Fran Alonso’s Celtic welcomed Aberdeen to the Excelsior Stadium in what was another comfortable victory for the Ghirls.

It was an exciting occasion for some of the Ghirls. New signing Hana Kerner made her Celtic debut as Academy star Claire Goldie was handed her first senior start.

It was a slower start than usual from Alonso’s side as they struggled to break the deadlock. Other than crossed into the box from Goldie and Shen Mengyu, the hosts failed to get the ball at front of goal.

This changed as the first half was nearing its end. Defender Chloe Craig headed it home from an exceptional ball in from Maria McAneny, from the corner spot. 

The first half came to an end and the scoreline remained unchanged. Alonso clearly gave the Ghirls an encouraging half time team talk as the team came out more determined to finish off the game. 

A great chance at goal from Goldie early on in the half lit the spark for the hosts as 10 minutes later, their lead was doubled. 

Ireland international Claire O’Riordan hit home the second goal of the afternoon and it was another goal from a set piece. Aberdeen keeper’ Anna-Lisa McCann got an initial hand to the ball but it ultimately wasn’t enough as the ball still hit the back of the net.

Substitute Kerner came on for her debut and caused problems for the Aberdeen defense as the team continued to build momentum. 

Celtic managed to triple the lead and it was the final goal of the game. Goldie picked up the ball from Liv Chance on the left side and drove in to hit the ball into the box for Natalie Ross to side foot the ball beyond McCann to secure all three points.

When speaking on the match, Alonso said : “We were a different team in the second half, and we made it very difficult for them to defend against us.” 

After a sensational display on her first senior start , Goldie gave her thoughts on the match , She said : “I’m just happy to help the team get another goal and it was a great finish by Nats in the end.”

“It’s been a great experience and I’ve learned a lot and really developed as a player in a short space of time.”