Republic of Ireland international Izzy Atkinson's extra-time winner fired Celtic to Scottish Cup glory, stunning Glasgow City in the process.
The former Shelbourne player, who has four Irish caps, raced through on goal after collecting a Sarah Harkes through ball with eight minutes of extra-time to go and finished beyond the Glasgow goalkeeper Lee Alexander to seal a 3-2 win for the Hoops at Tynecastle.
It was a blow for a Glasgow side managed by former Ireland assistant boss Eileen Gleeson and featuring the Irish international trio of Clare Shine, Claire Walsh and Niamh Farrelly in the matchday squad, having also missed out on defending their Scottish league title after finishing second to Rangers.
It's the club's first trophy-less season in 17 years.
YASSSS! @izzyatkinson_ runs on and slots passed Alexander, come on Celtic hold on!!
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) May 29, 2022
🍀3-2🔶#ScottishWCupFinal | #CELCITY | #COYGIG https://t.co/pP45COH9wg pic.twitter.com/KZIGyIwQjc
Celtic, who had Donegal native Tyler Toland on the bench alongside Atkinson at the start, took the lead in the first cup final since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with Chinese midfielder Shen Mengyu scoring on 18 minutes, before defender Jenna Clark levelled for Glasgow eight minutes later, turning in a free-kick from Rachael Johnstone.
But Celtic were back in front 10 minutes ahead of the half-time interval as Charlie Wellings scored the 40th goal of her debut season from the penalty spot.
However, they would not take a lead into the dressing room as Lauren Davidson netted a penalty for Glasgow after a foul on Priscila Chinchilla which led to a red card for English defender Jodie Bartle.
The numerical disadvantage meant Celtic had to dig in and they were able to take the game to extra-time, setting up the opportunity for Atkinson, an 83rd minute substitute, to put her name in lights.
