Celtic's hopes of climbing the ScottishPower Women's Premier League table took a hit on Sunday as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Hearts at New Douglas Park. The result leaves Grant Scott's side in fifth place with just two games remaining, making their path to a strong finish all the more challenging.
Hearts came out firing from the start, but it was Celtic's Poppy Pritchard who initially looked to spark some magic, her pace causing headaches for the Hearts defense whenever the Hoops looked to break forward. However, despite early promise, it was the visitors who drew first blood.
In the 14th minute, a ball lofted over the top of Celtic's backline found Georgia Timms, who coolly slotted home to put Hearts 1-0 up. The goal came just moments after Evie Rabjohn had tried to set up Saoirse Noonan, only for the chance to be snuffed out.
Celtic responded with determination. Rabjohn came close to leveling the score in the 21st minute, meeting a Pritchard cross with a header that flew just wide. At the other end, goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers kept the Hoops in the game with a sharp save to deny Timms a second.
The breakthrough for Celtic finally came just before the half-hour mark. Lisa Robertson was fouled inside the box, and Noonan stepped up to convert the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1. But the joy was short-lived. With just three minutes left in the first half, Lauren Wade restored Hearts' lead, firing home to make it 2-1 heading into the break.
After halftime, Celtic pushed hard for an equalizer. They dominated possession in the early stages but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances. Their luck nearly turned sour when Carly Johns rattled the crossbar, and Timms' follow-up effort drifted wide.
Despite continued pressure—Rabjohn looking lively and dangerous—the Hearts defense held firm, seeing out the game and taking another significant step toward what would be their first league title. For Celtic, the focus now shifts to next weekend's derby away to Rangers, a crucial clash that also serves as a dress rehearsal for the Scottish Cup final later this month.