Spartans had to come from behind to get a point from a hard fought encounter with Preston Athletic. Though the wind remained strong through out the weather stayed bright, allowing this game to go ahead at the third time of trying.

Dean Hoskins returned to the starting line as Spartans reverted to the 4-5-1 formation they have played for most of the season. Struan Preston dropped to the bench and Danny O’Donnell returned to the centre of midfield.

Spartans started strong and forced a corner within the first 30 seconds. Nicky Walker shot from just outside the box, striking a defender on its way out.

In the second minute Walker raced onto a poor pass back from the Preston defence. Gilpin, in the Preston goal was quick off his line to collect the ball. (more…)

SPARTANS beat Hibernian 5-3 in what can only be described as a tremendous Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup semi-final under the floodlights at Riccarton.

The lighting may not have been good enough to take action pictures in this semi-final, but both Spartans and Hibernian made this a fantastic occasion and the best possible advert for women‘s football. I have always been intrigued by the title of teams at this level and the word ‘Ladies’ is incorporated in to the name of many of the women’s teams. When I looked up the word ‘lady’ in a dictionary is said ‘gracious and well-mannered’! That may be correct, but it was certainly not gracious and well-mannered at Riccarton, where the far-side referee’s assistant had to warn players, several times, not to swear at him! I thought men’s – or should it be gentlemen’s – football was passionate, tough and committed, but these two team of women/ladies more than matched their male counterparts! (more…)