Video: Title race blow for Celtic on SWPL return but there was a stunning assist

By John McGinley

January 16, 2022

Celtic FC Women returned from the SWPL1 winter break today with a 1-1 draw away to Hibernian.

Fran Alonso’s side find themselves lagging behind at the top of the table with both Glasgow City and Rangers forging ahead. A win today was crucial to keep title hopes alive and stay within touching distance of the league leaders.

After League Cup glory in December, there’s renewed confidence in the team, but today’s result isn’t the best start to a frantic few months of action.

Predictably, it was super striker Charlie Wellings who netted the Celtic goal. She’s been in superb form this season and her movement presented an opportunity for Jacynta to superbly split the defence with a visionary through ball after a strong turn in midfield.

Wellings took a composed first touch before firing the ball into the far bottom corner to give her team a strong footing in the game.

You can see the fine goal via this link or embedded above.

Celtic had a good few chances that may have been put away if the team were at full match sharpness. Jacynta was a particularly impressive creative force before the interval, beyond her stunning assist.

Chloe Craig also missed a penalty in the first half that could have made things far more comfortable for the away side. However, it was Hibs who had the last say with an equalising goal from a corner right at the death.

Celtic are now five points behind City and seven points behind Rangers after they both won earlier today.

Alonso’s team face Partick Thistle, Hamilton and Spartans in the league over the next few weeks before a massive clash away to Glasgow City that could well be season-defining.

In other news, “Would have been ludicrous”; Celtic boss Postecoglou reflects on situation rivals tried to ruin.