Celts stay top of the table after strong display in derby draw | OneFootball

SWPLMonday, May 6, 2024Broadwood Stadium

RANGERS… 0

CELTIC… 0

Celtic FC Women retained top spot in the SWPL heading into the final three games of the campaign following a 0-0 draw against Rangers on Monday.

Heading to Broadwood Stadium, the Ghirls knew one point would be enough to keep the title in their hands, and that proved to be the case after an entertaining afternoon of action.

Having suffered defeat in the last derby outing between the two teams, Elena Sadiku’s side were looking to bounce back in their final match against Rangers of the campaign. And it proved be an end-to-end start to proceedings, with both sides looking to grab a foothold in the match.

In the opening 45 minutes, the Hoops had a handful of corners which they were looking to threaten from, but the home side were doing well to withstand that pressure.

Throughout the game, despite some periods of attacking play from Rangers, Kelsey Daugherty was rarely tested between the sticks for Celtic.

However, the best chance of the half for the home side came just beyond the half-hour mark as a long-range effort struck the crossbar, before being cleared away to safety.

As the half grew on, so did Celtic’s confidence on the ball and Tash Flint had a big chance to open the scoring after running into some space inside the area.

Hitting the strike on her left foot, the ball went just narrowly by the post, with the Celts coming within inches of scoring the first goal of the game.

Going into the second half, it was Celtic who enjoyed more of the attacking play, piling the pressure on the home side early on.

Once again, Flint was causing trouble for the Rangers backline with her strength. She forced two big stops from Victoria Esson, and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the second half.

As the game wore on, it looked more likely to end in a stalemate, with the Hoops looking to hit on the counter while withstanding any pressure thrown their way.

In the closing stages of the game, the home side did come close once more with an effort from range, which struck the crossbar once again.

But the Ghirls continued to stand strong, securing a point on their travels in the final Glasgow derby of the campaign.

That result sees Celtic remain top spot in the SWPL, level on points with Rangers, but with a better goal difference of 13 goals.

It is gearing up to be a huge final week of the season for Elena Sadiku’s side, starting with their return to the Excelsior Stadium against Partick Thistle on Sunday, May 12.

Upcoming Fixtures

Celtic Women Vs. Partick Thistle Women - Sun, May 5th 2024, 11:10 Buy Tickets