Aberdeen travelled to Ainslie Park to face Suzy Shepherds’ new side in the opening game of the season.
The Dons were without 7 players, due to injury, suspension and illness.
The match opened at a frantic pace with both sides feeling their way into the game.
Aberdeen were dealt another injury blow after only 3 minutes, when stand-in captain for the day Chloe Fitzpatrick, had to come off injured.
It was the home side who took the lead in the 12th minute through a fantastic strike from Alana Marshall. Spartans were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, which the midfielder blasted past Flaherty into the top corner.
Spartans doubled the lead in the 26th minute when Mariel Kaney scrambled the ball over the line following a goalmouth melee.
Aberdeen responded well and were beginning to get joy down the right hand side. On 30 minutes, McGregor was released down the wing and her cut back found Jo Fraser who calmly dispatched past Cummings.
The Reds felt aggrieved not to be on level terms just before half time as Nikki Smith had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be ruled offside.
HT Spartans 2-1 Aberdeen
Aberdeen started the second half in pursuit of an equaliser and put pressure on the Spartans defence.
Some quick corners in succession saw Murray and Paterson both go close for the Dons.
With the majority of the game being battled in midfield, and limited chances at either end, there were to be no further goals.
FT Spartans 2-1 Aberdeen
Manager Allan Smith commented “I don’t think there was too much in it today, both teams battled well and had good spells in the game. But credit to Spartans, we were beaten by a fantastic strike from a free-kick, sometimes you have to accept that there is nothing you can do about those ones.
We are obviously disappointed not to have come away with something today but there are alot of positives to take. We had players out of position today who did really well and adapted to changes with the injury after 3 minutes.
Our focus now needs to turn to Hibs at home next week.”
NEXT FIXTURE:
Aberdeen v Hibernian
Sunday 20th March
1pm ko
Heathryfold Park
Reported by Aberdeen FC Ladies
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