The Scottish Women’s Premier League is going down to the wire with just two points separating the top three sides going into the final round of matches of the season next weekend.
For a brief spell this afternoon, Celtic were sitting at the top of the table following a 2-1 away win against Hibs. Goals from Kit Loferski and Claire O’Riordan had the Celts 2-0 up before the interval, with Hibs nabbing a late consolation goal 5 minutes into injury time.
EARLY ADVANTAGE CELTIC
Celtic had the advantage of an earlier kick-off over Rangers and Glasgow City and set out to make the most of it. A Celtic win would move the Ghirls top of the table and put some added pressure on their title rivals in the later games.
Hibs started today’s game the brighter of the two sides but could not make their early attacking play count. It was Celtic who struck first with their first real attack of the game, Kit Loferski guiding a cross from Shen past Haaland in the home goal.
O’Riordan doubled Celtic’s lead with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, glancing a Jacynta free-kick beyond Haaland. At half-time Celtic sat atop the table on 78 points, 3 ahead of Rangers and 1 ahead of Glasgow City.
There was no need for a rousing half-time team talk from Fran Alonso this time as the Ghirls settled back into the second half knowing that all they had to do was it keep it tight defensively and see the game through.
The Hoops controlled possession for large spells of the half, hemming Hibs in but failing to create many clear openings to add to their lead.
With time running out, Hibs pulled one back and very nearly stole a point at the death that would have ended Celtic’s title hopes in crushing style. As it was, Celtic held on to win the game 2-1 and ensure their place in a final day title showdown next weekend.
TITLE SHOWDOWN
Going into the last game of the season, Celtic sit in 3rd place behind Rangers on goal-difference and 2-points behind City. While Celtic play host to Hearts at the Excelsior Stadium on the final day, their title rivals face each other at Ibrox Stadium.
Only a win will suffice for the Ghirls as they go in search of their first league title. Fortunately, playing to win is the only way this team knows how to play. Should Celtic win and the Rangers v Glasgow City game end in a draw, then Fran and the Ghirls will be crowned champions.
The game kicks off next Sunday at 4.10pm and is the biggest game of the weekend. We would encourage you to get along and lend your voice to the Celtic support and help the Ghirls bring home the title.
ACSOM are proud patrons of the women’s team, and wish them all the best as they continue their pursuit of a history-making season.
Kevin McCluskie
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