Partick Thistle 0-5 Celtic FC Women – Doubles from Agnew and the Goal Machine

The Celtic opener was only delayed by a few minutes as Caitlin Hayes found the early breakthrough when a perfect delivery from Chloe Craig was directed into the back of the net by out-stretched leg of the Irish international defender. Although it wasn’t her trademark header, it was a clever goal from the Barrowfields training ground.

Tash Flint was fighting hard to get her name on there as well but Thistle were doing well to keep her at bay. It didn’t last too long though as the Goal Machine doubled Celtic’s advantage after smashing it home at the second attempt.

Murphy Agnew found the third goal of the afternoon as she slotted a pinpoint shot into the bottom corner of the net. And to end off the half, a through ball was latched onto by Flint, who rounded the goalkeeper and tapped it into an empty net.

Celtic were sensational in that first half with Thistle glad to get into the dressing room having only conceding four.

Tash Flint made way at half-time for Kit Loferski, who hit the ground running as she immediately got herself involved in the attacking play. She had found the back of the net but her goal was ruled out for an alleged foul on the Thistle defender. It was a harsh call but one we would have been shouting for at the other end.

Grabbing her second of the afternoon and the Celts’ fifth, the ball dropped to Agnew who sent it flying past Megan Cunningham.

The American almost scored again after being set up by Loferski, but her shot went just wide of the post. She was having her best match yet in a Celtic jersey as Elena Sadiku’s squad seems to be getting stronger as this season progresses – a bit like the men’s team too when you think about it.

In the 73rd minute, Lisa Robertson made her return to action, replacing Natalie Ross. It’s fantastic to see her out on the pitch again and hopefully, there will be more to come from the new mum – lovely to see baby Robertson in the Hoops with his mum at the end of the game.

No more goals to speak of but a brilliant performance to brush Thistle aside. This keeps us one point behind theRangers, with everything to play for considering there is still a Glasgow derby to be played this season.

Reflecting on the dominant victory, Elena Sadiku said: “We played amazing football, we created lots of chances, we scored a lot of goals, and we kept their goals at zero. I’m happy and proud of the girls.

“We said before the game that we should show what we’re here to do. We know already that if we perform good, then the goals will come in. I think that their goalkeeper had a great game, we should’ve scored more goals. Kit had two, maybe three, great chances but the crossbar was in their favour today. Other than that though, great performance.

“This is why we train. We love playing games and everything that we do in training is always leading towards the game. It’s nice that we have two games coming up in the week and it’s just about making sure the players are fresh and playing well.

“[Lisa Robertson’s] game has been amazing in training. I’m a bit shocked how well she’s been doing after delivering a baby! Her mindset is also amazing. She deserved to play today, it’s not just me being nice and giving her the opportunity because she deserves it. It feels like we have a new player and I’m really pleased to have that.

“We’ve been talking about it [the game on Wednesday versus Hibs at Airdrie]. We keep on getting good performances and good results, so we just have to look ahead now. The girls can be happy with the performance, it’s time for recovery and when we train on Tuesday, it’s just about the next game.”

Double-goalscorer Murphy Agnew also spoke on the game, saying: “Good three points, good to score a lot of goals, we always want to keep our goal difference up. Fantastic by the team. I always want to contribute in any way I can, whether that’s assisting or scoring goals.

“We always want to give our best and this game was especially important for all of us since it was Lisa’s first game back on the field in about a year. We really wanted to get the win for her, and we did that. She’s worked so hard, done so many good things, it’s so impressive and she’s a role model and inspiration for everyone on the team.

“If we win the rest of our games, we’ll win the league, so that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Well, Murphy said it herself. All we need to do is win the remainder of our games and we will secure our first ever SWPL title. That would be huge, and I have every belief that this group of players can do it!

Celtic return to action on Wednesday as we take on Hibs at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie. That game kicks off at 19:45 so make sure that if you can make it, you’re there to give the Ghirls a cheer!

Here are the five Celtic goals from today…

1-0 to Celtic FC Women – Caitlin Hayes gives Celtic the lead!

2-0 to Celtic FC Women – The Goal Machine doubles Celtic’s lead

3-0 to Celtic FC Women – Murphy Agnew makes it three

4-0 to Celtic FC Women – A second of the afternoon for the Goal Machine

5-0 to Celtic FC Women – Murphy Agnew gets her second with a cute finish

Jessica Elliott