Celtic Women hit seven to maintain perfect league start

By Dave Flanigan

October 16, 2022

Celtic Women showed no signs of fatigue after the international break after they hit Glasgow Girls for seven to maintain their perfect start to the Scottish Women’s Premier League season.

Nothing less than three points would do for the Hoops if they were to maintain pressure on Rangers Women – who also have a perfect record so far – at the summit of the table, ahead of their Glasgow rivals’ match against Hibs later today.

A Lucy Clifford-Ashworth brace of free-kicks saw Fran Alonso’s side 2-0 up at the break at the Excelsior Stadium, before the roof fell in for Glasgow Girls in the second half, who were reduced to ten on the hour after Shelly Campbell was sent off for two bookable offences.

Taylor Otto and Caitlin Hayes doubled Celtic’s half-time advantage before the sending off, before Jacynta and Clarissa Larisey scored their 10th goals of the season, sandwiching a Natalie Ross strike to rack up the goals for Celtic, who saw Leigha Dobbins and Clare Goldie making their first competitive appearances from the bench.

Alonso spoke to Celtic TV after the match, and said: “They made it very difficult for us and we were naive, trying to attack them with quick combinations through the middle where they have so many bodies and a couple of times we were successful, but we didn’t think that was the way to attack them.

“Into the second half, we addressed it, they agreed and I think that they executed it perfectly, we kept our width, kept switching the ball and spaces started to appear and the best thing is that despite the 7-0, we still could have scored more goals, so I am very pleased, especially with the second half.

Alonso also paid special mention to his side’s primary goalscorers in Jacynta and Larisey, despite the spread of goals across the side being a feature of Celtic’s season so far.

He said: “Of the players who were here last season, I think every single player has grown.

“They are better players, not only Clarissa and Jacynta, though it’s very easy to see those two because of their numbers but other players behind the frontline are improving and this is what we’re aiming every week.

“But that’s two great examples of players that are growing and keep growing, and that’s why both of them have recognition from their national teams this season.”

Alonso has been consistent in his desire for Celtic to play for ninety minutes, despite the free-scoring Hoops flawless league record without a goal conceded.

Next up for Celtic Women is a Sky Sports Cup quarter final against Dundee United as they look to continue their defence of their trophy.

In other news: Celtic’s adaptable livewire has made it impossible for Postecoglou to drop him