Spartans Reserves hit double figures for the third time in as many outings at Ainslie Park, scoring 10 without reply against Seton Ladies in Sunday’s Division 2 encounter.
It was a five-star personal performance from striker Anne Smollet who helped maintain her side’s unbeaten record at home under the stewardship of Coach Walter McGill.
With injuries, unavailability and lure of the Colour Me Rad 5k, the Reserves kicked off their midday encounter with just 10 players. The numerical disadvantage failed to curtail the in-form forwards with Anne Smollet hitting a first half hat-trick and Laura McRitchie adding another to make it 4-0 at the break.
The athletes arrived fresh from their 5k during the second half giving Coach Walter McGill options and most importantly the opportunity to increase the attendance on the Community Pitch to the full compliment of players.
This didn’t help the East Lothian side who conceded another shortly after the restart through Lucy Brown.
Captain Nichola Sturrock grabbed a brace of goals, sandwiched in between further strikes by Smollet who took her personal tally to five for the afternoon.
As the game entered its final moments, Helen Lyon hit number ten to round off a victory that pleased Coach Walter McGill.
“It was a tremendous effort by my depleted squad who showed the depth and character needed to overcome the adversity of the situation and keep the formation and shape that we discussed in preparation for this game.
“I must praise Anne Smollett who played a solitary figure up front and worked herself into the ground to force the errors which led her to scoring 5 goals on the day without the aid of a strike partner.
“Several players played out of position and their own comfort zone today, but they all stepped up to the plate and coped fantastically, including Captain Nichola Sturrock who chipped in with a brace & continues to score with regularity from her midfield berth.
“Notable other mentions should go to Steph Ireland for keeping a clean sheet in goal, Lucy Brown for picking up the other ‘centre mid’ roll and Laura McRitchie for her constant runs from wide left to overlap and act as a second forward.”
The ‘interim’ Coach spoke of his delight at the overall team effort and in particular the desire to play fast flowing football against 11 players for the duration.
McGill added, “It was a pleasure to be Coach today and all credit should go to every single one of the girls for the ultimate commitment to a team game, which certainly screamed out our club motto “Live Together, Play Together, Win Together”