The Dons went into the first game of the season against rising stars Celtic with the memory of the last game against them where they lost 8 – 1, determined to avoid a drubbing again.

 

Aberdeen started well with some good passing football to get into the Celtic box but the Hoops defence closed in to snuff the move. Celtic opened the scoring after an error between P Scott and Hamill saw a pass played back which Celtic’s Murray ran onto and crossed in for MCINALLY to plant in the net three minutes in.

 

The Reds applied some pressure at the other end but the Celts defence held firm then broke forward, a well timed tackle from Murray ending the threat. The Dons were moving the ball around well switching wings and pushing forward but in the last third there was little threat. A cross in from Martin teased Fitzpatrick but Celtic stopper Johnstone snatched the ball in the air.

 

It was fairly even at this point, Aberdeen passing through midfield to attack and Celtic pushing to half way then playing long to their strikers. Several times they picked them out but the well organised Dons defence either caught then offside or closed them down. Celtic almost went two ahead as a long shot from the left was parried, Hammil pounced on the rebound but Taylor blocked a certain goal.

 

Aberdeen’s defensive tactics were working well with Celtic forced into playing the ball around at the back looking for an opening which was proving hard to find. A half chance for Aberdeen, Hamill on the end of a long pass but her headed attempt was blocked by Beattie. Campbell then found Fitzpatrick in the box but again the Celtic keeper was first to the ball.

 

For Celtic, a delicate chip from Hamill fell to Crichton in a dangerous position, but Campbell held her up long enough for Small to clear. Aberdeen had a couple of breaks forward the best of which saw Martin, Hamill and P. Scott combine to reach S, Scott but she was intercepted by Stokes to kill the attack.

 

Half Time Aberdeen 0 – Celtic 1

 

Wright replaced S. Scott at half time in the lone striker role. Celtic pushed forward early with a couple of long balls into the box but Murray was caught offside both times. Aberdeen replied with a lob from Hamill which Wright ran onto but she was tackled by Malone. Celtic’s Beattie sought out Murray with a long pass which was crossed in but was intercepted and a corner conceded. The corner was sent in, Taylor and Beattie rose together to meet, the ball fell to ground and GEMMELL netted for Celtic in the 53^rd minute.

 

Aberdeen had a free kick 40 yards out but Celtic cleared easily then went on the attack again but still failing to beat the offside trap. Aberdeen had a chance, Martin seeking out Wright in the box, she twisted and turned then laid off for Fitzpatrick to strike but her shot was blocked. Celtic still looked the more dangerous on the attack, a long ball to McInally threatening but Campbell shepherded it out.

 

Celtic’s third came on 83 minutes as HAMMIL pounced on a short kick out then strode forward and passed into the net. Djahansouzi came on for Wright with 5 minutes to play and the game now beyond Aberdeen.

 

   

Aberdeen Team :-

Kandy Johnston, Loren Campbell, Jenni Taylor (Angela Waite), Rachel Small, Susan Murray, Claire Martin, Rachel Gauld, Rachel Hamill, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Paula Scott, Sharon Scott (Nikki Wright, Neda Djahansouzi).

DaveU, 16 August 2008