Celtic Women: Partick Thistle Preview

Celtic Women take on Partick Thistle on Sunday in the second of their post-split fixtures, looking to build on the last gasp point snatched against Rangers in Monday evening’s dramatic Glasgow Derby.

Caitlin Hayes’ goal with the last kick of the ball kept the Ghirls slim title hopes alive as Fran Alonso’s side lost some ground to leaders Glasgow City at the top of the table, but maintained their lead over Rangers in second place.

Sunday’s game, a 12.10pm kick-off at the Excelsior Stadium, now falls into the must-win category for Celtic as they look to keep the pressure on Glasgow City ahead of the top of the table clash between the two sides on 16^th April.

Confidence High

Celtic has won both league encounters with Partick this season, 2-0 away in August and 8-0 at home in October.  Despite this, Fran Alonso is not taking three points tomorrow for granted, stated that “We won’t underestimate them, and we know we have to be at our best. The girls are training very well, so I’m very positive about the game.”

Alonso also confirmed that both Natalie Ross and the influential Lisa Robertson, who missed Monday’s derby, are back in training and in contention to start a fixture that the manager has described as another Cup final as we approach the end of the season.

Defender Chloe Craig described the mood in the camp as “buzzing” following Hayes late equaliser on Monday.

“We didn’t really put in our greatest performance in the first half on Monday.” She said, adding “but in the second half, I feel as if we deserved the point.  Everyone is buzzing about that, especially after scoring a late equaliser. The entire squad is now raring to go for this weekend!”

Come Out and Cheer on the Ghirls

Sunday’s game against 6^th placed Partick is the see’s the Ghirls return home after three away games on the spin, and Chloe re-iterated the importance of playing in front of a healthy home support.

“I can’t wait to get back out in front of the supporters on Sunday. They are our 12th player. We hear them every single weekend, and they help push us on when we are needing that. The fans mean the world to us, and you can tell that we mean the world to them.”

Securing the three-points is non-negotiable if Celtic are to keep their title push alive.  For those not able to make the journey up to Dingwall for the men’s game, why not head along to the Excelsior and give the Ghirls your support.

ACSOM are proud patrons of the women’s team, and wish them all the best on Sunday as they consider their pursuit of a history making season.