Celtic take on Glasgow City at Petershill Park on Sunday afternoon in a must-win match if Fran Alonso and the Ghirls are to keep their slim title hopes alive.
The Ghirls go into tomorrow’s game trailing their unbeaten hosts by 8 points with 8 games left to play knowing that a third defeat of the season would all but hand the title to Glasgow City. Victory, on the other hand, would keep Celtic’s title hopes alive and provide a timely boost ahead of next weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final against the same opposition.
Celtic’s two league defeats this season have both come against Glasgow City and both, agonisingly, by single goal margins. An injury time goal from Hailey Lauder sealed a 2-1 win for City in the opener, while Priscilla Chinchilla’s goal separated the sides in the second meeting in March.
The latter game saw Celtic miss out on going top of the table on goal difference and instead allowed City to open up a 6 point lead; that lead then extended to 8 after the now infamous Glasgow Derby where Fran Alonso was victim of an assault from the Rangers coaching staff after the final whistle.
FINE MARGINS
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game Fran said “We really want the three points, and we are going to fight as much as we can to get the victory. They are a very clever and experienced team.”
“It’s fine margins (that have cost Celtic in the previous meetings) and this time we are hoping to control these margins. Hopefully we can beat them for the first time this season because nobody has done that. We did that against Rangers a few months ago.”
“We know it’s going to be very tight, and we will have to be at our best because they are a very good team.”
Mexican goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar also spoke of the need to improve in this fixture and turn the small margins to Celtic’s favour.
“We need to focus on being better in the situations against them, maybe read the game better at times. We know how they play, so it’s all about being very smart, and knowing how to create more chances and finish them off.”
“We need to make sure that we are aggressive and threatening up front, which is what we have been lacking in the last few games against them.”
LOFERSKI THE DIFFERENCE MAKER?
One player who may help with the need to be more clinical in front of goal against City is new signing Kit Loferski. American forward Loferski recently joined Celtic from Finnish side Åland Utd where she scored an impressive 13 goals in 23 league appearances.
While Celtic have not struggled for goals in general this season, the Ghirls have hit the net 93 times in 24 games, only 1 of those goals has come against City. Fran Alonso will be hopeful that new arrival Loferski can bring about a positive difference on Sunday and help bring the points back to Celtic Park.
A draw is of little use to Celtic at this stage, only a victory can realistically keep the dream alive.
The game is being broadcast live on BBC Alba, a strong and vocal away support would be most welcomed by the team. The 4.10pm kick-off does not clash with the men’s game this week, so why not head along to Petershill Park and give the Ghirls your backing as they go in pursuit of a vital three points.
ACSOM are proud patrons of the women’s team, and wish them all the best on Sunday as they continue their pursuit of a history making season.
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