City put six past Spartans
Glasgow City maintained their excellent run with a convincing 6-1 win over Spartans at Glasgow Green.
With Spartans sitting third in the League, this fixture was always going to be a stern test for the Champions, but they got off to a fantastic start when midfielder Leanne Ross scored within 50 seconds. Striker Ruesha Littlejohn fired a cross into the heart of the Spartans defence, which the visitors were only able to clear to the edge of the box and Ross half volleyed home with a great strike.
Three minutes later and City were 2-0 up. A corner by Jane Ross was well met by centre half Rachel Corsie to score her second of the season.
Spartans were reduced to ten players when midway through the first half, keeper Jo Hutchison was red carded for deliberate hand ball outside her box as City compounded the Edinburgh side’s goal.
Just before half time, City scored again, when full back Clare Gemmell crossed for Sue Lappin to finish with a well placed header.
Half time 3-0.
Ten minutes after the restart and Lappin was on the score sheet again. Striker Katharina Lindner, who was having a great match, cut the ball back for Lappin to side foot the ball into the back of the net from six yards.
Lindner herself made it 5-0. A diagonal ball from Leanne Ross to Lindner at the edge of the box saw the German turn the Spartans rear guard inside out before firing home.
Straight from kick off, the visitors got a goal back. A long ball caused some confusion at the back for City and keeper Claire Johnstone cleared the ball off her own player, allowing the Spartans striker to score into an empty net. It was an extremely disappointing goal for the home side to lose, when they had dominated the entire match.
City did however restore their five goal cushion, when Lappin headed in a Leanne Ross free-kick to score a well taken hat-trick.
Boss Peter Caulfield was happy but felt losing a goal took the shine of the performance.
He said. “I am pleased with the result and parts of the performance, but second half we could have used the ball better at times. We started really strongly and were in control of the game, which is why losing a silly goal, when they never threatened is particularly disappointing. We have a week off now because of the international break, but when we come back, we only have a few games left and hopefully if we maintain our focus we can retain the title.”
Pictures by Glasgow City Club Photographer Lorraine Hill.
For more information contact secretary@glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk
18.10.09
