Celtic FC Women are through to the Women’s Scottish Cup final after a 1-0 win over Glasgow City at Hampden this afternoon.
After 18 minutes, Natasha Flint expertly latched on to a Caitlin Hayes through ball before firing smartly into the back of the net to give Fran Alonso’s side the crucial lead.
City tried to force an equaliser and extra time, but a defensively resolute Celtic side managed to hold firm – primarily thanks to some brilliant saves from Ghirls goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar.
Her biggest moment came in stoppage time right at the end of the match, making a huge stop to deny Lisa Forrest who was clear through on goal.
There was late drama when Natalie Ross was sent off for a second yellow card, but City couldn’t find the moment to punish Celtic, who march on to a massive Scottish Cup final on 28th May.
It’ll be a derby, too. Rangers are the other team in next month’s showpiece occasion after they triumphed 2-0 over Motherwell yesterday, so the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Celtic are the holders, having won a pulsating final last season at Tynecastle against today’s opponents. Doubling up in successive seasons would be a superb achievement.
It’s not the only double to play for either, with Alonso’s team also chasing their first-ever league title in SWPL 1. The team are just two points behind the league leaders and there are crucial matches still to come at home to both City and Rangers.
Next up for Celtic is a home clash against Hibernian next Sunday before a mid-week derby against the Ibrox club. Right now, the Ghirls are the form team in Scotland and who knows where it came take them over the next six weeks?
Glory and success are wholly possible. Today was more evidence of that.
In other news, Rangers coach launches into bizarre Ange Postecoglou rant ahead of Celtic semi-final.
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