More European joy for Celtic with superb Sunday UWCL result

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Celtic FC Women secured a big result in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Sunday, winning 1-0 against Ukrainian champions Vorskla Poltava.

With a place in the tournament’s group stage at stake, the tie is a chance for Elena Sadiku’s side to make serious strides in Europe and they haven’t disappointed at the halfway point.

The Ghirls continue to blaze a trail at this level. This was their first-ever second-round match in the tournament but they more than held their own, despite being the unseeded team, and now have a crucial advantage heading into Thursday’s second leg.

Murphy Agnew delivers for Celtic vs Vorskla Poltava

American striker Murphy Agnew opened the scoring just five minutes into the match with a very classy turn on the ball and slotted finish low to the bottom right-hand corner from the edge of the box.

Celtic continued to put pressure on in the first half, always wary of the Ukrainians hitting on the counter in a tight contest.

Caitlin Hayes almost added another goal with a trademark powerful header from a corner, only to see it superbly saved by Vorskla goalkeeper Kateryna Samson.

Lucy Ashworth-Clifford also had a glaring opportunity to put the Ghirls two up but she couldn’t convert with her weaker right foot from ten yards after the ball broke to her in the box.

There was a let-off for Celtic five minutes before the interval when Iryna Kotiash missed an almost open goal at the back post. It was a chance that really should have been converted.

Celtic show their steel to take step towards group stage

Ashworth-Clifford was again a strong attacking outlet in the second half, first shaving the woodwork with a looped cross-come-shot, then setting up Emma Lawton for a headed opportunity with a sumptuous cross that kept Celtic pushing for another breakthrough.

Celtic continued to control proceedings with sustained possession, set-pieces and fleeting chances but couldn’t find that two-goal cushion.

Inevitably, as the clock ticked towards 90, tension crept in. The Ukrainians did have another big chance 15 minutes from time but Kelsey Daugherty was a fine match to a close-range downward header and ensured Celtic held their advantage.

Kit Loferski should have added a second late on but couldn’t finish one-on-one with Samson after a breakaway, letting go of her shot too early.

There may be some disappointment within the squad that they didn’t increase the aggregate score. Hopefully, that doesn’t come back to haunt them.

Overall it was an accomplished performance and Sadiku’s outfit deserved their win.

There will be earned confidence going into Thursday’s match, but there’s still a lot of work to do to book their place in that elite group stage. A giant 90 minutes awaits.