No taxi for Gallagher or Celtic as they’re crowned SWPL1 champions
A dramatic final day saw ‘Taxi Sunday’ come out in full force once again as Celtic struggled to latch open the door towards SWPL1 title success before Amy Gallagher repeated the heroics of Henrik Larsson with a late strike – ironically both wore the famous number seven shirt.
But there was no need for the taxi to make a vengeance towards Broadwood or Govan time time around thanks to Gallagher.
Just under 12 months ago, it was a vintage statement at Paradise, but there dreams were tarnished with a 92nd Lauren Davidson winner for Glasgow City. Now, it was a smash and grab 1-0, nobody will care a jot about the performance, Gallagher’s name will be written in Celtic’s stars forever following her 90th minute strike after large periods of frustration.
Replacing Fran Alonso was always going to be a tough act for Elena Sadiku to follow but she’s carried her mantra out with authority and composure that reminisces with being a Celtic manager.
The hosts started proceedings on the ascendancy with several chances but some good last ditch defending from Hibs alleviated any early title parties in Paradise.
Hibs have picked up since the last time SFF Podcast seen Grant Scott’s women first-hand, Michaela McAlonie struck the crossbar on 14 minutes as the alarm bells started to ring.
Nobody even asked the question about ‘Taxi Sunday’ like what was witnessed around Scottish football last year after Glasgow City’s late winner at Ibrox last year but the capital side wanted to make the story fascinating by going all out and by the halfway point of the first half, Rangers went a goal in front.
There was four corners in quick succession for Hibs that caused hand in mouth for many around the home terraces.
Celtic almost took the lead in the most calamitous circumstances as a club was almost fumbled into her own net by Katie Fraine but 0-0 it stood at the interval and a big 45 minutes for the complexion of the SWPL was at stake.
The atmosphere was quiet at the interval with very little singing, dancing or chanting despite Celtic’s best efforts in creating traditional Irish tunes, everybody was bursting for a pie.
Celtic Park was really needing a pick-me-up, the hosts came more fired up in the second half and a Natasha Flint effort had Fraine tested but she pushed the subsequent effort over the bar.
A nice gaping goal was awaiting Celtic and their chance at a first title success as numerous chances went sailing past the post – it was a story within itself.
By the time 70 minutes ticked on the clock, colleagues from the governing body’s media team were seen leaving the East End of Glasgow awaiting the possibility of heading to Broadwood.
‘Taxi Sunday’ was increasingly likely as time wore on, Celtic were looking for every avenue possible to break that elusive deadlock but efforts to get more silverware in the trophy cabinet at Parkhead weren’t in vain – it just felt like they couldn’t get the keys to get that SWPL1 title they’ve been craving for some time.
As time wore on, Celtic were becoming a bit of a wounded animal in front of goal until Amy Gallagher created a bit of space and executed a piece of excellence into the bottom right corner past Fraine to write herself into the history books at the club.
Phew is an understatement for the Hoops! History has been made, a 1-0 result is all that matters for all those who bleed Celtic. They’ve written a wrong after the travesty of last year. Gallagher will now be a club legend but so is many like Kelly Clark, Caitlin Hayes, Chloe Craig and Natalie Ross who have been through thick and thin for the club.
A crowd of 7,624 turned out at Parkhead which was a 50% decrease on last season’s finale against Hearts which saw a five figure crowd, there must have been a few hungover humans from the men’s title success yesterday but it’s Celtic’s weekend and they’re crowned the SWPL1 champions.
