Spartans would face Celtic in the first midweek fixture of the Scottish Power SWPL 23/24 campaign, welcoming last years’ runners up to the capital.

It wouldn’t be the start the hosts were looking for, Menglu finishing from close range after Barclays tee’d it up for the winger to tap home on the five minute mark.

Celtic looked to double their tally in quick time, Cavanagh’s deflected free kick into the arms of Yates in the Spartans net. Gallagher was next to have a shot but it was straight at the Spartans number one. Gallagher would once again look to trouble Yates’ who was rushing out to collect the ball, her lobbed attempt was wide of the goal.

The Glasgow side would eventually double their lead. Alicia Yates produced an outstanding save from a close range header following a corner, the ball fell fortuitously to Chloe Craig who made no mistake at the second attempt.

Natalie Ross looked to have added a third for the visitors before the half. A long range effort looked to have dipped just under the bar, Yates produced a strong hand at the last second to tip the ball over.

Fran Alonso’s side would get their third three minutes into the second period. Amy Gallagher getting her goal after sending a shot from the edge the box into the bottom corner.

Hayes looked for another as she had a first time effort well palmed away by Yates who had time to pounce on the loose ball to deny any follow up.

Spartans grew into the second half and maintained possession for larger spells than that of the first half. Galbraith done well on the left wing to create a chance for Hannah Jordan. Jordan cut the ball back to Gibb but her volleyed effort was over the bar. Spartans earned a corner moments later after a slack back pass from the Celtic defence. Browning was up well but Celtic were able to clear, Ria McCafferty lofted the ball back into the box but the Celtic defence stood strong again.

Celtic would end the game with two quick fire goals. Caitlin Hayes getting the first, stabbing the ball home after some commotion in the box from a corner kick. The away side attacked quickly from the kick off, winning the ball back from the home side, Goldie fired the ball into the bottom corner to finish the game.