City continue to set the pace at the top
Glasgow City continue to set the pace at the top of the SWPL after defeating Spartans 5-1 today.
City opened the scoring on seven minutes when Christie Murray played in Lisa Evans and the young striker who celebrated her 19th birthday only 
yesterday, side footed home an excellent finish. Not long after and Evans was denied adding another when Jo Hutcheson in the Spartans nets bravely dived at the feet of the striker.
City did however get the second goal not long after and it was Evans again. Latching on to a long ball from Leanne Ross, Evans beat Hutcheson to the ball and slotted into the empty net.
Leanne Ross had a chance to make it three after receiving a pass inside the box, but her shot was blocked.
Rachel Corsie should have made it 3-0 on 22 minutes. Getting on the end of a knock down from a wide free-kick the City Captain volleyed over from the edge of the six yard box.
Hutcheson kept her team in the game with a fine save on the half hour mark as she beat away a powerful Emma Michell drive after City had been awarded an in-direct free-kick inside the box.
Although City were dominating possession and chances, Spartans were always a threat on the attack and indeed pulled a goal back not long before half time when Diana Barry finished really well inside the box.
Half time 2-1
After the restart, Christie Murray made some good space for herself in the box, but shot wide.
Soon after Evans got a well deserved hat-trick to make it 3-1 to City as she outpaced the Spartans defence before finishing well.
Jo Hutcheson then saved the visitors from going further behind, with a fine one on one save against Evans after some excellent City passing saw Leanne Ross play Evans through on goal. City’s next chance was Evans once more, but the striker shot wide.
Jane Ross had the ball in the back of the net, heading home a Jo Love cross, but was flagged for off-side.
Ross did however get on the scoresheet minutes later finishing off one of City’s best moves of the match. Eilish McSorley played a simple pass to Emma Fernon after winning the ball on the touchline and Fernon sent a great ball down the line to Evans. The City striker beat the full back before crossing to Jane Ross who had a simple finish from inside the six yard box.
Spartans almost pulled a goal back, when Diana Barry hit a great free-kick, which to the home side’s relief came back off the cross bar.
Before the full-time whistle, City made it 5-1. Christie Murray hit a fine strike against the post and Jo Love was on hand to react well and adjust her feet to fire home the rebound at the first time of asking.
Commenting on the victory, Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, “I am delighted with the win and the three points against a top four side who were unbeaten in all competitions before today. Really pleasing was the fact that we were faithful to our style of play despite the strong wind which made it difficult for both sides.”
Pictures by Glasgow City Club Photographer Lorraine Hill. A full picture report will follow on our photos page. These images belong to Glasgow City FC. To copy or reproduce any images, please contact photos@glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk
22.05.11
