By Stephen Bark
THERE were no signs of rustiness as Glasgow City returned to SWPL action after almost four months with a comfortable Glasgow derby win over Celtic.
Aoife Colvill’s third goal for City was followed up by debut strikes from Arna Sif Ásgrimsdóttir and Niamh Farrelly as the defending champions ended a run of three matches without victory.
City started brightly at a windswept K Park in East Kilbride and the first chance fell to Nicole Robertson on nine minutes, but her effort was well held by Chloe Logan in the Celtic goal.
Priscila Chincilla, advancing on the Celtic box, was fouled by Lisa Robertson on 17 minutes and a well-worked free-kick routine saw Hayley Lauder shoot just wide.
The away side got the breakthrough just four minutes later when a determined Nicole Robertson got on the end of a ball through before setting up Colvill who couldn’t miss from inside the six yard box.
Another Lisa Roberston foul, this time on Nicole Robertson allowed Hayley Lauder the chance to curl a dangerous cross into the Celtic box but Ásgrimsdóttir’s header was punched clear.
Celtic’s best opportunities of the first half came in the last 10 minutes when a free-kick was headed wide and a corner ended up in Lee Alexander’s arms.
City continued to make life difficult for the hosts in the second half but chances were few and far between for both sides.
Sub Lauren Davidson and Nicole Robertson both had opportunities to shoot from the edge of the box but neither could find the target.
With 20 minutes to go, City’s pressure told as Lauder delivered a perfect corner for Ásgrimsdóttir to head home despite Logan’s best efforts.
Great work from Chinchilla in the right corner on 76 minutes earned City a free-kick. When Lauder’s ball in was knocked clear, Jo Love on the edge of the box found Farrelly who took a touch before curling the ball beyond Logan and ending any hopes of a Celtic comeback.
City now move level with Rangers at the top of SWPL 1 with 21 points from eight games.
Next up is a trip to Station Park to face Forfar Farmington on Sunday, April 11.
Glasgow City: Alexander, Wyne, Lauder (Wocjik 84), Van Wyk, Love (Crichton 78), Farrelly, Ásgrimsdóttir, Colvill (Davidson 61), Molin, Chinchilla, N. Robertson (Foley 84). Subs not used: Clachers, Clark, Ross.
Celtic: Logan, Keenan, Bartle, Craig, Lee (Bowie 78), Galabadaarachchi (Teegarden 61), L. Robertson, Donaldson (Atkinson 61), Clark, Hayes (Ewans 61), Filbey. Subs not used: McCulloch, Nicolson, Johnstone.