Celtic LFC v Queens Park LFC - Premier League - Sunday 20th. April 2008

Five-Star Victory For Celtic Ladies

CELTIC LADIES came from behind twice on Sunday at Barrowfield against Queen’s Park to eventually win 5-3.

Goals from Suzanne Malone, Hayley Cunningham, Christie Murray and a brace from Jo Love secured the vital three points that keeps them third in the Women’s Premier League, just ahead of Kilmarnock and Edinburgh City who also both picked up three points in their weekend fixtures.

Both sides struggled to contend with the strong gusty wind but it was the visitors who took a shock lead on 10 minutes.

Although the conditions were not conducive to Celtic’s passing game, they forced there way back and pulled level on 41 minutes. Suzanne Malone latched onto Becky Stokes’ through ball and slotted home.

However, the lead was short-lived and on the stroke of half-time Queen’s Park turned in a goalmouth scramble.

A more composed and patient Celtic side came out in the second half and after a few missed opportunities some terrific goals ensued.

On 54 minutes Stokes’ header fell to Clare Gemmell who played a measured pass over the defence. Jo Love made a bursting run from midfield and finished sublimely on the half-volley.

Minutes later Gemmell was once again involved in some terrific build-up play. Her driving run from midfield left her through on goal.

Having found herself slightly wide after knocking the ball round the keeper, she slid it to Cunningham at the back post who put the Hoops ahead for the first time in the game. And it wasn’t long before Christie Murray stretched the lead further with a terrific individual effort.

Teasing the defence with her quick feet and trickery, Murray danced into the box before cutting back on to her favoured right foot and smashing home from an acute angle.

The visitors pulled one back against the run of play but Celtic made the points safe when Hayley Cunningham’s lofted free-kick was headed home by Jo Love.

Head coach Brian Delaney was delighted with the three points and his side’s second half performance in particular. He said: “The conditions were terrible for both sides but in the first half we were guilty of being very impatient and rushing the play.

“We were disappointed with the goals we gave away but we came out in the second half the far stronger team. We kept good possession, scored some terrific goals and I felt the girls showed great character.

“They were left terribly disappointed with the postponement of last week’s semi-final. We had done a lot of preparation for that game and the girls were really buzzing for it.

“We now won’t play the semi-final for a few weeks, which is disappointing, but we will look forward to it for sure.”
 

Kayleigh Cameron