City keep title hopes on track
Glasgow City maintained their two point advantage at the top of the Premier League today with a 1-0 away win over Celtic at Lennoxtown.
The result now leaves Celtic’s title hopes almost completely dashed, making it once again a two horse race between City and second placed Hibernian for the Premier League crown.
City who were easily outfought the last time these two sides met, were far more focussed for this encounter and it was an entertaining match for 90 minutes. City were however, forced to re-think their game plan less than 30 minutes into the match when striker Katharina Lindner was forced to go off with what looked at the time a serious injury after a collision with a Celtic defender.
Defender Jill Patterson came on in Lindner’s place and remained up front to add a different dimension to City’s attack.
With two minutes to go before the end of the first half, City striker Jane Ross was scythed down in the box by Celtic centre half Jenny Beattie who earned a yellow card and a penalty was awarded to City. As usual, up stepped Captain Laura Montgomery, but she tested the nerves of her team by blasting the ball over the bar, much to the relief of the home side. Half time 0-0.
In the second half, Glasgow City dominated play with Jane Ross in particular causing Celtic’s left back an uncomfortable 45 minutes. City should have taken the lead when forward Ruesha Littlejohn found herself with space in the box after a clever back heel from Suzanne Lappin, but she fired her effort straight at keeper, Claire Johnstone in the Celtic goal. City’s pressure did eventually pay off when a goal mouth tussle in the Celtic box caused Celtic defender Suzy Robertson to handle the ball and City were given another penalty.
This time, Leeanne Campbell made no mistake for Glasgow City.
Celtic made a number of changes in the closing 20 minutes of the match, but never looked liked seriously testing a sound City defence.
In the end it was a deserved win for Glasgow City and one which very much keeps their title hopes firmly on track.
24.02.08
