Aberdeen FC Ladies v Celtic Ladies FC - Scottish Cup Semi-Final - 6th. May 2008

Celtic Ladies Reach Scottish Cup Final

CELTIC Ladies have reached the Scottish Cup final in their inaugural season after beating Aberdeen in a five-goal thriller. Goals from Christie Murray and Jo Love double mean the Hoops will face Hibernian for the chance to lift some silverware.

The Hoops dominated the first-half of the semi-final against Aberdeen, taking a 3-1 lead into the break, but it was a tense second 45 as the Dons pulled a goal back and pushed for the equaliser.

For the first time in months, Celtic had close to a full squad to pick from, but the starting XI suffered an early setback when Aberdeen took the lead on four minutes.

An unforced clearance out the park gifted the ball back to Aberdeen. A quick throw-in and switch of play found Susan Murray who lifted her head to spot Johnstone off her line and she executed a fine chip to beat the Hoops keeper from 25 yards.

But Celtic did not panic and just five minutes later Christie Murray drew them level. As the ball landed at her feet in the box she adjusted well and squeezed the ball through three defenders to find the net.

From there the half belonged to Celtic and Jo Love put the Hoops ahead with a glorious diving header.

Clare Gemmell worked the ball into space and picked out her midfield partner’s bursting back-post run with a measured ball in behind which Love threw herself at to grab her first of the evening.

Celtic continued to play flowing football, with some fantastic switches of play into the wide areas, but at times the finishing didn’t match the build-up.

Love seemed to have an eye for goal, though, when she converted her side’s third of the night. Becky Stokes’ shot was blocked and Murray latched on to the loose ball, though she couldn’t get her shot through the Aberdeen defence. Jo Love joined the attack and made sure with a composed finish.

By the end of the half the Hoops were more than comfortable but credit must go to Aberdeen who refused to lie down.

When the Hoops failed to get the tempo of their passing up after the break, Aberdeen capitalised by playing long balls into dangerous areas and making the defence drop off. When the ball broke free 35 yards out, Susan Murray tried her luck again with a lob and the ball sailed over Johnstone’s head into the net.

The game was end-to-end until the final whistle. Celtic’s most notable chances fell to Christie Murray who struck the outside of the post with a drive from the edge of the box and Suzanne Malone, who turned sharply before sending her half volley whizzing past the post.

Aberdeen also had chances to equalise, though. Nikki Wright found the side-netting, having stolen in behind and minutes from time Rachel Corsie came close to forcing extra-time with a well-struck free-kick which Johnstone was forced to tip over the bar.

Celtic were made to work for their place in the final but were worthy winners on the night and their impressive debut cup campaign will now culminate in a showdown with Hibernian at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, May 17.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Brian Delaney said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to reach the Scottish Cup final in our first season and I’m really proud of the girls.

“It was a tough match and Aberdeen pushed us all the way but we’ve earned the right to play in the cup final and everyone is really looking forward to it.”

Kayleigh Cameron

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 Love Conquers All In Semi Final Thriller

Joanne Love netted twice as Celtic booked their place in the Unite Scottish FA Cup Final with a 3-2 semi final victory over Aberdeen.
 
Aberdeen, beaten finalists two years ago, got off to a great start when Susan Murray scored with a neat 25-yard lob. However the lead lasted for just five minutes, Celtic quickly levelling the scores through Christie Murray.
 
Joanne Love headed Celtic in front for the first time and the midfielder netted her second goal to send the Hoops into the break with a 3-1 advantage.
 
After the break, Aberdeen hauled themselves back into the game via another well executed lob from Susan Murray and, with play flowing from end to end, both sides had further chances to score.
 
Christie Murray struck the post from Celtic and in the dying minutes, Aberdeen almost sent the game into extra time as Rachel Corsie's free kick was saved by Claire Johnstone but Celtic held out to reach the Final, where they will take on holders Hibernian at McDiarmid Park, Perth on 17th May.

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