Debbi McCulloch believes Spartans can build on “solid foundations” after defeat to Rangers

Spartans have “solid foundations” to build on going into the rest of the season, according to manager Debbi McCulloch
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Her team’s six-game unbeaten run came to an end in a 2-0 SWPL1 defeat by Rangers at Broadwood, goals from the hosts coming on either side on each half from Chelsea Cornet and Kayla McCoy. The defensive display was admirable from the visitors, ensuring they remained in the game against the champions right until the end.

“We can take away tonight that we have quite a solid defence and a solid foundation to build on”, McCulloch told Edinburgh Evening News. “The back four and the goalkeeper have been giving us a real solid foundations that gives us confidence.

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“I don’t think it was a game where there was a whole load of chances or shots on goal. I don’t think either keeper had very much to do. Rachel Harrison had one big save in the first half. They’ve scored from a set piece. In the second half they’ve scored from a set piece which I didn’t think was a set piece, which is disappointing, but there things we cant control.

Debbi McCulloch hopes to make Ainslie Park a "fortress" as they return home next game.Debbi McCulloch hopes to make Ainslie Park a "fortress" as they return home next game.
Debbi McCulloch hopes to make Ainslie Park a "fortress" as they return home next game.

“In the last 15 minutes I felt we start to show real character and we made it more physical with Rangers and we could have created a couple of chances for ourselves. It was quite an open game, Rangers are a very good team, 100%, we totally respect that. However, it seemed like we caused them problems."

It was the worst possible start for Spartans as Cornet headed in from a corner after seven minutes to give Rangers the lead. The early blow didn’t discourage the visitors and they remained solid in defence to keep the score 1-0 at half time.

Rangers started quickly in the second half and were 2-0 up after 54 minutes. An inviting ball into the box was met by the head of McCoy, looping the ball over the keeper to nestle into the bottom corner of the net. As the half continued, Spartans remained resilient at the back restricting any further opportunities for the hosts. The visitors pushed late on for a goal to get back into the game, but those attempts were in vain.

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Spartans will look to get back to winning ways on the weekend as they return home to host Hamilton on Sunday at 1pm. A win could lift the side to fifth in the SWPL 1 above Edinburgh rival Hibs. McCulloch hopes to make “Ainslie Park a fortress” as they return home for the first time in for over a month.

She stated: “We know how Hamilton like to play. We managed to spread the minutes over the team tonight which is a positive thing. So we will recover, reset and prepare for as best as we can for Hamilton on Sunday. But it’s a game I will look forward too, we are back at home for the first time. I think in an 11-week period we have been home three times or something like that. So it’s important we can take three points from home and make Ainslie Park a fortress.”