Three superb strikes hand Ghirls three points in home opener

SWPL Sunday, August 23, 2026Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex CELTIC…3 (Howe 83, McAneny 87, Fisher 90+1) MONTROSE…0 Celtic FC Women left it late, in what was a dominant performance from the Ghirls as they ran out 3-0 winners over Montrose. Goals from Casey Howe, Maria McAneny and Issy Fisher sealed the three points for the Hoops in their opening home fixture of the campaign. It was the beginning of a new era for Grant Scott’s side, who played out their first fixture at their new home in Kirkintilloch. Following on from last weekend’s impressive 2-1 win over Glasgow City, Scott named an unchanged side. In fact, it was almost an unchanged squad, apart from the returning Maria McAneny, who was named in the matchday squad for the first time since April 1. It was a dominant performance from the Hoops throughout, who probed almost straight from the off. Last weekend, the Celts showcased their impressive ability from set plays and were unfortunate not to open the scoring in that fashion. A glanced header from Claire Walsh went just narrowly passed the post, with the ball coming within inches of landing in the bottom corner. Celtic were putting plenty of pressure on the Montrose goal and would strike the woodwork on no fewer than three occasions in the opening 45. Issy Fisher was unfortunate not to grab her first goal in the Hoops, curling an effort off the post, before Fi Morgan was also unlucky to see a strike from distance come off the up-right. As the half drew to a close, it was Amy Gallacher who would then come closest, with a free-kick right on the edge of the area. But once again, it was the woodwork which would deny Celtic, with the ball coming off the crossbar before being cleared. Heading into the second half, it was much of the same dominance for Celtic, who went close early in the half. Claire Walsh was once again the player to narrowly miss the target, smashing a volley just passed the post. Montrose did look to try and hit on the break and have chances of their own. At one stage, the away side even had the ball in the net. But the referee pulled back the play for a handball. Grant Scott looked to his bench for inspiration, introducing Chloe Arthur, Evie Rabjohn and Casey Howe to the game. It was almost instant impact from the subs, with Rabjohn linking up with Howe, finding the winger with a clever pass in behind, but the flag went up for offside. Shortly after, Rabjohn was denied by a brilliant save, with the Montrose shot-stopper diving to deny the midfielder. Once more, Scott turned to his bench, and it was McAneny who was introduced making her return from long-term injury. The break-through finally came for Celtic on 83 minutes, and it was done so in spectacular fashion via Casey Howe. Cutting in off the right, Howe thundered a powerful shot towards goal, striking the underside of the crossbar, with the ball crossing the line to give Celtic the lead. That goal seemed to spring Celtic into life, and a further two goals would come shortly after. It was the dream return for McAneny, who also scored a superb strike from distance, giving the goalkeeper no chance, with the ball once again going in off the underside. The scoring was rounded in stoppage time, and it was another first, this time for Issy Fisher. With the Ghirls scoring another stunning strike, Fisher made it three, slotting the ball into the bottom corner from distance. The Hoops were made to wait, but it was certainly worth it with the standard of goal as all three points were secured in Kirkintilloch. Celtic will look to continue their positive start to the season as they get set for another home game in Kirkintilloch against Hibs next weekend.FixturesCeltic Women Vs. Montrose Women - Sun, Aug 23rd 2026, 13:00