Glasgow City 4 Spartans 2

Glasgow City were this evening crowned Scottish Building Society SWPL Champions 2018, giving them their incredible 12^th league title in a row, another new Scottish national record, after defeating Spartans 4-2 at Petershill Park.

(c) Tommy Hughes

City only had to avoid defeat to lift the title, but eased the nerves of the crowd when they opened the scoring on 23 minutes. Nicola Docherty was fouled out wide, and as captain Leanne Ross sent in the set piece, Abbi Grant sccored her 22^nd goal of the season as she bulleted a header past Rachel Harrison in the Spartans goal.  Lara Ivanuša made it 2-0 only five minutes later side firing home after a great ball into the box by Docherty.

Spartans pulled a goal back on 57 minutes from the penalty spot. Up stepped Alana Marshall and her effort was well saved by City’s Lee Alexander but Marshall was quickest to react to knock in the rebound. However, just like the week previously against Hibernian, City responded immediately when Carly Girasoli finished from close range after a City corner.  Jo Love then went close to adding a fourth before an own goal on 65 minutes did make it 4-1 to the reigning Champions. Spartans got one back with twenty minutes remaining, when Rebecca Galbraith headed home a free kick to make the final score 4-2.

Commenting on the league title win, Head Coach Scott Booth said: "I think it is quite easy for people to talk about winning twelve titles on the trot as if it is something which happens every day, and I think it is lost how much of an achievement it is. To win twelve titles at a time when the game is stronger and stronger in Scotland and across Europe I think says something about the players and the club. I am incredibly proud of everything these players have achieved."

City’s celebrations however will be on hold  as they have one last big game to play this season as they take on the mighty Barcelona in the last 16 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League at Petershill Park on Thursday night. Kick off is 7.30pm and entry on the night is £10 adult, £5 U16s.