In a comeback Lazarus himself would have stepped back and applauded, Debbi McCulloch’s Spartans turned around a two goal half time deficit to defeat Motherwell 2-3 at Penny Cars Stadium.
The result sees Spartans open up a five point gap in fourth place over fellow Edinburgh outfit Hibernian with just two games of the extended season to go. Going into the match, Spartans hadn’t lost in the SWPL to the hosts however they were staring defeat in the eye at the interval despite making most of the early running.
Louise Mason was first to test the Motherwell keeper and midway through the half, Alana Marshall’s counter attack was thwarted by Pollard.
The pie chart of possession had the visitors with the biggest bite-sized chunk however it was two goals in four manic minutes that must have tasted sweet in the half time team-talk for the home side’s coaching team.
Gallon rounded Yates to open the scoring then former Spartans player McDonald-Nguah doubled the lead.
HT: Motherwell 2-0 Spartans
Cliches are ten a penny in these resumes however this truly was to be a game of two halves as the following forty fives minutes was to show.
An early opportunity saw Marshall send the ball teasingly across the face of the goal but there were to be no takers. Spartans were then handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute after a Well player handled in the box. Captain Alana Marshall saw her spot-kick saved however she was ready to follow up and despatched the rebound.
Cometh the hour and the equaliser. Excellent play by Michaela McAlonie on the wing carved open an opportunity for Marshall who curled her effort into the top corner to make it all square.
Marshall then turned provider for Galbraith as the tourists eyed up the three points akin to a lion poised on the Serengeti awaiting its prey.
The comeback was complete with twelve minutes left on the clock. Marshall, who was in fantastic form, sent a cross into the box for McAlonie and despite the attentions of Pollard, the ball found its way into the unguarded net.
Games between these two sides are seldom dull affairs and this proved to be no different. Five goals, an amazing comeback and with results elsewhere as they were, a crucial three points to take back to the capital.
FT: Motherwell 2-3 Spartans