CELTIC LFC  MATCH REPORT

Ladies held to draw by Dons David Friel Scottish Women’s Premier League Sunday, August 9, 2009 Lochside Park, Bridge of Don ABERDEEN…1 CELTIC…1 (McDonald 34) CELTIC (4-4-2): Fay; MacMillan, Burns, McDonald, Penglase; Love, Bisland, Scott (McInally 75), Dempster; Grant, Hammill Subs not used: Ramsay, Seagrave CELTIC ladies endured a frustrating start to their league campaign after Aberdeen produced a brave defensive performance to hold the Hoops to a 1-1 draw on Sunday. With several new signings on show, the Hoops dominated the 90 minutes but couldn’t take advantage of a glut of chances they created. Captain Amy McDonald put Celtic into a 1-0 lead with a stunning long-range strike but Aberdeen equalised early in the second half, via a direct free-kick. Robert Docherty’s team regrouped after that setback and piled pressure on the Dons defence, but the winning goal proved elusive as both sides settled for a point. “It was hugely disappointing to draw the game,” said Docherty. “We dominated for long periods and, without exaggerating, we must have created 15 to 20 clear-cut chances. “We had about 10 one-on-ones with the goalkeeper, we hit the post, hit the bar, but we couldn’t find the goal to win the match. “Overall, I was pleased with the performance. Our attitude was excellent and we were good on the ball, but it was one of those days when you keep playing and can’t find a winner. There were a lot of positives but we were disappointed with the draw.” It was a much-changed Celtic side that took to the field against Aberdeen. Regulars Christie Murray, Leanne Crichton and Julie Ferguson were missing for a variety of reasons, while Jenny Beattie departed for Arsenal over the summer. On the plus side, new signings Gemma Fay, Tracy Burns, Amy McDonald, Suzanne Grant and Rebecca Dempster featured in the game and Docherty expects them all to play huge roles in the season ahead. “We feel we have strengthened through the spine of the team,” said Docherty. “We have added quality and I’m pleased with the way the squad is progressing. “It’s a shorter league this time around, because the women’s game is moving to summer football. We only play 11 league games this season and then the league kicks off again in March, when we will play a full 22-game campaign. “It all means this season's league title will be handed out in November, so that makes our draw against Aberdeen even more disappointing. But I have a lot of belief in the players and I’m confident we can make a mark this season. “Against Aberdeen, we couldn’t get the winner but the play was outstanding at times and I’m sure we’ll get stronger as the league progresses."