Glasgow City defeat Celtic to enjoy a title party
Glasgow City defeated Celtic for the second time in seven days as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in this afternoon’s SWPL encounter at Petershill Park sponsored by Perfect Parties.
The goals were scored by Leanne Ross (pen, 38) and Suzanne Lappin (70, 75) on the day that Glasgow City received the SPWL Championship Trophy for the seventh successive season.
The opening to the game was scrappy and untidy as both sides struggled to maintain possession. The visitors had the better of the chances and City keeper, Dalziel, was the first to be called into action when she comfortably gathered a 30 yard drive from Celtic winger, Arthur.
In the 27th minute Celtic were awarded a free-kick when a foul by City defender, Julie Nelson, was deemed worthy of a yellow card. Sjoman’s impressive effort went just wide of the target.
The deadlock was broken after 38 minutes when City forward Christie Murray was fouled in the penalty box following a neat turn. Referee Fraser Marr was well placed and showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Leanne Ross stepped up for the home side and coolly drove the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. The goal was harsh on Celtic who had been the more aggressive team in the opening period.
Celtic hoped for a swift response but were denied when City keeper Danica Dalziel was forced to tip a shot over the bar a minute before the half-time break from Heather Richards.
The away team’s best opportunity arrived after 58 minutes when a shot by Maddy Fulton destined for the corner of the net was superbly tipped round the post by scrambling City goalkeeper, Dalziel.
City coped much more effectively with a spirited Celtic side in the second period. They were rewarded with a crucial second goal 20 minutes from the end when a long diagonal cross by Nicky Docherty was met by mid-week European hero, Suzanne Lappin, whose glancing header gave Celtic keeper, Gemma Fay, no chance.
City settled down at this point and began to play some neat football in the closing stages. The final goal came after 75 minutes when good work by Love and Littlejohn on the right allowed Lappin to score her second goal of the game with an unstoppable header.
Commenting on his side’s achievement, City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, “On today’s game, I thought we started the match a bit slack but that was to be expected considering the vast number of changes we made since Wednesday night. But credit to the players as we remained solid and were in my opinion lucky to go in at half time 1-0 up, scoring with what was really our only opportunity of the opening period.
“In the second half we were far better, we were much further up the pitch and started to create numerous problems for Celtic and by the end of the match we were in total control.
“The win was a great way to set ourselves up for the title presentation, with three points, a clean sheet and three goals against a strong rival and I am delighted for all of the players and staff of the club that they managed to have a fantastic day. We now turn our attention to Thursday night against Standard Liege, with our focus on ensuring we reach the last 16 of the Champions League.”
With the Championship secure and the trophy safely gathered, attention now turns to Thursday’s much anticipated Champions League return leg against Standard Liege at Petershill Park. After a 2-2 draw in Belgium, the tie is on a knife-edge.
Tickets can be purchased from Greaves Sports retail outlets in Glasgow City centre or online at www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk
There will also be a cash gate on the night. Adults £5, Kids £3.
Glasgow City Team: D Dalziel, L Ross, J Nelson, D Pagliarulo, C Gallagher, L Robertson, S Crilly, S Lappin, R Littlejohn, C Murray, D O’Sullivan. Subs: L Alexander, R Corsie, E McSorley, J Love, J Fishlock, N Docherty, C Barnes
Celtic Team: G Fay, R Jones, K Sjoman, C Craig, M Fulton, M Gilmour-McGuire, A Walker, E Brownlie, C Arthur, F Brown, H Richards. Subs: H Sinclair, A Farrell, R O’Neill, C Jackson, K Clark
Referee: Fraser Marr. Assistant Referees: Alan Burnett, Jonathan Rose
Match Sponsor Perfect Parties Player of the Match: Suzanne Lappin
Match report by Graham Semple. Pictures with thanks to Andy Buist and Graeme Berry. 
13.10.13
