Three goals in Edinburgh ensure a semi-final berth for City….
Report & Picture: Glasgow City FC
A penalty from Leanne Ross and second half goals from Kirsty Howat and Joanne Paton ensured a 3-0 win for Glasgow City over Spartans and safe progression into the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Despite controlling the lions share of the first half, City seemed to lack their usual cutting edge, not helped by an early change which saw striker Abbi Grant forced off through injury.
A number of crosses came into the Spartans box, but lacked the type of quality to cause the home side any real problems. It was therefore no great surprise that the opening goal came from a set piece. Forward Kirsty Howat was brought down in the box and the ever dependable Captain, Leanne Ross, stepped up to convert the spot kick.
Before the break, Spartans almost stunned the visitors as Zoe Johnstone raced through on goal, only to drag her shot wide. Whether it was the Spartans chance, or a half time dressing down from the Head Coach, but a much improved City team emerged for the second period and created numerous chances, which saw Hayley Lauder hit the bar twice before Kirsty Howat finished off a fine team move to make it 2-0.
The third goal came from Joanne Paton as she got on the end of a great ball from Nicola Docherty, controlled well under pressure in the box and smashed a powerful shot past Rachel Harrison in the Spartans nets to make it 3-0 and safely put her side into the semi-finals.
Commenting Glasgow City Head Coach Scott Booth said, “I felt in the first half we didn’t pass the ball particularly well and when we did get into good wide positions, we failed to cause Spartans any real problems. Losing Abbi to injury so early in the game was a blow but I felt the reaction after half time was good and we looked much more comfortable in possession and created a number of good opportunities through some excellent play. We stretched them a lot more in the second half and scored two good goals. We are delighted to be in the hat for the semi-finals.“
