CELTIC won only their second trophy in women's football when a headed goal by Caitlin Hayes midway through the first half delivered the SWPL Cup at Firhill. It was a dominant performance by the winning side, and a very poor one from Glasgow City who barely tested 17-year-old Celtic goalkeeper Rachael Johnstone.
The result was particularly satisfying for winning captain Kelly Clark. The central defender is the only survivor of the side which lost 9-0 to Hibernian in the 2018 final, and has gone through other difficult times with the club.
“It was fully deserved.” the chartered accountant summed up. “We were excellent and could have scored a couple more.
“We had the hardest possible run to get to the final. We've beaten Rangers, Hibs and now City.
“We're on the way up and I honestly think the sky's the limit for us. We get doubted quite often and we're continuing to put the critics to bed.
“The bus here felt different, the changing room felt different – everything felt like we were going to come out flying. The warm up was excellent and it was all proved in the opening 15 minutes when we absolutely flew out of the traps.
“Losing that final to Hibs was a really tough time for me. I'll never thing about it again after winning this one.”
Celtic could have taken the lead in the opening 90 seconds but Lee Alexander tipped a Charlie Wellings header against her near post. The Scotland goalkeeper had no chance for what proved to be the winning goal, again from a header when Hayes powerfully directed Sarah Harkes' free kick into the net.
Alexander made three more important saves while just about the only decent City attempt was a Claire Welsh header which hit the bar above Johnstone.
City head coach Eileen Gleeson said after only her third game in charge: “Lee Alexander was the player of the match for us and we have to learn from this disappointment and move forward.”
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