Sunderland 2-0 Celtic FC Women – Behind closed doors defeat for Ghirls

Celtic started the game with Rodgers; Lawton, Clark, Walsh, Richardson; Momo, McAneny; Cross, Watson, Westin and Noonan. On the bench was Logan, Ross, Gallacher, Smith, Dawson, McGoldrick and an unnamed trialist.

The home side opened the scoring early through Dale. She was played in by Reanne Blades, and struck from the edge of the area.

Sunderland took the 1 nil lead into the break and the club reported that Celtic were looking to create the equaliser early in the half. Nothing came though, and the English side held their lead.

On the 55 minute mark, last season’s top scorer Saoirse Noonan made way for the unnamed trialist. Could this indicate that Elena Sadiku may be scouting for a new striker? Or was this simply a tactical change that required Noonan to make way?

In the 79th minute, Sunderland slotted another past the goalkeeper, making it 2-0. There would be no further goals.

A defeat on the road but “more valuable minutes in the legs”, quote from the club, ahead of Celtic’s season opener in the capital.

The reaction on social media to the loss has been far from pleasant, with criticism towards Celtic for failing to bring in anymore players. The only talent added to Sadiku’s squad so far is Lisa Robertson and Claire Walsh. Compare that to other SWPL sides, such as Glasgow City, who have made five good signings so far.

With that being said, there is still time for signings as the transfer window doesn’t close until 9 September. There is also the domestic loan window, which opens on 10 September and closes on 7 October.

No more news to bring you on future pre-season fixtures, but let’s hope the next will be available to attend or watch.

Don’t forget that Celtic Women kick off their SWPL campaign against Hearts on 17 August and that match will be shown on BBC Sport Scotland.

Hopefully there will be a number of new signings coming in before then as we have added only two new signings despite 10 players leaving the club at the end of that disastrous campaign last season with Celtic ending up with a fourth place finish in the SWPL, hitherto though of as a three horse race.

Jessica Elliott