There’s something particularly satisfying about watching your team come from behind in an Old Firm game. Doing it quickly then firing five behind? Now that’s a Derby to savour as Rangers Women beat Celtic.
Three Old Firms in three weeks, and three wins is something truly remarkable. Ladies, you deserve an applause. You saw the gents going out and getting a win, then deciding you could do better.
Rangers Women produced a magnificent response at Broadwood yesterday, recovering from an early Celtic goal and then surviving another fightback before absolutely blowing their rivals away in the second half.
Rangers beat Celtic convincingly
This wasn’t a smash and grab, this was a Rangers side that showed character, quality and when the game opened up sheer attacking ruthlessness.
Celtic had gone unbeaten, until Leanne Crichton’s women showed up. For a few minutes, Rangers supporters could be forgiven for thinking that Celtic Ladies were going to spoil our Old Firm Party. 12 minutes in and we were 1-0 down, it was a defensive lapse. However, this Rangers team aren’t easily rattled and the response was immediate.
Enter Jodi McLeary, a tremendous volley to put us level. Then came her second only minutes later. Celtic gave the ball away, McLeary pounced, and Rangers Women were 2-1 up. Comeback completed.. That’s until Celtic came out in the second half fighting and found their equaliser. Game on again.
Rangers Women and character
You’re right — that shifts the meaning.
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We can say a lot about character. The sheer drive, determination and downright grit that is needed in an Old Firm, normally you find it in the most seasoned of Derby players. In this instance, welcome Hannah Blake. An Old Firm rookie subbed on in the 57th minute only to coolly find the back of the net in the 59th. Beating the keeper and finishing in the bottom corner.
Now what an Old Firm debut that is.
A fourth by Kirsty Wilkinson and we had breathing space. Breathing space turned into five merely two minutes later when a Berry and Smith combination fed a clever pass to Brookshire. Bottom Corner, done. Brookshire’s goal was a fitting conclusion to the game, her performance was full of energy, direct running and attacking intent. An influence like that is hard to come by in games.
Putting five behind your rivals isn’t something most do, but Rangers Women beat Celtic and did it in style yesterday. Currently sitting top of league and unbeaten. Keep up the good work Ladies!