Page 5 - Women's Spccer Scene Issue No.37 2021-22

Johnstone again pulled off an excellent stop to keep
out a great strike by Davidson from the edge of the area
but just two minutes later, Celtic had a glorious
opportunity to go back in front. Jacynta’s pass over the
City defence was chased down by Wellings who beat
Alexander to the ball but for once, the striker’s
composure let her down and she blazed wildly over the
bar with the goal gaping.
As the game entered injury time, it was City who
almost snatched a winner. Davidson broke down the left
to send in a teasing cross and the ball broke for Ode
Fulutudilu who looked destined to score but a superb
block by Celtic captain Kelly Clark deflected the ball over the bar.
Celtic hit back and with the last kick of the game, Izzy Atkinson’s strong run into the area ended
with her shot being blocked away by the outstretched leg of Alexander. The whistle sounded
moments later and the match went into extra time.
With the players on both sides rapidly tiring, the pace of the game inevitably slowed down in the
extra period and chances were fewer during the first period as a result. Celtic did have the ball in the
net on 103 minutes but play had been halted due to a City injury in the area, meaning that the
scoreline remained level going into the last period of play.
Penalties were beginning to loom on the horizon but with eight minutes remaining, Celtic were
to take the lead for the third time. Sarah Harkes worked herself some space in midfield before finding
Atkinson with a shrewd pass and the striker’s first touch was excellent to take her through on goal.
Atkinson kept her cool to slot the ball past Alexander and spark off wild Celtic celebrations.
City tried once again to level the scores and threw players forward in the last few minutes but a
determined Celtic defence, marshalled by Clark and the impressive Caitlin Hayes, kept them at bay
and they managed to safely negotiate three additional minutes to secure a hard earned victory.
Celtic therefore ended the campaign with two trophies and a third place finish in the league,
whilst City will undoubtedly be back and remain major contenders for silverware in the future.
Celtic: Rachael Johnstone, Cheyenne Shorts, Caitlin Hayes, Jodie Bartle, Kelly Clark, Clarissa
Larisey (sub Izzy Atkinson 84mins), Olivia Chance, Sarah Harkes (sub Natalie Ross 119mins),
Mengyu Shen, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi (sub Chloe Craig 77mins), Charlie Wellings (sub Tegan
Bowie 117mins). Subs not used: India Marwaha, Tyler Toland, Annie Timoney.
Glasgow City: Lee Alexander, Hayley Lauder (sub Tyler Dodds 112mins), Megan Foley, Claire
Walsh, Jenna Clark, Mairead Fulton (sub Niamh Farrelly 21mins), Priscilla Chinchilla, Agata
Filipa, Lauren Davidson, Clare Shine (sub Vital Kats 81mins), Abbi Grant (sub Ode Fulutudilu
71mins). Subs not used: Erin Clachers, Julia Nolin, Mya Bates.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLIN POULTNEY/COLLARGEIMAGES.CO.UK

Issue no. 37 - 2 June 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk