A spectacular long range strike by Louise Mason saw Spartans make it three SWPL 1 wins on the bounce with a 1-0 win over Rangers at Ainslie Park.

Suzy Shepherd’s Spartans’ resurgence continued with a dogged display to edge out Rangers in the final game before the summer break.

Alana Marshall’s attempt on the quarter hour mark saw Rangers keeper Claire Johnstone scrambling to push the ball round the post in what was a relatively incident free first half.

Laura Gavin having the only other notable effort of a half devoid of stramash and goal mouth incident. The striker was unable to direct her shot between the sticks following a sweeping defence to attack move.

HT: Spartans 0-0 Rangers

Rangers came out of the traps the fastest in the second half, with Megan Foley the first to show her sides intent to head back across the M8 with the points. Thankfully for the home side, her shot hit the back of the net – of the practice goals on the sideline.

With the game showing signs of stalemate, it needed something out of the top drawer to settle proceedings.
That came from the boot of Louise Mason who pulled off a sensational strike from 25 yards that gathered pace as it sailed over the outstretched arm of Johnstone to hit the back of the net.

A relative bystander during the course of the game, Eartha Cumings was called into action when she stayed big before turning Chantelle Brown’s effort behind for a corner as Rangers looked to get back on level terms. It was a save that also ensured the young keeper earned her third clean sheet in as many league games.

With eight minutes left on the clock, substitute Christie Kerr was inches away from doubling her side’s lead, only to send her header over the bar from deep inside the box.

FT: Spartans 1-0 Rangers