SWPL | Spartans defeated by City in league action

Spartans returned to Petershill for the second time in a week as the team returned to league action after a brief break for the Sky Sports Cup.

 

The hosts opened the scoring in the opening 10 minutes of the game. Amy Muir allowed time and space to get forward from defence and unleashed a strike low into the bottom corner, leaving debutant Rachael Johnstone no chance in the Spartans net.

 

Spartans start would get more difficult as Debbi McCulloch was forced into an early change. Birse unable to continue through injury and replaced by Mason. City would look to double their advantage as Davidson broke into the box however Johnstone collected with ease. Marshall would have the first chance of the afternoon for the visitors, her volley not troubling Clachers.

 

Gambone would be the first to enter the referee’s book, cynically bringing down Foote who was breaking forward. Spartans not able to capitalise as the resulting free kick would come to nothing.

 

City’s striker Colvill would fashion a couple chances for herself, firstly putting a lobbed effort wide of the on rushing Rachael Johnstone. Secondly, seeing her headed effort come crashing back off the crossbar following a Glasgow City corner. Spartans would have a chance of their own from a corner, Browning’s effort just wide of the mark at the half way point of the match.

 

City were awarded a penalty just 10 minutes into the second half. Davidson going down in the box resulted in the referee pointing to the spot. Davidson would be the one to take and sent Johnstone the wrong way to double the home sides’ lead.

 

Looking to cut the deficit, Berman found herself in space in the City box, the winger unable to get a shot off as two Glasgow City defenders were quick to close her down and deny Spartans an effort on goal. Just moments later City would add a third, Lovera found herself free at the back post and headed home after coming on as a half time substitute.

 

Davidson would be the second player to be booked by the referee, the City player going down in the box and booked for simulation. City would however earn another penalty with 13 minutes left of the 90. Kozak up to take, firing low to Johnstone’s right, the ‘keeper down excellently to produce a strong hand and deny the hosts a fourth.

 

Johnstone would be called into action again before the end of the 90, Oscarsson’s long range effort bounced back of the bar, the ball falling kindly to Larkin who was one-on-one with the Spartans debutant who produced an outstanding save to once again deny the reigning champions. The final chance of the game would land at the feet of Lisa Forrest, the youngster with a fierce effort towards goal which was once again well met by Johnstone in the Spartans net.