City step closer to title
Glasgow City took an almighty step closer to winning their third Premier League title in a row with a 2-1 win over Celtic at Glasgow Green today.
A massive crowd of around 400 turned up to watch the potential league clincher between the country’s two top sides and they were not to be disappointed, with an exciting match on show.
The visitors created the first opening of the day when Rebecca Dempster was sent through on the City goal, but she could only fire straight at Claire Johnstone in the City goals. Glasgow City then created a host of opportunities to take the lead, but poor finishing and fine goalkeeping from Gemma Faye kept the scores even.
City’s first chance fell to Leanne Ross after she was played in by striker Kat Lindner, however as Ross tried to take the ball around Faye, the Celtic and Scotland number 1 saved well. City then tried their luck through Jane Ross, but after beating the full back and cutting inside she hit her left foot shot just over the bar, with only Faye to beat. Rachel Corsie then went close with a header from a City throw in, which cruelly for City hit their own player Suzanne Malone on the goal line, with the Celtic defence beaten.
Corsie then had another great chance to put her side ahead when she rose well to meet an Emma Fernon corner, but she powered her header over the bar from six yards.
Soon after Celtic were reduced to ten players when Christie Murray was shown a straight red for a high and wreckless challenge on City’s Fernon.
However, the Hoops were not to be disheartened and took a surprise lead when Suzanne Grant headed home at the back post following a cross from Dempster.
Half time 0-1.
At the start of the second period, City pressed hard for the equaliser and got their reward after ten minutes. The visitors were unable to deal with a City set piece, allowing Jane Ross to lay the ball back to Leanne Ross, who fired well into the bottom corner of the net in a crowded penalty box.
Shortly after, City were on the attack again and Ross should have made it goal number two but she fired agonisingly wide with the goal at her mercy.
Suzanne Malone was next to try her luck for the home side. Good combination play between Sue Lappin and Kat Lindner found the run of Malone. With the keeper rushing out Malone tried to chip into the net, but Faye made a crucial finger tip save to put it behind for a corner.
City did eventually take the lead with twenty minutes remaining. A good run by Lindner down the right wing saw the striker fire a tantalising cross to the back post which Celtic’s Tracy Burns was only able to head in the air. City’s Lappin pounced on the mistake and headed high over Faye to put her side in the lead.
Lappin then had the chance to make it 3-1, but she snatched at her effort, when she had plenty time to bring the ball down and pick her spot.
Full time 2-1.
Head Coach Eddie Wolecki was delighted.
He said, “Obviously I am delighted with the result in what was a nervy affair for both sides. The girls showed a real resilience and strength of character in overcoming a one goal deficit at half time - the first time in this fixture any team has done that. Of course we could have made it easier for ourselves by taking some of our numerous chances, but that I suppose added to the excitement of the whole day. It was fantastic to see such a huge crowd at the game today and although I think both sides are technically better than they showed, the game was certainly very exciting and I am sure everyone will have left having thoroughly enjoyed an exciting game and that can only be good for Scottish women’s football.”
Pictures by Glasgow City Club Photographers Andy Buist and Lorraine Hill.
15.11.09
