Spartans Reserves progressed to Round 2 of the Scottish Cup and have been rewarded with a trip to SWPL side Inverness City after an emphatic 12-0 victory over Forfar Farmington Ladies at Ainslie Park.
Just like their free-scoring colleagues on the Stadium pitch next door, the Reserves didn’t take long to get out of the starting blocks and within 5 minutes they were in the lead after Nichola Sturrock slotted home.
Anne Smollet doubled her side’s lead shortly after before Lucy Brown made it 3-0 within the opening 20 minutes.
Sturrock grabbed her second of the afternoon moment later and there were congratulations all round for Kirsty Maden who scored her first goal for the Club in the 27th minute.
The best strike of the half however came from the feet of Emma McNaughton. A thumping shot from all of 40 yards (reports claim it was as far as 60 yards as the night progressed!) sailed high in the Forfar net leaving the keeper with no chance.
Half-Time: Spartans 6-0 Forfar Farmington Ladies
There was to be no let-up in the second half as Sturrock completed her hat-trick four minutes after the break.
Brown & Smollet each added to their first half goals as McGill’s side raced to nine without reply.
Heather Smart’s powerful header in the box made it 10 and late goals by Lyon and Sturrock rounded off a great afternoon’s work for a happy Walter McGill.
Following the 12-0 victory, Interim-Coach commented, “I am extremely pleased with Sunday’s result. The entire squad played their part in a fantastic performance. To be given the chance to take-on SWPL opposition in Round 2 is a challenge that will show just how far we have come and improved over the last few months.
“As a whole, the team took their chances and played some tremendous football whilst being patient to choose the right time to execute the final ball.
“Most notable performers for me on Sunday were Captain Nichola Sturrock who was moved into the centre midfield position this week, and didn’t disappoint in controlling the game. Whilst setting up a handful of our goals, she also chipped in with 4 of her own. It’s a rich vien of form for Nichola who takes her tally to 15 goals from 10 games which is a great return ratio from any midfield player.
“Heather Smart who marshalled and controlled the defence to keep a well deserved clean sheet and also chipping in with a goal of her own.
“Finally, I would also like to congratulate Kirsty Maden on scoring her first goal for the club and I’m sure there will be many more to come.”