Glasgow City are through to the next round of the Premier League Cup following their 8-0 thrashing of rivals Celtic.
Dominating from the start, City continued to control play throughout – allowing their opponents and League Cup holders only one opening throughout the whole game, a set piece free kick which was hit wide of target.
A number of attempts from City almost opened their account early on, with shots from Jo Love, Christie Murray (pictured right) and Lisa Evans in particular just not quite enough to start the scoring. However, a penalty was awarded to City following Celtic defender Kirsten McGuire’s handling of the ball – the ever reliable Leanne Ross stepped up, firing past her international team mate, Gemma Fay, to put her side in front.
City’s second goal marked the beginning of a spell of superb attacking play. After receiving a great pass from Lisa Evans, City Captain Rachel Corsie expertly controlled the ball on her chest before hitting a low shot into the corner of the net.
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There was just enough time for City to secure a final goal of the half, taking to 3-0 at the break. Arguably the goal of the match, it followed a brilliant passing display from the home side with Leanne Ross striding into the box and hitting a low effort past Fay on target.
With Celtic defenders recovering to try and clear the ball off the line, City full back Emma Mitchell got there first to ensure the ball was fired into the back of the net.
Half time 3-0.
Just two minutes after the restart and Mitchell recovered her first half momentum, making it 4-0 with a great individual goal. Going on a mazy run past three defenders, the Scotland Under 19 international shot past Fay to put her team well ahead.
Jo Love almost got her competitive debut goal when she hit a fantastic effort off the post from outside the box, but her unsuccessful effort was not enough to keep City down, as it was soon 5-0 with Mitchell getting her hat-trick. Controlling an Emma Fernon cross, the young full back again proved her ability to strike the ball into the back of the net.
Lisa Evans was on target with number six, resulting in a smooth finish inside the box. Just after Christie Murray thought she had made it number seven, but her strike was chopped off for offside. It was not to be the pint size strikers day in front of goal, as she had earlier hit the bar after some dazzling skills at the edge of the box had seen her skip past numerous defenders before hitting an unstoppable effort which came back off the upright.
Goal number seven did eventually come with a brilliant 25 yard effort from Jane Ross which rocketed into the top corner, leaving Fay no chance and Corsie rounded off a great team performance, getting the credit for goal eight.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said: “We were really pleased with the girls today. They did everything we asked of them and their movement and passing was fantastic.
“We won’t get too carried away with the result, but it was an excellent start and something we will look to build on as the season progresses.”
In the other first round ties, the weather meant postponement of Inverness v Hamilton Accies and Falkirk v Rangers. Spartans survived the freeze to edge out Forfar Farmington 3-2. A hat-trick for Scotland striker Diana Barry put the Edinburgh side through, with Julie Scott and Nicola Davidson replying for the visitors.
Glasgow City 8 v 0 Celtic: Emma Mitchell (3), Rachel Corsie (2), Leanne Ross (1), Lisa Evans (1), Jane Ross (1)
Spartans 3 v 2 Forfar Farmington: Spartans – Diana Barry (3). Forfar – Julia Scott (1), Nicola Davidson (1)
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Image credit: Lorraine Hill
