Under the lights at Ibrox, the Gers responded to an early setback to turn the game on its head before a late Mia McAulay winner claimed the city bragging rights once again
Speaking to RangersTV to reflect on the 3-2 victory, she commented: “I am just really pleased overall, with the three points more importantly.
“I didn't enjoy the first 25-30 minutes of the game, I just probably didn't recognise us in terms of what we have been trying to plan and prepare for this week.
“We kind of weathered the storm, Celtic came at us and put us under an awful lot of pressure but we put ourselves under an awful lot of pressure which was frustrating.
“We made the change in terms of the system, within that looked to try and reshuffle the pack just to gain a bit more control in the game and I felt we managed to do that.
“It probably worked and I think going in level at half time changes the dynamic of the half time approach as well and allows us to be much more constructive and relaxed about the situation and still have the confidence and belief that we could get from the game what we had put into it.
“Second half performance was a lot better, I think we really got after it, you go 2-1, I felt like we had enough control in the game at that point to try and see it through and look to try and make changes to strengthen, then you get pegged back at 2-2.
“I said to the players at half time it is the type of game if you can't win it, you certainly can't lose it and I just loved the fact that we had the quality, enthusiasm, the hunger and determination to go and win the game and we probably could have had another.”
The Head Coach praised the match winners on the evening as well as the squad overall, as the Gers managed to dig in and claim their second derby win of the season.
She continued: “Excellent, big moments. We speak about being ruthless in the final third and being ruthless in boxes and there was probably questions at the bottom end of the pitch for us and the way we have defended certainly the second goal.
“At the top end I just thought the performance and the change in the system and those types of players whether it is Laura [Berry], Wilko, Mia [McAulay] at the top end there is different roles within the systems.
“Which doesn't always suit them and they are having to do things that they might not necessarily enjoy. Laura was excellent and the importance of that goal at the point of the game to level things up and get us in at half time.
“Wilko's header is brilliant; I think the way that she gets across the ball and the power and the finesse to go and redirect it and give us that advantage and then Mia.
“We have seen so many moments like that, she seems to enjoy this fixture as well which is excellent and hopefully now that is another bit of magic that she can look to try and build on.
“It is different class from Shin Ji; it is probably not the 45 minutes that she not struggled in moments but you could tell that she has been out for a number of weeks and you throw her back in that type of game.
“Just to try and change the balance in the middle of the pitch, but that is the type of quality and execution that she has got.
“That is why we have brought her to the club and we are so pleased to have her here what she gives us and obviously Mia in terms of her instincts and the composure and the finish.
“Every single player tonight, Camille [Lafaix] coming onto the pitch as well a player that we are trying to build and get her back into the team after a really frustrating time with injury.
“She has been in and out and we are looking to try but I felt even in that final part of the game she gave us enough in terms of her experience and game management and willingness to run and get us up and the pitch and ultimately it was the difference.”
Several Rangers supporters came along to back the side on a cold and rainy night at Ibrox, with Crichton full of praise for the fans who helped her side get over the finishing line.
She added: “I am delighted to see so many [fans] here. It makes a huge difference, I think the players at 2-2, when you say it is the type of game that you don't want to lose I think the fans gave us that energy.
“I didn't feel a nervousness even when it went 2-2, I felt that there was a determination coming from the stands and when you hear that as a player and you can feel that even as a coach on the opposite side.
“It gave me the energy and the belief and I knew that they were with the players and the more that we can get here at games we obviously love it.
“I have said that before I want the players to play with that pressure and expectation from the fans but ultimately when that third goal hits the back of the net there is no greater feeling that they go and celebrate with the fans and the players managed to do that tonight.”
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