Celtic Ladies in four-goal triumph

CELTIC’S outgoing chairman Brian Quinn was an interested spectator at Barrowfield on Sunday, and he couldn’t have failed to be impressed as Celtic Ladies ran out 4-0 winners against Vale of Clyde in a match they dominated from start to finish.

Hayley Cunningham, Lauren Emmerson, Becky Stokes and Jenny Quigg all got on the score-sheet but it was an impressive team performance that secured all three points for the Hoops.

Within five minutes Celtic were ahead. Stokes split the defence open with a pass from the right and on-form striker Cunningham finished well on her left foot.

Just five minutes later the lead was doubled. Jo Love drove through the midfield before slipping a ball into the right channel and captain Stokes finished spectacularly, firing her shot low across the keeper.

In an effort to limit the damage Vale of Clyde sat in deep for the remainder of the half and while Celtic kept possession well and tried to force the play, they were only able to create a few half chances through the packed defensive line.

But the second half started as explosively as the first with Lauren Emmerson grabbing her goal on the 46-minute mark.

Christie Murray whipped in a dangerous cross and when the ball broke it was Emmerson who was on hand to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

Chances came and went through the half, with forwards Cunningham and Murray terrorising the Clyde defence with their quick movement and trickery but both failed to convert.

Jennifer Quigg finally made it 4-0 on 78 minutes with her first goal for the Hoops. Coming in from the right side she tucked a left-foot half volley into the bottom corner of the net.

Speaking after the game, manager John Holt said: “We scored some very good goals today which I am delighted with. The finishes were top class.

“Another three points is also pleasing and we’re getting better every week. It’s pleasing to see things that you work on with girls through the week get put into practice in the games.

“Jacqui Seagrave stood out for me again today at left back. Every week she is getting stronger and stronger.

“Jo Love was terrific through the middle and Suzanne Robertson, who played as a trialist today, had a good game at the back so that was good to see.

“Next week’s game against Hibernian is obviously going to be tough. I watched them last week in the League Cup final and they won convincingly.

“But we will set our stall out the way we want to play. We can’t go in afraid of them.”

Kayleigh Cameron