Celtic share derby spoils in tight SWPL1 clash

By John McGinley

November 26, 2022

Celtic FC Women have drawn with Rangers in SWPL1 this evening after a closely fought 0-0 result at Broadwood.

Fran Alonso’s side actually had the chance to go top of the table with an away win against the league leaders after some great form in the early stages of the season but couldn’t find a way to the victory.

Rangers had the best of the opportunities across the 90 minutes but smart stops in each half from veteran goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar kept the visitors at bay. She was excellent between the sticks. Tessel Middag also rattled the bar with a long-range free-kick.

Celtic looked at their brightest on the counter-attack through talents Clarissa Larisey and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford but couldn’t quite carve out a golden opportunity from open play.

Caitlin Hayes went close with a header just before half-time after a corner delivery from Chloe Craig, with the ball going just past the post.

Hayes also had an opportunity to win it right at the death with her header tipped over the bar from another corner deep into stoppage time.

A point from the fixture is far from a bad result given the strength of Rangers but it’s also not quite the statement victory that Celtic will have been looking for from such a derby.

It nonetheless keeps Alonso’s team in the hunt at the top of the table, sitting just a point behind Rangers and level with Glasgow City, who are expected to win their fixture away to Partick Thistle tomorrow.

The much-predicted three-way battle for honours is well underway, with Celtic so far suggesting they’ll be well in the title hunt – which is pleasing given last season’s league results.

Next up is a fixture at home to Dundee United on 4th November, before Motherwell’s visit on the 18th.

In other news, Celtic still hold all the cards on Josip Juranovic despite contract report.