Triple save earns Celtic FC Women a point against Champions Hibs | OneFootball

Celtic FC Women drew 1-1 with Champions Hibernian in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, with Natalie Ross being the goalscorer for Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side…

David Haley and Elena Sadiku look on. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Hibs got off to a quick start, earning themselves a few corners in the early stages as they tried to put Celtic on the back foot. Their fans were clearly enjoying it as they were loud in backing their team, but with 10 minutes on the clock, it was the Celts who found the breakthrough.

Morgan Cross sent it to the far post where Maria McAneny was waiting. Although she was marked, she managed to get the ball and knock a great cross back into the centre of the box. Despite being surrounded, Natalie Ross managed to get her head on it and nod it past the goalkeeper.

Natalie Ross scores. Image Celtic FC Women

There was action at both ends for the remainder of the first half, but Celtic took the narrow lead into half-time.

As the second half kicked off, Celtic broke through as a long ball was sent to Cross. She managed to keep the chance alive despite being faced with defenders, but it was eventually knocked out for a corner that came to nothing.

Both sides had a few more chances and the game was still high tempo as we entered the final 20 minutes.

In the Hibs box, Cross played it to Aislin Streicek, who took it well and looked to shoot. Although the defender blocked her initial shot, she had a second attempt, which looked certain to go in. The keeper moved well to get her hands on it to claim it.

Natalie Ross on the ball for Celtic FC Women. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Up the Celtic end, Emma Lawton was moving up to attack but was caught out as Hibs reclaimed possession. This allowed the attacker to enter a pocket of space, but that attack was quickly shut down. However, we wouldn’t be that lucky for long.

Shortly after Hibs struck the crossbar from a corner, they saw themselves with another promising attack. Hibs managed to break away after winning back the ball in the midfield and although Kelly Clark got to the through ball initially, it was Kathleen McGovern who stole it back. Clark and Claire Walsh fumbled to try and recover but couldn’t do so in time, as Lisa Rodgers came rushing out, making it easy for McGovern to slot it into the back of the net.

Now, searching for the winner, Hibs went to another level as they desperately attacked Celtic. But it was Sadiku’s side who would be presented with the next notable chance as McAneny forced the Hibs goalkeeper into an incredible save.

There was even more action in the four added minutes at the end though as Hibs looked like they were going to grab all three points. It was a Rodgers triple save that proved to be what would keep the game level, and give Celtic a point against the reigning champions.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, Sadiku said: “I feel disappointed after the game, especially after the first half. [How Celtic invited Hibs in the second half] is a big disappointment. I don’t think we established the play in their half in the second.

“At the same time, Rodgers saves us at the end of the game, because they could have won. So fair, maybe 1-1, but still disappointed.”

The Celtic Star asked Sadiku her thoughts on Rodgers’ massive triple save at the end. She said: “I’m just impressed. We have a 19-year-old in the goal, and she’s making a huge impact. She’s showing her strengths.

“As a 19-year-old, to play as a first goalkeeper for a big club like Celtic, it shows the potential and how good she is already. I’m really proud of Lisa, I think those saves say it all. She makes those saves at the end of the game, she’s switched on. Very important for us.”

We also asked Sadiku about Momo’s performance, which we’ve highlighted as the standout. She said: “I think Momo is a class player. I’m very proud of the steps she’s been taking at Celtic. For me, it’s just about making her more and more brave, making sure that she feels free on the field because she’s so creative.

“We need creative players, especially with how we want to play. We want to play forward, we want to create chances, and that’s what makes me disappointed because we don’t make enough chances to score goals. But Momo could be that link-up play that makes us make more chances, so happy with Momo.”

POST MATCH THOUGHTS FROM JESSICA…

A decent Celtic performance but one that still highlights some weaker areas of the squad. With many attackers we still have out, and Sadiku’s clear disappointment with the creativity of the squad, that is cause for concern. Thankfully, there are also positives too, with Momo and, particularly, Hannah Luke looking like phenomenal playing options.

I have to say, I disagree with one fan’s sentiment at the ground today that Sadiku’s managerial performance is “Russell Martin level” as there are promising signs at Celtic. This is a project, and we have to accept that we aren’t going to immediately be world beaters

Although there is, of course, massive expectations, we need to remind ourselves that Sadiku won us the league title not two seasons ago, and is still trying to get the players that fit her system, which she has only really started to play this season.

Celtic face Montrose next in the SWPL at Links Park, on Sunday 28 September and the match has a 1pm kick-off.