News
#SWPLCup: Spartans vs. Hibernian
Match report by Campbell Finlayson
Hibs breezed past Spartans to secure their place in the SWPL Cup final with a comfortable win at Broadwood.
The Hibees began brightly and had two chances to take the lead in the opening six minutes. Chelsea Cornet was first to go close, volleying wide from a corner before Kirsty Morrison was denied by Rachel Harrison with Rachael Small firing the rebound over the bar.
Spartans though really should have taken the lead on eight minutes when good work from Zoe Johnstone set up a chance for Tegan Reynolds, but the midfielder’s shot came crashing off the bar.
Q&A – Spartans Head Coach Debbi McCulloch
Ahead of the new 2019 season, the team at Scottish Building Society SWPL caught up with Spartans Head Coach Debbi McCulloch to discuss new signings, and new aspirations, as Season 2019 looks to kick off in two weeks time.
The full interview can be found by clicking on the following link https://www.womenspremierleague.co.uk/news/sbsswpl-qa-spartans/
Spartans hit Six
Spartans hosted SWPL 2 side St Johnstone WFC yesterday afternoon in the first preseason friendly of 2019. Both teams started off well although Spartans did enjoy much of the possession in the first and second half. After several set pieces and a couple of near misses Spartans broke the deadlock with Tegan Reynolds intercepting the ball in the final third (twice) before slamming the ball home. Half time: Spartans 1 St Johnstone 0
Spartans started off the second half at great pace as they searched for more goal scoring opportunities. The second goal of the game came in the 72nd minute with Spartans debutante Beth McKay blasting the ball into the St Johnstone goal from just outside the box. Eight minutes later, McKay secured her second of the game by calmly slotting a Sanyoto-Brown cross into the back of the net. Further goals were scored by Michaela McAlonie (83rd minute), Kaela McDonald-Nguah (84th minute) and Jess Murphy (89th minute). As you can see from the image below Murphy was slightly surprised by her fine and clinical finish! Full time: Spartans 6 St Johnstone 0
Images by Craig Doyle Photography
Robyn McCafferty joins Spartans
Spartans have made their first signing ahead of the new Scottish Women’s Premier League season getting underway by securing the signature of Robyn McCafferty.
The 15-year-old defender put pen to paper on a deal which sees her join the club from Hibernian U19’s Performance team. The young centre back also represents and captains Scotland Women’s Under 17’s.
Talking about her move to Spartans Robyn said “I’m so excited to be joining such an ambitious club like Spartans. I’ve been training with the team for the past couple of weeks and have been impressed by the facilities and level of intensity at training”.
Head Coach Debbi McCulloch spoke of her delight at securing the capture of the talented youngster. She said “Robyn is a player I have admired for some time now so I was keen to secure her services for the forthcoming season. At the age of 15 some people may think Robyn is too young for SWPL 1 level but they couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, Robyn still has plenty to learn but I’ve been hugely impressed by her maturity and level of ability since joining us. She has a very bright future ahead of her and I look forward to working with Robyn for many season to come”
Welcome to Spartans Robyn!
SWPL 1: Joy of Six for Spartans as win secures top flight status
A rejuvenated Spartans hit Forfar for six and secured their status in next season’s top flight at Ainslie Park on Sunday.
Having picked up seven points from their last three games together with a impressive win over Celtic to earn a Scottish Cup semi final spot, Debbi McCulloch’s side went into the game knowing a win would all but guarantee a place at the top table next season. The visitors visited the capital on the back of a four match losing streak and clearly looking to dent the hosts enthusiasm. (more…)
Spartans Girls Shine
A group of Spartans girls had to brave the weather twice during the recent Girls’ Progression Academy trials organised by the regional Scottish Women’s Football team. The first date turned into a washout halfway through the session and the girls had to be on the top of their game once again at the rearranged trial. The competition was fierce for places with the level of talent in the region at U11-U13 level (P6-S1 age groups) at an all time high. The SWF coaches running the sessions praised the skills and effort from all the participants.
The trials were followed by a nervous wait for the results, but our Spartans coaches received the fantastic news, this week, that four Spartans players were successful and Freya Brien, Rona Harvey, Dora Jakri (U11s) and Daisy Smith (U13s) have all now been offered places for the next three training blocks at the Girls’ Progression Academy.
Congratulations to all and we look forward to seeing Rona, Freya, Dora and Daisy develop their abilities as players with this great additional opportunity! Rona, Freya and Dora are pictured above.