Comeback rattles Rangers, but what a chance Celtic had to win it | OneFootball

SWPL1 – theRANGERS 2 CELTIC 2…

Celtic stage a stunning comeback in the first Glasgow derby of the season as we share the points with theRangers at Broadwood.

Kirsty Howat netted in the fourth minute to open the scoring. The ball fell to her on the edge of the area after a misplaced Celtic header and her first-time volley evaded Kelsey Daugherty whose vision was restricted by a Rangers player standing two yards offside. However the goal was given.

GOAL! 1-0 Kirsty Howat of Rangers opens the scoring with only 5 mins on the clock during the ScottishPower Womens Premier League 2024/25 Season. Rangers vs Celtic. Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, 03/10/2024. Image Credit: Colin Poultney/SWPL

The visitors were kept relatively quiet by theRangers as the first half went on, with no Celtic player able to find a meaningful breakthrough. TheRangers goalkeeper made a good save to deny the Celts from a corner as the game approached the break but nothing else really tested her.

Elena Sadiku’s squad looked like they could find a goal as the second half got underway. Murphy Agnew and Morgan Cross were pushing at the front, while Kelly Clark, Bruna Lourenço and Caitlin Hayes were staying strong at the back.

Natalie Ross of Celtic under pressure from Olivia McLoughlin of Rangers during the ScottishPower Womens Premier League 2024/25 Season. Rangers vs Celtic. Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, 03/10/2024. Image Credit: Colin Poultney/SWPL

But as the hosts started to push forward again, a referee decision changed the game. A cross was sent into the box and he ruled that the ball had hit Emma Lawton’s arm inside of the box.

Despite it not looking like it was inside of the box, there was nothing to do as there is no VAR in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, meaning that the referee’s decision stood. Katie Wilkinson stepped up to the spot and converted to make it two. Television replays later showed the handball to be outside the area.

Kelly Clark of Celtic shields the ball from Rio Hardy of Rangers during the ScottishPower Womens Premier League 2024/25 Season. Rangers vs Celtic. Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, 03/10/2024. Image Credit: Colin Poultney/SWPL

With just over 20 minutes to go, it went the other way as a Celtic player was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot in theRangers’ box. Substitute Saoirse Noonan stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

And there was more action to come as with three minutes to go, Celya Barclais, another substitute, smashed a loose ball off the post and in to equalise for Celtic on Glasgow Derby day.

The Celts tried to push for a late winner and Noonan had the chance in the dying embers. The Celtic Star Editor earlier today had predicted a scoreline of theRangers 2 Celtic 3 and it looked for one magical moment that it was actually going to happen. Noonan unfortunately didn’t get over the ball and it sailed over the crossbar with the goal at her mercy. However, the Irish striker showed why she deserves to be starting for her impact on the match, yet again.

Kelly Clark of Celtic ties to stop Kirsty Howat of Rangers getting away during the ScottishPower Womens Premier League 2024/25 Season. Rangers vs Celtic. Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, 03/10/2024. Image Credit: Colin Poultney/SWPL

So with the first derby ending all square, Celtic still sit third in the table, two points behind theRangers and one point behind Glasgow City, but they still have to play each other in this first round of fixtures, so points will be dropped and Celtic can take advantage.

GOAL 2-1 Saoirse Noonan of Celtic immediately strikes back during the ScottishPower Womens Premier League 2024/25 Season. Rangers vs Celtic. Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, 03/10/2024. Image Credit: Colin Poultney/SWPL

Elena Sadiku will hope that her side can get one over on arch-rival Jo Potter’s side the next time as Celtic desperately want to retain the title and return to the Champions League next season via the Champions route.

Jessica Elliott

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