IT was business as usual for Glasgow City as an improved second half performance allowed them to ease past Celtic in Scott Booth’s first game as head coach. They remain top of the SWPL on goal difference from Hibs, who beat Aberdeen 2-0 at Albyn Park.
It was a mixed display from the eight-time champions, who struggled to break down a well-organised Celtic side. The visitors’ first lapse in concentration proved highly costly, with Abbi Grant’s goal in the dying embers of the first half prompting the better showing by City in the second.
“We started a bit nervously and our passing could have been better in the first half,” Booth, who was appointed on Tuesday, said.
“When we got the goal you could feel the players settle. “Sometimes you get a bit of luck, but what I did like was that Abbi got herself into a good position to take advantage.”
With their game plan torn up at the worst possible moment, Celtic were outplayed after the interval and could have suffered a worse fate than the further goals from Clare Shine and Lauren McMurchie. “Our passing and movement was better, and we were still aggressive with our pressing, which didn’t allow Celtic to settle,” Booth said. “I was pleased with Clare’s finish.
“It was a great goal and will do her confidence a lot of good.” Celtic head coach David Haley had a similar view of the game to Booth’s. “I thought we did enough in the first half to go in 0-0, but the second half they completely dominated and I don’t think there was any doubt about the result,” he said.
A dull first half saw City gradually take control thanks largely to an outstanding performance by midfielder Erin Cuthbert, a week after her 17th birthday.
The ex-Rangers player was at the heart of every positive move and Booth confirmed: “She is a fantastic talent with energy and a good touch. She’s aggressive defensively and very aware of the game around her.” Just as it seemed certain the stalemate would continue into the second half, City went ahead. After all their organised defending it was a bad goal for Celtic to lose. Hayley Lauder’s low cross should never have been allowed to reach Grant, but when it did the goal was inevitable.
A presentation to City’s most decorated player, Emma Black, who has announced her retirement, preceded a better second period in which the champions took complete command.
The opening 60 seconds produced more chances than the previous 45 minutes, but Grant and Shine failed to punish Celtic. The latter made amends with a cracking left foot volley following Leanne Ross’s corner in the 62nd minute. The City captain was also the provider for the third when her free kick was met by McMurchie’s downward header. It squirmed through Celtic goalkeeper Laura Hamilton’s gloves and into the net.
At Albyn Park, Lizzie Arnott and Abi Harrison scored the goals which keep Hibs hot on the heels of the champions.
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