Spartans get 8-0 drubbing out of their systems with victory

Spartans player-manager Suzy Shepherd was delighted as her side bounced back from a 8-0 midweek defeat by Glasgow City to beat Stirling University 3-1 in the Scottish Women's Premier League.

Spartans player-manager Suzy Shepherd

“It was important to get back to winning ways and get that defeat to Glasgow City out of our systems,” said Shepherd.

Spartans took the lead on 26 minutes when Louise Mason was fouled in the box and Alana Marshall stepped up to calmly finish the penalty. The Capital side made it 2-0 just before half-time as Michelle Russell converted from a cross into the box.

Stirling’s Lisa Sutherland scored with a wonderful 30-yard volley after 55 minutes but her team-mate Rebecca Galbraith was sent off just seven minutes later.

Spartans sealed the win when Russell tapped home her second goal of the game.

Hibs Ladies secured a 3-2 win over Celtic to open up a gap between themselves and third place. The Hibees took the lead after 25 minutes when Lizzie Arnott met Abigail Harrison’s cross. Arnott then turned provider, feeding Kirsty Smith a lovely through ball for her to finish at the near post. Harrison then rose highest to meet Joelle Murray’s free-kick at the back post to nod home for 3-0.

Celtic pulled goals back through Clark and Monters but Hibs held on.

Hibs boss Chris Roberts said: “3-2 probably didn’t reflect the game. It was a tough game but, despite that, I never felt we were under any real pressure.”

In SWPL 2, Hearts moved top after a 3-1 win away to Hamilton while Hutchison Vale beat bottom club Queen’s Park 2-1.