Celtic receive broadcast boost on heels of SWPL Cup triumph

By Euan Davidson

December 7, 2021

The SWPL have confirmed that the BBC will be showing Celtic FC Women take on Motherwell on the BBC Sport website, after the Hoops sealed a historic SWPL Cup win on Sunday evening.

Fran Alonso’s side return to league action this week, following a tremendous win over Glasgow City at Firhill.

Caitlin Hayes’ bullet header saw off City in front of the BBC cameras, and had Alonso and the Celtic supporters jubilant.

Alonso himself has been in typically exuberant form, perhaps even more so than usual. Today, he tweeted:

“The dream wasn’t as good as the reality was!! A day we will never forget!! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did Celts! Mon the hoops!”

It certainly was a day to remember for the Celtic FC Women team. Barely two years after turning professional, the standard has increased significantly. Some big name players like Charlie Wellings, Sarah Harkes, Caitlin Hayes, Jacynta and Shen Mengyu are becoming household names in their own right.

However, that will only continue if, indeed, households are given the opportunity to watch the Celtic team. The BBC and SWPL have happily obliged [SWPL], with third-placed Celtic taking on Motherwell, who sit in fifth [Flashscore].

Celtic FC Women will be hoping to take momentum from SWPL Cup heroics; BBC will be there

It’s impossible to see how winning the SWPL Cup wouldn’t provide some real impetus in the league. Alonso’s side barely allowed Glasgow City time on the ball, much less clear-cut chances. Lee Alexander in the City goal was the busiest woman on the pitch yesterday.

That said, there’s work to be done in the league. Horrifyingly, Rangers occupy top spot, while Glasgow City sit second. There’s a five point gap for the Ghirls to make up if they have designs on adding to this season’s silverware.

With a crowd and fans at home able to watch Celtic against Motherwell on the BBC though, there’s no reason Kelly Clark and her teammates can’t build on a triumphant weekend.

Alonso has built himself a very strong squad, focused on pressing, width and creativity. Jodie Bartle and Chloe Craig on the wings were excellent against Glasgow City, hemming the opposition into the middle of the park. The Spanish coach has his side playing excellent football.

Against Motherwell, we shouldn’t see anything different. With more space to utilise and the confidence of a cup win, you can bet there’ll be plenty of goals.

Celtic face Motherwell at 2pm on the 12th of December. The game is available via the BBC Sport website.

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