Celtic eventually secured an impressive victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Women’s Football Youth Cup final. In a nail-biting match, both teams gave their absolute all but it was Celtic who proved stronger, with two impressive goals that came late on from Maria Mcaneny and Aimee Anderson.
Celtic got the game underway and looked impressive early on, moving the ball around well and making sure the whole team got a touch of the ball to calm any early nerves. Celtic forward Aimee Anderson put in a brilliant challenge early on to set the tone of the game but was unable to pick out a teammate with the resulting long ball. After some early Celtic dominance it was now the Don’s turn to put some pressure on and they did just that, with Hannah Innes creating some good chances from the right flank. Aberdeen started to move the ball swiftly and started creating a number of chances, however the ball just wouldn't seem to fall right for their waiting strikers.
Aberdeen’s Emma Rodgers played an excellent pass through but again Celtic defended well, with skipper Elise Mccormack keeping her back four well organised. From the resulting corner Aberdeen had their best chance of the game, with Leah Jones firing over from very close range. Aberdeen seemed to just be edging proceedings but Celtic looked dangerous on the counter, with both Aimee Anderson and Maria Mcaneny looking to break at any given moment. Towards the end of the first half Aberdeen were dominating the game but struggled to break down Celtic’s tremendous back four.
Just as the first half was dwindling out and most supporters had their eye on a half time coffee, Celtic’s Maria Mcaneny hit a sublime strike which looked set for the top corner before Ellen Reid made a last-gasp save to just tip wide. This was the last of the action for the first half with both teams walking in wondering how it was still 0-0. A very fiery first half with some very good football played from both sides.