It was a cold day for the Glasgow Derby — Rangers headed to The Penny Cars Stadium for an away game against Celtic.
A fixture set in Scottish history for a number of reasons. Fran Alonso’s side were on the back of a 1-0 win from the ‘Old Firm’ match not a week earlier. Could they make it two for two?
Embed from Getty ImagesAn Early Lead
With Rangers kicking off at Airdrie, it didn’t take long for Jane Ross to slot one away after only two minutes gone. With a long chip over the Celtic keeper, the ball found the back of the neck with a soft ripple.
Celtic looked as though they were not ready for the starting whistle. Awakened by the quick goal, the Hoops nearly responded just two minutes later with a distant strike by Wellings, but the shot was just off target.
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth Rangers and Celtic had a fair few chances for the next ten minutes. With Celtic’s Bowie crossing the ball towards the net but hitting it over the bar and out. Lizzie Arnot also made a cross towards the box to find Ross, who headed the ball straight at the Celtic keeper.
Comfortable Possession
Rangers from the off looked like they had something to prove from the defeat seven days earlier. With the early goal and a fair few chances, they were out to win.
Celtic seemed rushed on the ball at times, and silly mistakes were made — giving away possession a number of times with passes not being accurate.
Gers pressed high and managed to contain their Glasgow Derby rivals within their own third for periods of a time.
Ross nearly made it 2-0 at the 22 minute mark, but hit the crossbar instead — a saving grace for Alonso’s Green and White.
Embed from Getty ImagesSecond Half, Same Story
Celtic started things off in the second half on a very cold, windy Glasgow night.
Again, it was Rangers who looked to score first through Ross on the 48th minute mark. The Celtic keeper did well however to keep her side in the running.
A corner in the Green and White’s favour saw a spectacular effort from Wellings, who went for the overhead kick, but unfortunately not on target.
Both Rangers and Celtic made changes in the second half, hoping an injection of fresh legs would go in their favour.
After a spate of tackles, it wasn’t a player who would be first to see a card. Fran Alonso was cautioned with a yellow card by the referee.
Rangers looked to utilise the frustration of the Celtic side with a spur of attempts at goal. A Lizzie Arnot header was saved and Kirsten Reilly hit target but the Celtic keeper did well to push onto the bar.
Embed from Getty ImagesSeeing It Out
With the 90 minute mark drawing closer, Rangers looked comfortable and in control. They slowed things and wind the clock down before snubbing Celtic of a late equaliser to take home all three points.
Embed from Getty Images
