A late goal from Kimberley Smit condemned Celtic to a third defeat in a row, putting a serious dent in their aspirations retaining the title.
It took until the 23rd minute for the supporters to witness the evening’s first shot on target but Brenna Lovera made absolutely sure it would be remembered, receiving Aleigh Gambone’s pass before thundering the opener past Kelsey Daugherty.
Celtic would answer in style, Emma Lawton’s brilliant long range cross met by the clinical Saoirse Noonan just before the hour mark struck.
However City made sure to get the last word as Smit was quickest to the pinball in the penalty area in the 85th minute, coolly slotting home the winner.
Lovera’s goal marked the crescendo of an otherwise uneventful first half, with performances from both sides hamstrung by the knowledge of what the other could do when gifted the opportunity.
There were however further chances before the break, belonging almost entirely to City, playing as though they were de facto hosts at New Douglas Park.
Lisa Evans saw her effort from outside the box sail over Daugherty’s goal whilst Natalia Wrobel’s shot would at least force a reaction from the American shot-stopper, albeit just into her chest.
Just as these sides had been inseparable this season, so too it seemed they would be on the night as both dominated a half each, with Celtic showing the hallmarks of last season’s title winning contingent in the second.
Lawton was denied a goal to add to her assist by her an impressive goal line clearance as City struggled to gain a foothold following the break.
In the end Celtic failed to hold onto to the point, with defeat meaning they could be nine points adrift should Hibernian beat Motherwell.
Line-ups:
Celtic: Daugherty, Clark (c), Bruna, Barclais, Loferski (M. Carstens 61), Ashworth-Clifford (Cross 89), McGregor, McAneny (Ross 75), Gallacher (Agnew 61), Noonan (Harrison 75) Unused subs: Rodgers, Smith, Cavanagh, Momo
Booked: McAneny, Clark, McGregor, Bruna, M. Carstens
Goals: Noonan (59)
Glasgow City: Gibson, Evans (Warrington 90+1), van Diemen, Smit, Muir, Lauder (c) (Fulton 90+1) , Wrobel (Motlhalo 80), Whelan, Gambone, Lovera Forrest (90+1), Kozlova (Maatta 72) Unused subs: Easdon,, Walsh, Love, Lockwood
Booked: Smit
Goals: Lovera (23), Smit (86)