Celtic Women survived a fierce test from a spirited Partick Thistle Women on September 6, 2026, emerging with a narrow 3-2 away victory that underlined their title credentials. The fixture was far closer than the difference in league pedigree suggested, with Partick Thistle pushing the favourites all the way in an end-to-end match.

Celtic take control in an open first half

The match began at a frantic pace, and both sides were willing to commit bodies forward. Celtic Women showed their quality in the final third with some excellent link-up play and managed to open the scoring through a well-taken finish. However, Partick Thistle responded immediately, testing Celtic's resolve with an equaliser that sparked strong home celebrations.

Celtic's experience proved decisive before the interval. They regained the lead through a set-piece situation and then extended their advantage with a breakaway goal, turning a tricky match into a potential cruise. At 3-1, the visitors appeared to be in full control, but Partick Thistle had other ideas.

Partick Thistle never stop fighting

The home side came out for the second half with renewed energy and pulled a goal back early, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense finale. Celtic, who had enjoyed long spells of possession, suddenly found themselves under sustained pressure. Partick Thistle threw caution to the wind in the closing stages and created several half-chances to rescue an unlikely draw.

Celtic Women, however, showed the resilience expected of a championship-chasing team. Their central defenders made crucial blocks and clearances, while the goalkeeper produced an important save in stoppage time to preserve the single-goal lead.

Key takeaways

• Celtic Women demonstrated their ability to win even when they are not at their fluent best, a hallmark of title-winning squads.
• Partick Thistle Women earned significant credit for their competitive performance, proving they can trouble the SWPL's top sides.
• The three points kept Celtic's early-season league position strong, but the defensive vulnerability they showed will need addressing in training.

Ultimately, this 3-2 victory was an exciting advertisement for the Scottish Women's Premier League. Celtic got the job done and continued their charge toward the upper reaches of the standings, while Partick Thistle were left to take pride from a performance that suggests they can climb the table if they maintain this level of effort.