It was a game for the history books, as Celtic Women defeated Glasgow City 3-1 in last night’s top of the table SWPL clash.
For the first time this season, the Ghirls played at Celtic Park, supported by a roaring crowd of 9,553 – a new record for a women’s club match in Scotland.
Fran Alonso certainly enjoyed the experience, and in an exclusive interview with ACSOM he said:
“It was an incredible experience for the players, and for myself. [Playing at Celtic Park] was something that we were looking forward to all season and we are delighted that we could make it happen in a very important game for our title aspirations. And I’m delighted that we now hold the record.”
CELTIC END – A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
The Green Brigade, North Curve and Bhoys teamed up to occupy the lower Jock Stein stand, creating a preview of what their desired ‘Celtic End’ could look like should their plans come to fruition. The atmosphere, noise and colour was certainly a sight to behold, and anyone in attendance, or watching on TV, would find it hard to disagree that such proposals would be a welcome advancement.
Of course, we fully appreciate the arguments and reluctance of those currently situated in the Jock Stein stand who may not wish to move, however even the fiercest of opponents to the creation of the ‘Celtic End’ would have agreed that the spectacle on display last night was outstanding. If this was simply a preview with a crowd of circa 10,000, it’s certainly exciting to dream about what could be created on a Champions League night…
Speaking about the atmosphere, Fran said:
“I thought it was incredible, I cannot describe it. In all my years in football, it is one of the best times I’ve had in terms of feeling supported.”
On the pitch, Celtic got the game kicked off under the glow of a stand-wide “COME ON YOU GHIRLS IN GREEN” banner. While the Ghirls in green dominated possession, chances were few and far between, and it was the visitors who opened the scoring, with Davidson slotting the ball past Tajonar in the 20th minute.
On the first half, Fran said:
“I thought that the players were a little panicky and some of our passing wasn’t crisp. At half time, I mentioned the support, and how we could not disappoint them.”
WE NEVER STOP
The Ghirls really upped their performance levels in the second half, as they attacked towards the Celtic End, testing Gibson in the City goal, with chances falling to Shen and Jacynta. However it was Tasha Flint who made the breakthrough after 60 minutes, scoring her fourth goal in three games.
Driven on by the crowd, the ghirls continued to assert their dominance, and another excellent Jacynta free kick found the head of O’Riordan who put the Celts in front with 15 minutes left to play.
With 83 minutes on the clock, American forward Kit Loferski (who replaced the injured Lisa Robertson in the first half) secured the three points, with a nicely executed finish.
Fran was impressed with the second half outing, saying:
“I thought the girls were superb in the second half. I watched the game back and we moved the ball very well, the passing, the way we utilised the ball, the way we attacked, and created chances was superb.”
The celebrations at the end of the game felt like a landmark moment for the Club, and the players celebrated jubilantly with the fans. In particular, Fran Alonso lapped up the adulations from the supporters in the Celtic End, in his trademark white blazer which fans have come to know and love! Fran regularly talks about the importance of the supporters, and the post-match celebrations certainly reiterated how much Fran and the Ghirls appreciate the support, and how fundamental it was in driving them to victory. Fran said:
“The support really helped us out. They never stopped signing, never stopped supporting, never stopped lifting us up, so that is why straight after the game (after we shook hands with the opponents and officials) we went and thanked the fans for an incredible night and celebrated with them. It is a night we won’t forget, especially if we manage to lift this league title, which is still difficult but very much possible.”
TITLE HOPES LIVE ON
Looking back on the game, Fran said:
“I think the game was fantastic for the neutral – it was an exciting game, for us to go behind then come back after an excellent performance. It was so exciting, the atmosphere created is only going to help grow Scotland’s game.”
Despite playing in a stadium the size of Celtic Park, in front of a bumper crowd, the Ghirls remained true to their own philosophies when it comes to fan engagement, and made sure that they spent time going round the stands, meeting and chatting with young fans after the game. It is clear to see how inspirational they are to the next generation, and they appear to be thriving under that responsibility.
The title race is now going down to the wire, with Glasgow City two points clear of both Celtic and Rangers, with Celtic sitting in second place on goal difference. Crucially, Glasgow City and Ranges play each other in the final game of the season, in a game that is likely to determine the title.
Celtic must keep their own title hopes alive by winning their remaining two games, and as ever, fan support is vital. First up is Hibs at Meadowbank on Sunday 14 May, followed by Hearts at the Excelsior Stadium on Sunday 21 May.
It will be a tough two games following a demanding schedule. Fran said:
“Obviously we are full of tired legs. The game [against City] was super intense. Even at 3-1 we kept the intensity, we wanted to go for more calls, so we kept going, and we kept pressing, but that means today the players were exhausted. We have little time, tomorrow we will do a light session and then on Sunday we have another must win game.”
“It is very exciting, we are looking forward to it. We are not underestimating Sunday’s opponent, we know how difficult it will be to beat Hibs, we saw how difficult it was for Rangers. We will have to be at our best, because we have to keep our title hopes alive. If we manage to win, there is the opportunity that we can win the league at home on the last day of the season. Hopefully there will be a huge crowd there. If we don’t win, there will be another chance for silverware in the cup final. The possibility of making history is still there. If we fall short, I am still very proud of the girls and the team who have been outstanding this season”.
Make sure you’re there to cheer the Ghirls over the line. Head to Celtic Women’s social media accounts for all ticket details.
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.
Natasha Meikle
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