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Triple save earns Celtic FC Women a point against Champions Hibs

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Celtic FC Women drew 1-1 with Champions Hibernian in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, with Natalie Ross being the goalscorer for Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side…

David Haley and Elena Sadiku look on

David Haley and Elena Sadiku look on. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Hibs got off to a quick start, earning themselves a few corners in the early stages as they tried to put Celtic on the back foot. Their fans were clearly enjoying it as they were loud in backing their team, but with 10 minutes on the clock, it was the Celts who found the breakthrough.

Morgan Cross sent it to the far post where Maria McAneny was waiting. Although she was marked, she managed to get the ball and knock a great cross back into the centre of the box. Despite being surrounded, Natalie Ross managed to get her head on it and nod it past the goalkeeper.

Natalie Ross scores

Natalie Ross scores. Image Celtic FC Women

There was action at both ends for the remainder of the first half, but Celtic took the narrow lead into half-time.

As the second half kicked off, Celtic broke through as a long ball was sent to Cross. She managed to keep the chance alive despite being faced with defenders, but it was eventually knocked out for a corner that came to nothing.

Both sides had a few more chances and the game was still high tempo as we entered the final 20 minutes.

In the Hibs box, Cross played it to Aislin Streicek, who took it well and looked to shoot. Although the defender blocked her initial shot, she had a second attempt, which looked certain to go in. The keeper moved well to get her hands on it to claim it.

Natalie Ross on the ball

Natalie Ross on the ball for Celtic FC Women. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Up the Celtic end, Emma Lawton was moving up to attack but was caught out as Hibs reclaimed possession. This allowed the attacker to enter a pocket of space, but that attack was quickly shut down. However, we wouldn’t be that lucky for long.

Shortly after Hibs struck the crossbar from a corner, they saw themselves with another promising attack. Hibs managed to break away after winning back the ball in the midfield and although Kelly Clark got to the through ball initially, it was Kathleen McGovern who stole it back. Clark and Claire Walsh fumbled to try and recover but couldn’t do so in time, as Lisa Rodgers came rushing out, making it easy for McGovern to slot it into the back of the net.

Now, searching for the winner, Hibs went to another level as they desperately attacked Celtic. But it was Sadiku’s side who would be presented with the next notable chance as McAneny forced the Hibs goalkeeper into an incredible save.

There was even more action in the four added minutes at the end though as Hibs looked like they were going to grab all three points. It was a Rodgers triple save that proved to be what would keep the game level, and give Celtic a point against the reigning champions.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, Sadiku said: “I feel disappointed after the game, especially after the first half. [How Celtic invited Hibs in the second half] is a big disappointment. I don’t think we established the play in their half in the second.

“At the same time, Rodgers saves us at the end of the game, because they could have won. So fair, maybe 1-1, but still disappointed.”

The Celtic Star asked Sadiku her thoughts on Rodgers’ massive triple save at the end. She said: “I’m just impressed. We have a 19-year-old in the goal, and she’s making a huge impact. She’s showing her strengths.

“As a 19-year-old, to play as a first goalkeeper for a big club like Celtic, it shows the potential and how good she is already. I’m really proud of Lisa, I think those saves say it all. She makes those saves at the end of the game, she’s switched on. Very important for us.”

We also asked Sadiku about Momo’s performance, which we’ve highlighted as the standout. She said: “I think Momo is a class player. I’m very proud of the steps she’s been taking at Celtic. For me, it’s just about making her more and more brave, making sure that she feels free on the field because she’s so creative.

@jjessicurr

Elena Sadiku thinks Celtic need more offensive players after draw to Hibs 😯 #CelticWomen #CelticFCWomen #SWPL #WomensFootball

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“We need creative players, especially with how we want to play. We want to play forward, we want to create chances, and that’s what makes me disappointed because we don’t make enough chances to score goals. But Momo could be that link-up play that makes us make more chances, so happy with Momo.”

POST MATCH THOUGHTS FROM JESSICA…

A decent Celtic performance but one that still highlights some weaker areas of the squad. With many attackers we still have out, and Sadiku’s clear disappointment with the creativity of the squad, that is cause for concern. Thankfully, there are also positives too, with Momo and, particularly, Hannah Luke looking like phenomenal playing options.

I have to say, I disagree with one fan’s sentiment at the ground today that Sadiku’s managerial performance is “Russell Martin level” as there are promising signs at Celtic. This is a project, and we have to accept that we aren’t going to immediately be world beaters

Although there is, of course, massive expectations, we need to remind ourselves that Sadiku won us the league title not two seasons ago, and is still trying to get the players that fit her system, which she has only really started to play this season.

Celtic face Montrose next in the SWPL at Links Park, on Sunday 28 September and the match has a 1pm kick-off. 

About Author

Writing about Celtic FC Women for my third season. Highlights of my time writing about the Ghirls include the iconic Amy Gallacher winner at Celtic Park, and supporting the Hoops at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

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4 Comments

  1. RPM Celtic fan on

    If you think “Sadiku won us the league title” then your part of the problem , imo , that aside i thought the players we have did well but that the squad is just weak as piss we wont improve on last seasons fourth place imo ,we need better recruitment better coaching and better backing from all quarters and that aint happening anytime soon , Hail hail .

  2. Pierre Van Hesselink on

    Excellent article Ms Elliott/Jessica and a much better representation of The Ghirls and the team than your colleagues do when you are unavailable
    Totally agree with your thoughts on Elena Sadiku who is doing a good job with so many 1st choice players out and trying to replace the 10 who left in the summer without the kind of backing she deserved from the operations manager and the finance people (where did all the UWCL masses of prize money go???). I agree Momo is a real star and gets better every game and that Hannah Luke is doing very well. For me also Lisa Robertson and Clare Walsh have done well and I think Aislin Streicek will steadily improve and once settled into the team the nearly 6 foot tall Grace Courter should give us height and strength in CB area. Hopefully Morgan Cross not too badly injured at end but we should have Noonan back next week. Sadly weak link again Kelly Clark as she was terribly at fault for the Hibs goal and only seems to have an hour or so in her legs as was also the case in the loss to Rangers where she flagged and faded at the end. Chloe Craig is from what I have heard maybe a week or 2 away from matchday squad and it would be great to get her and Courter in beside Walsh for the next 2 games in preparation for the next test in a few weeks against GCW. We are in 3rd and within touching distance of top and could go top as some of our rivals will be playing each other in next 3 weeks and will likely take points off each other. Glasgow City look the current form team but may have the extra games of Europa league to contend with
    As you say so correctly we fans forget she did take Celtic to the SWPL 18 months ago and into UWCL group stage 12 months ago and for me she deserves a season at least to establish herself and build a squad (hopefully she can recruit some upgrades in January again as Momo Nakao and Westin (when fit) were good signings in January 2025 ).
    Once we get a few of Craig, Noonan, Smith, Goldie, Westin and McGregor back we will have a lot more firepower and most importantly strength off the bench
    Last thought as you also summarised well in the article a massive gold star for Lisa Rodgers who was the key to keeping the draw yesterday and the key for keeping the win against Hearts with several late saves. Even at 19 she looks the best Scottish goalie in the SWPL and could be on the fringes of the full squad and the excellent save also from the Hibs goalie yesterday also made a big difference with the saves particularly from Streicek and McAneny
    It is always great to read your articles about the Ghirls and hopefully your editor gives you more chances to write as your positivity and balanced reporting is a breath of fresh air in my eyes

    • David Faulds on

      Jessica writes whenever she can spare the time, she can cover every match, no problem at all with me. Celtic’s plan seems to be long term and involves attracting the best young players to the club work at the outstanding new facilities at Barrowfield. Elena worked with younger players at Everton so perhaps that’s been the long term plan all along. It certainly hasn’t been communicated. The performances in the final third of last season were unacceptable as was the fourth place finish in the league. Fran Alonso contributed significantly to the title win two seasons ago, so on that point about Elena winning us the league, I disagree. A joint enterprise in my view and it was under Fran’s watch that the goal difference advantage was achieved.