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LOYALTY PERIOD EXTENDED
29th April 2024
An injury-time winner from Danni McGinley sealed an impressive comeback on Sunday as Dundee United defeated Spartans by the odd goal in three.
Graeme Hart made three changes from last month’s loss to Rangers as Neve Guthrie, Claire Delworth and Georgie Robb came in for Rachel Todd, Ciara Bonner and the suspended Jade McLaren.
After falling behind to Alana Marshall’s first-half goal, Tammy Harkin pulled one back before the hour mark while McGinley clinched the points in the Scottish Women’s Premier League clash.
An early ball into the box from Claire Delworth looked to cause problems but nobody was on hand to meet the cross and Spartans cleared their lines.
Hannah Jordan and Rebecca Galbraith came close for the visitors with Fiona McNicoll on hand to deny the pair.
Shortly before the half-hour mark Jordan looked likely to find the net but for a great block from Cassie Cowper to deny her.
McNicoll was in fine form and made sure the scores remained level as she held a Kat Smart header.
Danni McGinley came close in the 39th minute as she turned her marker before firing wide from distance.
Less than sixty seconds later United were behind; a cross into the box wasn’t held by McNicoll and Alana Marshall was on hand to stab the loose ball home.
McGinley almost pulled United level before halftime with another shot just past the post.
Half-Time Dundee United Women 0 Spartans Women 1
The side came out for the second half keen to get back on level terms as soon as possible.
Spartans came close to adding to their lead two minutes after the break with Sarah Clelland’s free-kick being saved by McNicoll.
At the other end, Tammy Harkin couldn’t find the target from 25 yards before Georgie Robb hit the side netting from a tight angle.
Neve Guthrie was played through on goal in the 56th minute and looked to get a shot away but Harrison did well to rush out and deny the attacker.
Three minutes later United found a leveller; Cowper floated a free kick towards the edge of the box and McGinley brought the ball down for Harkin to strike from 20 yards out. Her ferocious effort looked to have been saved by Harrison but the keeper somehow let the ball squeeze out of her hands and into the back of the net.
The goal sparked more life into United and they almost put themselves ahead shortly after as Georgie Robb’s low effort rolled agonisingly past the post.
McGinley forced Harrison into tipping her shot round the post and from the corner, Lisa Ryan and Neve Guthrie were denied by the Spartans defence.
Good work on the edge of the box worked an opening for Rebecca Foote who flicked the ball over the advancing Harrison only to see it bounce the wrong side of the post.
Not long after Robb had another chance but couldn’t keep it down as she lashed over the bar.
The game looked to be ending in a score draw until the 91st minute; Cassie Cowper found McGinley on the edge of the box, she held off her marker before turning and sending a magnificent strike into the corner of the net to make sure the points stayed at Gussie Park.
Full-Time Dundee United Women 2 Spartans Women 1
A fantastic win for United moves them up to eighth in the league with a clash against Aberdeen at Tannadice next Sunday.
Starting XI: McNicoll, Donald, Ryan, McGinley, Guthrie (Malcolm 90+2), Smith, Robb, Foote, Cowper, Harkin, Delworth
Subs not used: Fraser, McMillan, Murphy, Arthur
Bookings: Delworth, Cowper
Scorers: Harkin 59, McGinley 90+1
