A ruthlessly efficient performance from Celtic Women saw them annihilate Dundee United 9-0, making a huge statement in the early part of the season.
Back on ☁️9️⃣!
🍀9-0🔶#CELDUN | #SWPL | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/JE4geM7zFB
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) August 27, 2023
Goals came from all over the pitch, proving Celtic’s strength in depth and sending a clear message to the rest of the league. The team have been in great form in front of goal, with 30 goals in the first four matches of the SWPL season.
From the first whistle, Celtic were on the front foot. Six minutes in, Maria McAneny opened the scoring with a tricky corner that found the side netting. Dundee United had barely recovered when Natalie Ross doubled the lead five minutes later, slotting in a cross from Partido, who had done well to keep the ball in play on the wing.
The third goal followed suit, courtesy of an in-form Chloe Craig, who flicked the ball in from close range after an inviting cross from Hayes. Celtic were in dreamland, and it wasn’t even 20 minutes in.
Colette Cavanagh added her name to the scoresheet in the 24th minute with a well-timed header at the back post, once again assisted by Partido. Then came a delightful free-kick routine in the 32nd minute, which was expertly finished by Tiree Burchill to make it 5-0.
Natalie Ross netted her second goal of the game just before halftime, picking the ball up near the 18-yard box and smashing a brilliant high finish to put Celtic up 6-0 at the break.
If anyone thought Celtic would take their foot off the pedal in the second half, they were mistaken. Amy Gallacher extended the lead in the 63rd minute, winning a free-kick near the box and drilling it low through a crowded penalty area to make it 7-0.
Then came a moment to remember for 15-year-old Amy Sharkey, who scored her first senior goal in the 80th minute after capitalising on a poor passback from the Dundee United defence.
The relentless Celtic weren’t done yet. A corner in the 84th minute saw Kit Loferski rise highest to head home, capping off a 9-0 win that will long be remembered by fans and players alike.
Celtic Women showcased their offensive firepower and tactical discipline, from set pieces to open play.
Defensively, Celtic looked solid, rarely allowing Dundee United to venture into dangerous areas. Young Amy Sharkey’s first senior goal adds another layer of excitement for what already looks like a promising season for Celtic Women.
