An Irish double gives Celtic victory in Sweden | OneFootball

Pre-season friendlySaturday, August 3, 2024Stockholm Stadium, SwedenDJURGARDEN…1

CELTIC… 2(Hayes 88, Noonan 90)

Celtic FC Women kicked of the first of two matches in Sweden with late victory as they ran out 2-1 winners over Djurgarden in Stockholm.

After falling behind to a superb strike, victory appeared to be heading the home side’s way. However, two late goals from Irish duo, Caitlin Hayes and Saoirse Noonan turned the match on its head.

It was the home side who started the game brighter, but given they are currently in the middle of their season, that was understandable, but the Celtic defence did well to withstand the early pressure.

However, as the half wore on the Hoops grew into the match, starting to string some passes together as they continued to press the game really well.

The majority of the chance for the Celts were coming from wide areas, with Lucy Ashworth-Clifford causing problems for Djurgarden down the left-hand side.

Going up against the Swedish side was proving to be a great test for Elena Sadiku’s squad, who were putting in a positive pre-season showing as they headed into the break.

That continued going into the second half, with both teams creating opportunities in what was a competitive friendly outing.

Caitlin Hayes denied what looked to be a certain goal for Djurgarden when she produced a superb headed clearance off the line.

The Celts soon replied with a huge chance of their own as Jenny Smith’s cross found the run of Ashworth-Clifford at the back post. On the stretch, the goalkeeper produced a fantastic save to deny Celtic the first goal of the game.

Celtic continued to have chances as the game went on too, with substitute Murphy Agnew seeing an effort well-saved.

Summer signing, Shannon McGregor, also came close to her first goal in green and white, looking to catch the goalkeeper out with a first-time effort from a loose pass, which went just narrowly by the post.

However, as the game approached the final 10 minutes, it was Djurgarden who would open the scoring.

A superb solo strike left Lisa Rodgers with no chance, as the powerful effort from distance hit the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.

But Elena Sadiku's side refused to accept defeat, scoring twice in the last two minutes of the match.

First, Caitlin Hayes latched on to a long ball, getting in ahead of the goalkeeper, before tapping home the equaliser. And then striker Saoirse Noonan grabbed the winner in the last minute, showing great composure to slot the ball home to make it 2-1 to Celtic.

Next up the Ghirls face a second match in Stockholm before the season opener next week as they face Hammarby on Wednesday.

CELTIC: Daugherty (Rodgers 46), Gallacher (Noonan 77), Smith (Barclais 67), S.Carstens (Cavanagh 60), McGregor (Richardson 86), Clark (Craig 60), Hayes, Ashworth-Clifford (Kerner 67), Bruna (Luana 86), Goldie, McAneny (Agnew 46).Subs: M.Carstens