FORMER Hibernian and Manchester United forward Lizzie Arnot scored from the penalty spot and provided three assists as Rangers beat Spartans 5-0 to stay within touching distance of SWPL1 leaders Glasgow City.
“It was important to continue our momentum and get the three points,” the winger said following her player of the match performance. “I want to contribute as much as I can so I'm just happy we got the win.”
Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison made a great save after just 75 seconds to deny the in-form Brogan Hay, but had to be substituted 13 minutes later. She required treatment after falling awkwardly as she tried to stop another Rangers attack and was eventually replaced by Alicia Yates.
The replacement had barely been on the pitch when Robyn McCafferty conceded a penalty. Arnot gave Yates no chance with a powerful shot into the corner from the spot.
A headed own goal by Becky Galbraith, after Arnot had smashed a shot against the bar, doubled the lead midway through the half. Arnot was again involved in the build up to a Zoe Ness goal just before half time, and provided the assist for the fourth by Chelsea Cornet early in a low key second half.
A Bala Devi lobbed goal four minutes into time added on to complete a Rangers 5-0 victory.
Glasgow City are just four wins from the title after dismantling a Forfar Farmington side who have taken just one point from their last eight games. They led 5-0 at half-time, with Costa Rica striker Priscila Chinchilla scoring a hat-trick.
Five other players were on the scoreline, with City running out 8-0 winners.
Celtic stayed in third with a 3-0 win over bottom club Hearts. There were no goals at the interval, prompting head coach Fran Alonso to make four changes at the start of the second half.
Defender Chloe Craig, making her 200thCeltic appearance, broke the deadlock after 58 minutes, with a double for Anna Filby completing the scoring.
“We weren't worried about how many goals we scored – we wanted the three points,” Alonso said. “It's about how we manage the squad because we've just had three games in eight days and play again on Wednesday and Sunday.
“We've won 22 points from a possible 24 since the restart so I have to be delighted with the group. It's like a fairytale that Chloe was able to score the most important first goal. She has been outstanding here for many years.”
Hibernian moved into fourth place ahead of Spartans on goal difference following a 1-0 win over Motherwell. Eilidh Adams got the goal six minutes into the second half.
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