Jack Beesley’s Spartans made it back-to-back clean sheet victories at the start of their SWPL 2 campaign after a late Natalie Bandura goal secured all three points against Dundee United at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
With Tegan Reynolds ruled out due to injury, Beesley was forced into personnel changes in the starting XI for the fixture against former Spartans player and manager Suzy Shepherd’s side.
Spartans were out the blocks from the off and within the opening moments a telling through ball from Ronaigh Douglas found Natalie Bandura however she was denied by McCann who raced off her line to smother at the striker’s feet.
The visitors were next to go on the offensive however a resolute home defence ensured Alicia Yates needn’t be required to test her gloves.
Yates, in her 7th season at the club, was called upon when a United corner into the box caused some confusion however after the ball rebounded off legs in the box replicating a pinball game, with it finally finding its way in into the safety of the Spartans keeper’s hands.
Emily Cadell came close to breaking the deadlock when, after her initial shot was saved, her rebound effort hit the bar and the tourists finally managed to clear.
HT: Spartans 0-0 Dundee United
Spartans started the second half where they left off before the interval with Ava Crawford posing a threat and her snapshot was to go wide as the hosts upped the ante.
Cadell, who made the move from Bristol in the summer, looked to bring energy to that midfield once again, however she appeared to be the Spartans meat in a United sandwich before hitting the deck, only for play to be waved on.
Beesley made a change on the hour mark when Izzy Young replaced Rachel Murchie.
A trio of Spartans corners followed after Bandura was her latest shot deflected behind by McCann, frustratingly finding none of them capable of offering a breakthrough.
Two further changes were to follow with Emma McMurdo and CaCee McKenna swapping berths with Cadell and Hutchison.
Alicia Yates was forced into a crucial save in the final quarter of an hour, diving low to deny Findlay before recovering to seize the ball at the second attempt.
A well weighted cross from Eilidh Davies was launched into the penalty area, only for Young to be penalised for her enthusiasm in attempting to compete with McCann.
Then, with the sands of time ticking down and a draw looking the likely outcome, Young knocked the ball beyond Todd before turning on the boosters. She sent the ball across the faced of the six yard box where it found Bandura at the back post who slammed home beyond McCann. Cue scenes – a mix of joy and relief – likely in equal measure.
Despite a full five minute of nervous energy in added on time, Spartans held on to their narrow advantage and extend their unbeaten run against their hosts to eight games.
FT: Spartans 1-0 Dundee United
Player of the Match: Hannah Cunningham
