GLASGOW City head coach Scott Booth was happy with the result, but not the performance, after his side beat Spartans 2-0 to maintain their lead at the top of the SWPL. The champions continue to lead Hibs, who beat Celtic 1-0 away from home, on goal difference.
City got off to a perfect start at Ainslie Park when Republic of Ireland attacking midfielder Denise O'Sullivan opened the scoring after just 30 seconds. The home side worked a number of openings, but couldn't find an equaliser before falling further behind to an own goal in the 36th minute.
Spartans also had a strong penalty claim turned down just before half time, but City had the better of the second period without being able to add to the scoreline.
Booth returns to familiar pastures next Sunday for a Scottish Cup tie against Aberdeen, and believes his side will need to improve in the Granite City.
"I'm delighted with the 2-1 win, but I'm frustrated about the performance and I think the girls will be as well," Booth said. "It was that kind of afternoon – we created lots of chances but better decision-making and some more quality at the end of it might have made it an easier match overall.
"We have to give Spartans credit. They caused us problems early on in the game and created some good chances. We managed to come through that and then had a lot of possession and controlled the game thereafter – but we will need to up the game for Aberdeen next weekend."
Spartans remain in sixth place after the summer split which divided the top six and the bottom six, two points behind Rangers, who lost 2-0 at Aberdeen.
Goals from Rachel Small and Hannah Stewart allowed the home side to replace Celtic in third place, as well as providing a boost ahead of the cup tie against City.
Both Hibs and City will have their training plans disrupted for the next three days because of a Scotland training camp.
The Edinburgh side provide nine players, and the champions eight, to the largely domestic squad of 21 who will be assessed by Anna Signeul ahead of next month's opening Euro 2017 qualifier against Slovenia.
One of the defenders in the squad, Siobhan Hunter, got the vital second-half goal against Celtic which keeps Hibs breathing down the necks of the champions.
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