The Scottish Women’s Premier League served up a tightly contested draw on 24 May 2026 as Celtic Women and Partick Thistle Women shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate at Celtic Park. The result kept both sides in the hunt for their respective ambitions – Celtic chasing the league leadership while Partick Thistle continued their dogged fight for a top-half finish.

Match Overview

In a game where chances were at a premium, Celtic dominated possession but found a resolute Thistle defence difficult to break down. The hosts took the lead just before the hour mark through a well-worked set piece, only for Partick Thistle to reply with a swift counter-attack ten minutes later. Both goalkeepers were called into action late on, but neither side could find a winner.

Key Moments

• 58th minute – Celtic strike first: A corner from the left was met by a powerful header from Kelly Clark, who rose highest to nod past Thistle goalkeeper Erin MacDonald. It was Clark’s fourth league goal of the season and gave the Hoops a deserved lead after sustained pressure.
• 68th minute – Thistle equalise: A rapid breakaway caught Celtic’s defence out of shape. Winger Amy McCartney drove into the box and slipped a low cross for Sophie Milligan, who swept the ball into the far corner from twelve yards.
• 82nd minute – Big save: Celtic substitute Megan Thomson unleashed a fierce drive from 20 yards, but MacDonald produced a flying fingertip save to tip the ball onto the crossbar.
• 89th minute – Late scare: Thistle almost snatched it when a free-kick from deep found the head of defender Lucy Adams, only for Celtic goalkeeper Chloe Logan to react brilliantly and claw the ball away from the goal line.

Tactical Story

Celtic set up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control the midfield and stretch Thistle’s backline with width. They enjoyed 63% possession and created twelve shots, but only four found the target. Partick Thistle, organised in a compact 4-4-2, were happy to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Their defensive discipline – particularly from centre-backs Hannah Murray and Rebecca Sharp – frustrated Celtic, who struggled to find clear-cut chances in open play.

The equaliser came from exactly the sort of transition Thistle had planned: a quick interception in midfield, a direct run, and a clinical finish. After that, Celtic pushed forward with greater urgency but lacked the final pass or a moment of individual brilliance to reclaim the lead.

Standout Players

• Sophie Milligan (Partick Thistle): Took her goal expertly and worked tirelessly without the ball, dropping deep to help her midfield.
• Kelly Clark (Celtic): A constant aerial threat and scored her side’s only goal with a textbook header.
• Erin MacDonald (Partick Thistle): Made several crucial saves, none bigger than her tip onto the bar in the 82nd minute.

League Impact

The draw left Celtic Women in third place in the Scottish Women’s Premier League standings, two points behind leaders Rangers Women with a game in hand. Partick Thistle remained sixth, now seven points clear of the relegation zone and with a realistic shot at a top-five finish. For Celtic, the dropped points felt like a missed opportunity, while Thistle will travel home satisfied with a hard-earned point on the road.

With the season entering its decisive final weeks, every point matters. Celtic will need to sharpen their attacking edge if they are to close the gap on the leaders, while Thistle have shown they can compete with the league’s heavyweights when they keep their shape and take their chances.