Ladies - Early breakthrough not enough for Celtic
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Celtic Ladies travelled to Stockport Sports Village to face league leaders Stockport County, who remain undefeated so far in the league. Despite not being able to take home any points, Celtic left with renewed confidence and a positive outlook on the game.

Stockport kicked off, Stalybridge took the lead in the opening minute. The opposition played cautious passes within their own half, falling short to high pressing from Stacey Don and Chantelle Barret. Don intercepted the ball at the halfway line, placing a direct pass upwards towards Barret. She made no mistake, opening the defence before striking into the bottom corner. 

However, Stockport retaliated almost immediately and equalised a minute later. A corner at Celtics end resulted in a scramble of players within the box, Caitlin Mahhaffey broke through the crowd, slotting the ball home from close range.

Stockport had a string of chances to double their lead after the equaliser, shooting wide from another corner and forcing keeper Emma Burns to save from a strike just outside the area. Celtic defended brilliantly from an attack on the right wing, Celtic debutant Victoria Hodgkiess intercepting the ball placed into the box and kicking it out for a corner. Celtic bit back with a dangerous pass up field from Mary Smithies, meeting Barret who made a daring run towards the box; unfortunately, her shot fell wide.

Followed came a wave of attempts from Stockport, forcing Burns to make multiple saves to keep Celtic in the game. However, Stockport made it 2-1 in the 36th minute with an impressive strike from just outside the area. The ball was worked up field with short, quick passes, falling to Abi Bellas who tapped the ball along the edge of the box to Amelia Holland. She made no hesitation in working her way through the Celtic defence, putting County ahead into half time.

The second half kicked off with a chance for Celtic, captain Leanne Mansfield bringing the Stockport keeper Lucy Donaldson to save a free kick from the halfway line.

Celtic continued to work hard as a solid unit in defence, challenging the Stockport strikers. Mahhaffey fired a shot over the crossbar, presenting a constant threat towards goal. It was in the 68th minute when Stockport added to the score line. A throw in from Polly Hogg just outside the box found Emma Corbishley who had positioned herself well. Corbishley ran the short distance towards goal, finishing from a tight angle, bringing the score to 3-1.

Celtic bit back immediately, Smithies took the ball from defender Manhhaffey on the halfway line, placing the ball perfectly up field towards Katie Nix. Nix beat Karla Shell on the edge of the area but was unfortunate to shoot wide. 

Stockport looked hungry to add to their lead in the closing minutes of the game. Keeper Burns made another fantastic save from an attempt from outside the area. Stockport were able to convert in the 77th minute when nothing short of a wonder goal was fired from Stockport captain Orla Lea outside of the box on the left wing. The ball dipped over the players in the box, reaching the top corner and bringing the score to 4-1. 
After the game Celtic manager John Lees stated ‘We performed the best we have against a very strong Stockport side. We looked strong and have grown as a squad to give the league leaders a tough game’. 

Celtic Ladies next play at home against Macclesfield Ladies Development on 24th October 2021 (14:00).
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