Aberdeen welcomed an in-form Spartans to Heathryfold Park in the League Cup Quarter Final.
Having made a good start to the season, Spartans were undefeated in the League including an opening day win over the Dons.
For Aberdeen, there was no change to the starting 11 that held Hibs to a 0-0 draw last week.
The away side had the first chance of the game after 9 minutes as Flaherty did well to deny Russell sneaking in at the back post.
Aberdeen kicked into gear and opened the scoring a minute later with a well worked move.
Cowper releasing McGregor down the line, who’s cross was headed home by captain Rachael Small.
The Dons doubled their advantage on 14 minutes through a Nikki Smith strike. The forward slotting home with a well placed left foot drive from outside the penalty area.
On 17 minutes Aberdeen added a 3rd, as Anderson beat the full-back and delivered an outstanding cross for Small to once again convert for her second of the game.
The home side were buoyant and continued to pile pressure on the Spartans defence.
Aberdeen were rewarded for the pressure after 30 minutes. After a good passage of play, Small’s cross into the box for Smith was deflected by an outstretched Spartans leg into the net.
HT Aberdeen 4-0 Spartans
Showing no sign of letting up, Aberdeen started the second half in the same vein and scored a fifth after only 60 seconds of the re-start.
Small cleverly beat the Spartans right back, and fired across to McGregor inside the box. The winger controlled perfectly on the chest and slotted calmly past Cumings to make it 5-0.
Aberdeen were dominant however Spartans continued to fight for a breakthrough, and pulled one back from a long range Marshall effort after 70 minutes.
Aberdeen looked comfortable on the ball and limited Spartans chances during the remainder of the game to seal an impressive win and a place in the League Cup Semi-Finals.
FT Aberdeen 5-1 Spartans
Manager Allan Smith commented “We knew that today’s game was going to be tough as games against Spartans are always hard-fought encounters.
I felt we struggled a couple of weeks back at Ainslie Park due to a depleted squad and we were disappointed with the result.
We were looking to rectify that today and I’m delighted with the reaction from the players. I thought every one of them was outstanding.
We wanted to build on a good result at home last week against Hibs. We scored some really well worked goals today and it was pleasing to see a lot of the things we have been working on come off on the park.
We are delighted to reach the Semi-Final stage and look forward to the draw later this week.”
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Glasgow City v Aberdeen Sunday 17th April Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie
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