Celtic thrash Hibs with remarkable 9-0 Sunday show

By John McGinley

August 7, 2022

Celtic FC Women impressively started the SWPL 1 season this afternoon, destroying Hibernian 9-0 at home.

Hat-tricks from Jacynta and Clarissa Larisey, as well as an unfortunate Hibs own goal and Amy Gallacher efforts all contributed to the massive scoreline, delighting Fran Alonso and the attending fans.

There has been some concern about Celtic Women this summer with several key talents leaving, such as 40-goal stand-out Charlie Wellings and the influential Jodie Bartle.

However, on this showing, they’ll still be a formidable force in the revamped SWPL.

Alonso’s side dominated their visitors, scoring six goals before half-time with Jacynta running the show both in terms of goals scored and creating chances for others.

She got Celtic off to the perfect start within a minute, coolly finishing from a low Tiree Burchill cross after a quick and incisive breakaway.

The Ghirls doubled their advantage ten minutes later when the impressive Lucy Ashford-Clifford fired in a cross that cruelly looped in from an Ellis Notley deflection.

Another new signing, Amy Gallacher, then set-up Larisey for her first goal of the afternoon, before Jacynta also assisted for the attacker with a sumptuous prodded through ball that bamboozled the Hibs defence.

Ashford-Clifford, who was a constant threat on the left flank, then played in a low cross for Jacynta’s double before Larisey turned provider and delivered the ball for a third Jacynta goal.

After the half, Celtic remained positive and full of intent and eventually added to the already insurmountable advantage in the 72nd minute when Larisey capitalised on a goalkeeping error to score her own hat-trick.

Then, with just a few minutes remaining, Gallacher completed the rout with a penalty that hit the post and went in off the back of Benne Haland, before banging in a stunning long-range effort to make it 9-0.

It was a fantastic show of intent from last season’s double winners, who are hoping to add league consistency to their historic silverware.

Next up is a visit to Partick Thistle with three points again a must to string together the form that will challenge Glasgow City and Rangers this season.

In other news, The solution to Saturday’s Celtic broadcast farce.