Hibernian 1-2 Spartans: Fourth League Cup final in a row for Spartans
SPARTANS manager Debbi McCulloch led her side to their fourth consecutive League Cup final, and reckons this time they might just win it.
Goals from Louise Mason and Sarah Ewens sealed a win over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian, despite a nervy finish after Katey Turner's late strike.
Goals from Louise Mason and Sarah Ewens sealed a win over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian, despite a nervy finish after Katey Turner's late strike.
It was a sensational turnaround for McCulloch's side, who just a few weeks ago had gone down 7-1 to the previously unbeaten Hibees.
She said: "I was saying to the players that not everyone gets a chance to participate in a final - we've now had that opportunity four seasons in a row.
"They've just got to enjoy it and hopefully this time we come away with the cup.
Spartans have now made five finals in six years. Photo by Edmund Brown
"Obviously defensively we were a lot more solid than last time, it was seven going on twelve if we're honest. But we've worked hard in training and I don't think Hibs had many chances apart from the one they scored.
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Celtic 3-1 Hamilton: Murphy laments cheap goals
HAMILTON slipped to defeat against Celtic but may feel the score was an unfair reflection of their performance. Under the cover of the Toryglen sports centre, Accies lost three goals in reply to their one to lose out on all three points.Despite the defeat, manager Kevin Murphy though was satisfied with his team’s performance.
“They were cheap goals to lose," said Murphy. "That was sore to take. But, we competed well, gave a good account of ourselves and made sure they were in a game so from that point of view it was pleasing.”
He continued: “Overall, I’m pleased with the performance. We started the
game really well, took the game to Celtic and got the opening goal.
"I’m
disappointed with some of the goals that we lost; however I thought that
the reaction from the team after the interval was great.
Kilwinning 0-12 Glasgow City: City warn up for Forfar in style
GLASGOW City continue to set the pace in the Scottish Women's Premier League after a resounding 12-0 win over newly promoted Kilwinning.
Six goals in each half was enough to give City the win, much to the delight of City boss Eddie Wolecki Black.
Six goals in each half was enough to give City the win, much to the delight of City boss Eddie Wolecki Black.
He said: “We are very happy with the performance as we have maybe been guilty this season of only playing for a half, but I think we are beginning to get 90 minutes out of the team.
"This was shown by the fact that we managed to score six goals in each half, which was pleasing. The goals were also spread about the team, which was also great to see.
"Lauren Ray made her debut today from the Development team, which is excellent, especially considering she has come through our youth ranks for a number of years.
"We now prepare for a tough League Cup Semi-Final on Thursday against Forfar at Hill of Beath."
Jo Love challenges for Glasgow City. Photo by Edward Linton
City got off to a quick start with Suzanne Lappin finding the net within two minutes. Lappin went on to score four first half goals and two penalty conversions by Leanne Ross, a double by Lisa Robertson and strikes from Danni Pagliarlulo, Nicky Docherty, Jo Love and Leanne Crichton sealed a very comfortable win for the reigning Champions.
Rangers started the game brightly with two chances in the opening minute from Kathryn Hill. A long range shot after good play to win the ball in midfield and a shot from an early corner were both held safely by the Forfar ‘Keeper.
This year’s event however showcased one additional accolade that was new to everyone – the Women’s Player of the Year.
The inaugural award will hopefully embellish the sport within the media over the next few weeks, which will add to the fuel power that is growing in the game - especially with the run up to this summers Euro’s fast approaching.
The prestigious award is now firmly and rightfully alongside the male’s equivalent, after an agreement was reached for all players in the English Women’s Super League (WSL) to now be part of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).
An inclusion, which will be imperative to the support received by the players themselves both on and off the field; providing what will hopefully be a foundation for which the game can continue to flourish in the UK as a whole.
The shortlist for the title was as follows: Gemma Davison (Arsenal), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Kim Little (Arsenal), Jess Fishlock (Bristol Academy) and Toni Duggan (Everton). A youthful list, largely reflecting English and Arsenal successes, but one where Scotland’s bias lent towards their own internationalist Kim – a favourite with both fans and Scotland teammates.
SWPL League leaders Glasgow City travel to Ayrshire on Sunday to take on newly promoted Kilwinning in a match Assistant Coach Donald Jennow stresses is every bit as important as last week’s win over Celtic.
He said: "This week we travel to Kilwinning after our second game with Celtic in as many weeks.
“Everyone at the club knows how much work it takes to win titles and this week’s game is worth exactly the same amount of points towards that title as last weeks. With that in mind we will be every bit as focused and determined to put in a performance and get the result.
"Kilwinning have had a disrupted start to the season with a couple of postponements but have shown, in their narrow defeats to Hutchie Vale and Aberdeen, that they are here to compete this season. We expect a tough challenge from a side that after forming just 5 years ago is in its first season in the top flight."
Glasgow City take on Kilwinning at Kilwinning Sports Club, Pennyburn Road, Kilwinning, KA13 6LF.
SWPL full fixture card:
Kilwinning v Glasgow City: Kilwinning Sports Ground, 2pm
Spartans v Hutchison Vale: Spartans Academy, 1pm
Buchan v Hibernian: Maud Juniors, 2pm
Rangers v Forfar Farmington: Petershill Park, 2pm
Aberdeen v Falkirk: Sunnybank Juniors, 2pm
Celtic v Hamilton: Toryglen Football Centre, 4pm
Leanne first joined City back in July 2007 and since then has won six League titles, three League Cups and three Scottish Cups. She has played every position in a City shirt with the exception of goalkeeper and only six other City players, past and present, have ever started more games than this true Glasgow City legend.
Captain this season with the absence of Rachel Corsie through injury, Leanne is a true leader and will without doubt be one of the most revered players ever to wear the City orange.
HAMILTON left it late as an 84th minute winner from Ashley McDonald saw the hosts seal all three points against Aberdeen.
Manager Kevin Murphy was a relieved man, but was impressed with his team’s performance particularly in the final third.
“I didn’t care how it came, I’m just glad it did,” Murphy said.
“I thought Gill Inglis was outstanding throughout and we’ve worked on bringing her in from wide quite well, and then Ashley’s goal was brilliant on the end of a great cross.
“A bit into the second we moved a lot more bodies forward and switched to four-four-two which saw us attack their goal a lot more and our wider players did very well in this.”
Aberdeen got the game underway and tested Accies keeper Megan Cunningham straight away, a reaction stop before defender Ainsley Douglas cleared the rebounded effort to safety.
Accies also came close in the opening, as Carolina Richardson sent a looping strike just past goal, Cara McBrearty and Kirsten McGuire also coming close, McBrearty firing just wide and McGuire finding the near side netting.
Rangers 0-0 Forfar: Rangers frustrated in stalemate
AFTER battling hard and dominating play for 90 minutes, at Petershill Park, Rangers came away from the game with only the one point for their efforts, held to a goalless draw by Forfar Farmington.
A frustrated Rangers coach Angie Hind felt her team deserved more than just a point.
She said: “I
think in football we all have one of those days - today was certainly
one of them. I don't think we could have done much more to win the game.
"We threw everything at them, hit the woodwork on numerous occasions and
even in the final seconds were still fighting to be on the end of a
cross.
"I thought the effort and work rate of the team today was
fantastic. Whilst we felt we deserved much more its another point in the
league and we continue to move forward.”
Rangers started the game brightly with two chances in the opening minute from Kathryn Hill. A long range shot after good play to win the ball in midfield and a shot from an early corner were both held safely by the Forfar ‘Keeper.
Rachel Corsie: Kim Little a role model for all of Scottish football
ANOTHER season comes to an almost close in the English Premiership, with the PFA awards last weekend giving recognition to excellent individual and team performances.
This year’s event however showcased one additional accolade that was new to everyone – the Women’s Player of the Year.
The inaugural award will hopefully embellish the sport within the media over the next few weeks, which will add to the fuel power that is growing in the game - especially with the run up to this summers Euro’s fast approaching.
The prestigious award is now firmly and rightfully alongside the male’s equivalent, after an agreement was reached for all players in the English Women’s Super League (WSL) to now be part of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).
An inclusion, which will be imperative to the support received by the players themselves both on and off the field; providing what will hopefully be a foundation for which the game can continue to flourish in the UK as a whole.
Arsenal's Kim Little (right) facing Rachel Corsie in a pre-season friendly
The shortlist for the title was as follows: Gemma Davison (Arsenal), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Kim Little (Arsenal), Jess Fishlock (Bristol Academy) and Toni Duggan (Everton). A youthful list, largely reflecting English and Arsenal successes, but one where Scotland’s bias lent towards their own internationalist Kim – a favourite with both fans and Scotland teammates.
Glasgow City face Kilwinning
SWPL League leaders Glasgow City travel to Ayrshire on Sunday to take on newly promoted Kilwinning in a match Assistant Coach Donald Jennow stresses is every bit as important as last week’s win over Celtic.He said: "This week we travel to Kilwinning after our second game with Celtic in as many weeks.
"Both Eddie and myself were extremely proud of the girl's performance on Sunday and I feel it was the first time this season we have played at the level everyone in the club expects.
"In the last few weeks I have read, heard and watched a number of debates over the importance of performance versus results. I was in the fortunate position on Sunday evening of not having to choose one or the other. The biggest positive for me is that in each of the last two seasons I have worked with the 1st team we have improved as the season went on, and Sunday’s performance was the first sign that this season will be no different.
“Everyone at the club knows how much work it takes to win titles and this week’s game is worth exactly the same amount of points towards that title as last weeks. With that in mind we will be every bit as focused and determined to put in a performance and get the result.
"Kilwinning have had a disrupted start to the season with a couple of postponements but have shown, in their narrow defeats to Hutchie Vale and Aberdeen, that they are here to compete this season. We expect a tough challenge from a side that after forming just 5 years ago is in its first season in the top flight."
Glasgow City take on Kilwinning at Kilwinning Sports Club, Pennyburn Road, Kilwinning, KA13 6LF.
SWPL full fixture card:
Kilwinning v Glasgow City: Kilwinning Sports Ground, 2pm
Spartans v Hutchison Vale: Spartans Academy, 1pm
Buchan v Hibernian: Maud Juniors, 2pm
Rangers v Forfar Farmington: Petershill Park, 2pm
Aberdeen v Falkirk: Sunnybank Juniors, 2pm
Celtic v Hamilton: Toryglen Football Centre, 4pm
Leanne Ross achieves Glasgow City legendary status
LEADING the team out on to the field on Sunday was Glasgow City Vice Captain Leanne Ross. Not only did Leanne help marshal her side to a 3-0 victory over Celtic, but she started her 100th Premier League match for the club.
Leanne first joined City back in July 2007 and since then has won six League titles, three League Cups and three Scottish Cups. She has played every position in a City shirt with the exception of goalkeeper and only six other City players, past and present, have ever started more games than this true Glasgow City legend.
Captain this season with the absence of Rachel Corsie through injury, Leanne is a true leader and will without doubt be one of the most revered players ever to wear the City orange.
Rachel Corsie and Leanne Ross (right) lift the Scottish Cup. Photo by Graeme Berry
Speaking of her achievement, Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said: “Considering the women’s league only plays 20 - 22 matches then it really shows a remarkable consistency to be selected that often at this club in just under six years.
"Leanne is mentally very strong and tactically aware, so much so she has filled in a number of areas for us throughout her time here. It takes a strong character to play in a team where the demands are so high.
"There are also a lot of big personalities in this dressing room and the environment can swallow you up if you are not performing. Therefore it’s to her immense credit that she continues to reach new landmarks at this stage of her career.
Hamilton leave it late against Aberdeen
HAMILTON left it late as an 84th minute winner from Ashley McDonald saw the hosts seal all three points against Aberdeen.Manager Kevin Murphy was a relieved man, but was impressed with his team’s performance particularly in the final third.
“I didn’t care how it came, I’m just glad it did,” Murphy said.
“I thought Gill Inglis was outstanding throughout and we’ve worked on bringing her in from wide quite well, and then Ashley’s goal was brilliant on the end of a great cross.
“A bit into the second we moved a lot more bodies forward and switched to four-four-two which saw us attack their goal a lot more and our wider players did very well in this.”
Aberdeen got the game underway and tested Accies keeper Megan Cunningham straight away, a reaction stop before defender Ainsley Douglas cleared the rebounded effort to safety.
Accies also came close in the opening, as Carolina Richardson sent a looping strike just past goal, Cara McBrearty and Kirsten McGuire also coming close, McBrearty firing just wide and McGuire finding the near side netting.
