Ghirls lose out for the first time this season

SWPL Sunday, September 27, 2026Broadwood Stadium RANGERS…5 (McLeary 20, 27, Blake 59, Wilkinson 66, Brookshire 67) CELTIC…2 (McAneny 11, Arthur 54) Celtic FC Women suffered their first defeat of the season, losing out in the Glasgow derby. Despite taking the lead, and finding themselves level in the first half, it ultimately ended in defeat for the first time this campaign for Grant Scott’s side. Having made the perfect start to their domestic campaign, the Ghirls came into the match looking to maintain that 100% record. The Celtic boss named three changes to his starting line-up, with Chloe Arthur and Hannah Jordan returning to the side. Whilst there was also a first start of the season for Shannon McGregor, fresh off scoring the late winner against Motherwell last week. As the action got underway, the Hoops got off to the best possible start in the derby fixture, opening the scoring inside 11 minutes of the match. Maria McAneny was on hand to net her second goal of the season, turning home Poppy Lawson’s pinpoint delivery into the box, to hand Celtic the lead at the start of the match. That was the ideal way for Grant Scott’s side to kick-off the first meeting between the side’s, however, that lead wouldn’t last long. The home side found their leveller just nine minutes later, with Jodie McLeary netting her first of the afternoon, with a volleyed finish at the back post. The Rangers midfielder found the net once more just before the half hour mark to give the home side the lead. Pouncing on a mistake in possession, McLeary made no mistake with her finish, striking beyond the on-rushing Adelaide Gay. Celtic pushed for a way back into the match in the opening 45 minutes, and McAneny came close to scoring her second of the afternoon. After a well worked move, the Celtic number 73 looked to get a shot off on goal, but it was blocked by the Rangers defence. Having made such a bright start to the game, it would have been a frustrating end to the half for Scott’s side, who now found themselves behind heading into the break. However, heading into the second half, Celtic made a strong start once more, quickly going on the front foot in the hunt for an equaliser. That would come just nine minutes into the second half, with Chloe Arthur scoring her first goal since making a return to the club. It was a huge few moments of pressure from the Hoops forward line, with Hannah Jordan doing well to maintain possession before getting her effort off. That strike appeared to be heading for the bottom corner, before Laura Berry clawed it off the line. That wasn’t the end of the Celtic attack, with the ball being kept alive, before being floated to the back post. After Shannon McGregor initially seen an effort saved, it eventually found its way to Arthur, who tucked the ball underneath the Rangers goalkeeper to pull Celtic level. Frustratingly for Celtic though, despite pulling themselves back on level terms, once more, that lead wouldn’t last. And it would lead to three quick-fire goals for the home side, to all but secure the three points, with Hannah Blake scoring Rangers’ third after picking up a misplaced pass in midfield. Just seven minutes after their third, Katie Wilkinson tucked home a free-kick on the edge of the area, before the scoring was rounded off by Calliste Brookshire on 67 minutes. It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Celtic FC Women, losing out for the first time this season. The Ghirls will quickly look to bounce back before the international break, with a return home to come as they face off against Spartans in Kirkintilloch next Sunday.FixturesRangers Women Vs. Celtic Women - Sun, Sep 27th 2026, 12:00