Saoirse Noonan Hat-Trick Propels Celtic to Top of Scottish Women’s Premier League
Saoirse Noonan’s hat-trick helped Celtic withstand a spirited comeback from Montrose, securing a 4-2 victory and moving them one point clear at the top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League. The Republic of Ireland striker wasted no time, firing the reigning champions ahead after just 14 minutes, before midfielder Maria McAneny doubled the lead four minutes later.
Noonan added her second goal in first-half stoppage time, giving Celtic a commanding 3-0 lead and seemingly putting them on course for a comfortable win. However, Montrose fought back in the second half, with Alma Codegoni pulling one back just after the hour mark and Louise Brown adding another with 10 minutes left.
Despite the pressure, Noonan completed her hat-trick just a minute later, turning and finishing to seal the victory. Her goal tally now stands at nine in seven games since joining Celtic from Durham this summer.
Celtic’s win puts them one point clear at the top, but second-placed Rangers, who have a game in hand, visit third-placed Heart of Midlothian on Sunday, with both teams tied on points. Glasgow City, also on 18 points, host fifth-placed Hibernian in what promises to be a competitive weekend of fixtures.
