Celtic produce dramatic rescue mission vs Rangers in main event SWPL battle

By John McGinley

March 27, 2023

Celtic Women will stay in second position in the SWPL1 table after drawing 1-1 vs Rangers at Broadwood tonight.

Fran Alonso’s side were given main event billing on Sky Sports for the first time and after a spirited second-half showing, managed to rescue a dramatic and valuable point with the last kick of the game.

A defensive calamity involving Kelly Clark and goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar gifted Rangers a lead in the 35th minute, which they managed to hold onto until deep into second-half stoppage time.

Caitlin Hayes was again the player to steal the headlines with a deserved last-gasp equaliser, following on from a double in the derby last month. She showed excellent composure to finish after breaking free from the Rangers defence.

Celtic now sit a full eight points behind league leaders Glasgow City with just nine games remaining. Although they still have to play City twice and Rangers again – the hopes of the club winning its first top-flight women’s title are admittedly now pretty slim.

However, encouragingly, Celtic are now in a great position when it comes to that second UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification spot, which this team badly want and need to continue forward progress. Not losing tonight was massive – a defeat would have seen them drop to third.

The derby at home to Rangers on May 3rd now looks even bigger than it did before but a win or even a draw in that one would be another big step towards playing European football next term.

Celtic have already beaten Rangers this season, ending a mammoth unbeaten league streak in February, so they know it’s possible.

Certainly getting back to winning ways at home to Partick Thistle next weekend is a must. The team have to push on with confidence and determination to finish the season strongly.

Celtic are also playing for Scottish Cup honours in the tail-end of the campaign, facing City in a big semi-final next month, with Rangers and Motherwell on the other side of the draw.

There’s still so much to play for. And the squad will be buzzing with tonight’s late equaliser.

In other news, Mark Lawwell and Ange Postecoglou make another Celtic move.