well too, so we will need to be ready.

“It will be a real honour for us to unfurl the flag at Celtic Park for the first time and a real poignant moment as we reflect on our achievements of last year.”

Last Sunday, our men’s team celebrated their 23/24 title win by unfurling the SPFL flag, marking a historic first in Scottish football, as both the men's and women's teams were crowned league Champions in the same season.

Callum McGregor, captain of the men’s team, highlighted the significance of this dual triumph. He said: “Winning the league titles for both teams in the same season is a real testament to our club’s dedication to achieving the best in everything we do and both teams will be striving for similar success again this year.”

“We enjoyed a great day last Sunday at Celtic Park, a day of real togetherness and celebration of Celtic Football Club. It is these moments that players and fans live for and I am sure our women’s team on Saturday will savour their own great day.”

Having lifted nine league titles as Celtic captain, Callum knows a thing or two about the challenges faced by Elena Sadiku's side this season as they look to retain their league title.

He added: "Now it's time to push on and defend both titles this season. Your fantastic support home and away for both teams will be essential as we aim to bring silverware back to Celtic Park in May.”

This season opener is a fantastic occasion to commemorate the Ghirls’ historic 2023/24 SWPL success. The game kicks off at 1pm, but make sure you’re in your seat early to witness history as the flag is raised for the first time by captain Kelly Clark and footballing legend Rose Reilly!

Be a part of something new at Paradise this Saturday and support our women’s team in what promises to be another exciting season

 

A niece of a friend of mine is making her debut up top. Noonan. Good Cork woman.

 

Do you know Will this be on celtic tv mate can't watch it on the bbci player in Ireland

 

You should be able to change the country mate


Also not on Celtic tv