It wasn’t to be at Celtic Park, as the Ghirls finished their league campaign in second place, despite a 2-0 victory over Hearts on the final day of the season.
The top three teams went into a fascinating final day, all capable of securing the league title. Glasgow City entered the last game on 80 points, with Celtic and Rangers both on 78 (Rangers one goal better off in terms of goal difference compared to Celtic). Celtic needed Rangers and Glasgow City to draw, or Rangers to win (but by fewer goals than Celtic) in order for them to be crowned Champions.
The stage was set for history-making, with a record-breaking 15,822 Celtic fans occupying Celtic Park to support the Ghirls in green. As they took to the pitch, a poignant banner was unfurled, quoting defender Caitlin Hayes – “Paradise is Yours.” The message to the team and any young girl watching was clear – you belong here. Gender is not, and should not, be a barrier to fulfilling your dream of playing for Celtic, at Celtic Park.
Photo Credit: Andy Rafferty
For the team on the pitch, the ultimate dream was securing the league title. They did their job on the park, with a 2-0 victory against a resilient Hearts side. With Hearts resting many of their first-team players for the previous weekend’s tie against Rangers, Celtic faced a well-set-up squad who were rested and ready to go for the huge occasion at Celtic Park.
Despite this, and Celtic’s own injury problems (with starting 11 regulars Kerner, Robertson, Ross and Chance all unavailable), the Ghirls dominated the game. Chances fell to Craig, Flint and Loferski during the first half, but the opening goal was scored by (who else?!) Caitlin Hayes right before half-time.
Hayes, who has just signed a new long-term contract with the Club, added another crucial goal to her already impressive tally, capitalising on a break of the ball in the box following a set piece.
Attacking into the vibrant Celtic End in the second half, which proved so crucial against Glasgow City, the Ghirls ramped up the pressure. A well-deserved second goal came in the 68th minute through Leicester City loanee Tasha Flint, whose goal contribution has been vital since joining at the start of the year.
Despite the winning performance from the Ghirls, they knew that they were reliant on results elsewhere. The record-breaking crowd waited anxiously for news from Ibrox. With the minutes ticking down, and the league trophy on its way to Celtic Park in a taxi, it looked as though the dream was going to be realised. Agonisingly, the news broke at Celtic Park that there had been a Glasgow City goal at Ibrox in the 92nd minute. With a City win securing them the title, it was a heart-breaking moment for the crowd, who had started to believe the title was beckoning.
The pain was only increased by news of a last-gasp Rangers equaliser – a goal that would have secured Celtic the title. In extremely rare scenes, the Rangers goal at Ibrox was celebrated in the stands of Celtic Park. The gut-wrenching realisation that followed, that the goal had been disallowed, was the cruellest of ways to be denied the title.
The late drama saw Glasgow City win their 15th title in 16 seasons, with Celtic finishing in second place and Rangers in third. With both of the top two securing a place in the Champions League, Celtic can console themselves with the prospect of European football, which is hugely important to the Club.
With a Cup final to look forwards to at Hampden Park on Sunday, the Ghirls won’t have time to dwell on yesterday’s heartache before they go in search of another piece of silverware in the season finale.
ACSOM will be there cheering the Ghirls on, just like we were yesterday, as Fran and the Ghirls look to put the league disappointment behind them by claiming Back2Back Scottish Cup titles.
ACSOM are proud patrons of the women’s team, and wish them all the very best as they prepare for next weekend’s Scottish Cup final.
Come on you Ghirls in green.
Natasha Meikle
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