© Carson Ralton

With both teams taking turns at leading during turbulent weather in North Edinburgh, it was the home side, with a Louise Young strike in the dying minutes, who thought they had taken the three points. However with the last kick of the match, Hamilton’s Toni Mason stole the show to end the encounter all square.

Spartans started with a bang and were a goal up inside the first three minutes with Diana Barry chipping the ball over the Accies keeper Megan Cunningham from the edge of the box. Molly McKean picked the ball up on the half way line and placed the ball through the middle of the Accies defence for the well-timed run of Barry to latch onto before she sent a lobbed shot over the advancing Cunningham and into the back of the net.

Within ten minutes Accies came close to going level with Cheryl McCulloch muscling her way past Spartans centre-half Louise Moultray only to see her fierce shot palmed away by keeper Rachel Harrison.

However, this was just a warning shot as, with 30 minutes played, Accies Sarah Crilly stole in to score at the near post from six yards out. Crilly pressurised Louise Magilton into giving the ball away just outside her own box and the forward charged into the area before dispatching a right foot shot into the corner of the net.

Straight from kick-off Accies had to rely on the goalkeeping attributes of Cunningham who pulled off a point-blank save from Spartans Captain Louise Young. Lana Clelland got free down the left-wing and, as she reached the bye-line, the winger sent over a cross to the far post for Young to head towards goal. However, in an instant, Cunningham flicked out a hand to pull off a great reaction save and avert the danger on her goal.

It was Accies who went ahead straight after this opportunity with the home side again giving the ball away on the edge of their own box allowing forward McCulloch to pounce upon and fire the ball into the corner of the net.

Spartans were again left with their heads in their hands as with only minutes left before half-time, a Trisha McLaughlin shot smashed off the post with the net wide open. Barry picked the ball up midway through her own half and played the ball through to Sarah Ewens who, with the keeper rushing out to narrow the angle, flicked the ball out wide to McLaughlin who sent a placed shot towards the empty net. However, as she was about to turn and celebrate the ball came crashing off the post and away from danger.

Five minutes after the break Spartans did get back on level terms as Ewens fired a fierce right foot shot into the back of the net. After latching onto a Harrison goal kick, the forward wrestled her way past two challenges before sending a dipping shot into the top corner of the Accies net.

Spartans proceeded to again take the lead in this topsy-turvy match with Barry getting her second of the game after tapping in at the near post. Ewens flew down the right-wing and as she reached the six yard line she cut the ball back to Barry who, having made a darting run slid the ball home from four yards out.

However the home sides lead was to only last ten minutes as Carolina Richardson restored parity with an accurate placed shot that nestled in the top corner of Harrison’s net. Helen Templeton flicked the ball into the path of Richardson who, after cutting in from the left, sent a vicious shot that Harrison couldn’t prevent from ending up in the back of the net.

With time running out the game looked like petering out however Spartans Captain had other ideas as she crept forward unnoticed. After winger Clelland had a shot charged down the ball fell to the left foot of Young who, front the right corner of the box, curled a low drive into the far bottom corner.

With more than 90 minutes on the clock Spartans must have thought they had won this contest however Accies Toni Mason had other ideas as she connected with an out swinging corner to head the ball into the net and finish the league encounter 4-4.

Spartans Head Coach, Debbi McCulloch, was disappointed to not get the three points as she believes her team deserved more than a draw. She said: “I thought we played some of our best football so far this season but unfortunately we made some defensive errors that allowed the opposition back into the game. Of course the weather conditions didn’t help however it was the disappointment of not getting more from the game after several missed chances in front of goal.”

Spartans: Rachel Harrison, Louise Magilton (Danni Pagliarulo, 77mins), Lana Clelland, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Diana Barry, Molly McKean, Bobbie Beveridge, Trisha McLaughlin, Louise Young, Louise Moultray, Sarah Ewens.

Unused Subs: Jo Hutcheson, Ashley Nicolson, Ann Taylor, Louise Mason, Nichola Sturrock, Sarah Archibald.

Hamilton Academicals: Megan Cunningham, Kirstin McGuire (Helen Templeton, 75 mins), Cara McBrearty, Terri Donnelly, Sarah Crilly, Gillian Inglis, Jennifer King, Toni Mason, Jacqui Seagrave, (Amy Bulloch, 75 mins), Cheryl McCulloch, Carolina Richardson (Jennifer Rogers, 87 mins).

Unused Subs: Elaine Fleming

Written by Edmund Brown

© Patrick McGuire | Scotzine

The decision was announced as mutually agreed.

Since the  weekend the internet had lit up with rumour and guesses over what was to happen with Reid. From him going to Morton, becoming an Assistant at Bristol City or even off to Australia most were sure it was curtains for his tenure. As for a replacement, the keenest fans seemed to be calling for the very man unveiled as the new gaffer. Former Kilmarnock forward and now a man with an Honest Heart beating in his chest, Mark Roberts has been announced as the new boss. Clearly with a nod to the future, Head of Youth at the Ayr United Football Academy, Davie White has been announced as his number two.

The Academy, an independent body, has managed to bring on local talent through the ranks but Reid had been reluctant and heavily criticised for not using them more during the season. With White alongside there is a clear nod that the Academy young team will have an opportunity of First team action. With the experience of Cowdenbeath and Alloa Athletic this year when both teams had new managers in place yet both took their respective championships along with Falkirk playing youngsters and gaining much admiration whilst Gary Bollan lost his job at Livingston apparently due to not using their Academy enough the future is looking younger and younger. They used to say that policemen look younger the older you get, now the squads and their coaches are starting to resemble that maxim.

In his five years in charge Brian Reid produced two promotions, two relegations, fun in the rain against Kilmarnock, a semi final against them at Hampden as well as cup runs that brought some colour to the SFL side at the seaside. He also brought Mark Roberts to the club. the Somerset faithful this evening are hoping that may be his greatest achievement whilst in charge.

SFL DIVISION ONE

Dumbarton v Airdrie United

Dumbarton went all the way up to Arbroath with a slender lead and came back down in the Final. Stephen Grindlay, the Son’s local lad who is their keeper brought off enough saves to help them keep Paul Sheerin’s side at bay as they progressed with a 2-1 aggregate. Jimmy Boyle on the other hand went to Ayr and came back 3-1 victors. Many thought Airdrie had blown it when they didn’t have an advantage after the home tie and at half time in the 2^nd leg it was still all square. Ayr however were down to 10 men as Jonathon Longridge walked for a lunging tackle in 17 minutes. Derek Holmes then put the Diamonds ahead, Andy Geggan equalised before Holmes again and then Willie McLaren put the tie beyond doubt.

For Dumbarton, Paul Nugent is back though Mark Lamont and Ryan Finnie are both out. Phil Johnstone and Graeme Owens remain out for Jimmy Boyle and late fitness tests will be held for Cameron MacDonald and Paul Lovering. It might be tight but I think over two legs, Airdrie will get through. For the first leg though it may be an all square affair.

SFL DIVISION TWO

Stranraer v Albion Rovers

Keith Knox’s side went to Hampden and put another 2 past the Spiders to come away with a 5-1 aggregate victory in the semi finals. Craig Malcolm and Martin Grehan in the first 20 minutes made resistance pointless for Gardner Speir’s men. Paul Martin’s side brought Elgin City to Coatbridge with the Highland side protecting a slender 1-0 lead from the 1^st leg. With Stranraer managing it in the 1^st half, Albion progressed thanks to goals in the 2^nd. John Gemmell levelled the tie on the 62^nd minute before Scott Chaplain, with a spectacular overhead effort right on the 90^th got the 2^nd and the goal that sent the Coatbridge side through.

Stranraer have Sean Winter available whilst Ryan Borris will sit this one out. Albion Rovers meanwhile welcome back Danny Ferry though there will be no Michael O’Byrne, Ryan McStay or Todd Lumsden. John Gemmell will play his last game of the season as he is suspended for the 2^nd leg on Sunday. With a morale boosting 5-1 victory against Queens Park, Stranraer could be favourites but the 2^nd Division experience of Rovers might be significant. The type of final you want – on an even keel. I think Stranraer might take this 1^st leg but be sandbagged at Coatbridge come Sunday.

Visit us at http://www.facebook.com/wongacom/app_355290211200475 and upload your message of support for Hearts.

© Scotzine

The Swedish defender, whose contract expired at the end of the season, has signed a deal with AIK until 2014.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that I wear my AIK shirt,” Majstorovic told the AIK website. “It feels incredibly inspiring to be a part of an exciting future facing AIK. I have great hopes for the future with the club and look forward to the next two and a half years.”

Majstorovic has been sidelined since clashing with international teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic while on international duty with Sweden, with a cruciate ligament injury.

AIK sports director Jens Andersson said: “Daniel’s personality and football qualities will add dynamism and competence to AIK. That, combined with his unique experience at both international and club level, will help develop both the team and the club in the short and long term.”

Joining Celtic in 2010 from Greek side AEK Athens, Majstorovic helped Celtic to Scottish Cup victory in his first season, with a 3-0 win over Motherwell. This season he has been beset with injuries, but made 15 appearances for Celtic as the Parkhead side secured the SPL title for the first time in four years.

The departing AC Milan midfielder has revealed that he would like to return to Glasgow and end his career at Rangers, but only if they sort their financial mess out.

Gattuso told Sportitalia: “I’d like to play for Glasgow Rangers, that’s my dream. However, they are going through a complicated situation.

“I’ve spoken to some people who are looking to enter the club, but we’ll have to see what happens next. They are not the only option.

“I’m not bothered about money. I want an experience that will touch me emotionally, I want to feel alive. If in the future I feel as if I’m not in the best shape then I’ll hand my contract back to whichever club I sign for.”

Gattuso added: “But the club are in a deep crisis, they’re in controlled administration. I went there when I was unknown and they improved me. I’d like to go back there for a year.”

The Italian was signed by Walter Smith in 1997, made 34 appearances for the Ibrox side, scoring three times. However Gattuso did not fit into Dick Advocaat’s plans and was sold to Serie A side Salernitana for £4 million, before moving to AC Milan a year later.

Gattuso’s comments could be just a romantic dream out of touching distance for the aggressive midfielder. As he has experienced vision problems since early September 2011. He was diagnosed with paralysis of the sixth cranial nerve, resulting in diplopia in Gattuso’s left eye, an injury that despite his own determination could eventually spell the end of his football career.

Not only that but the financial strangulation at Rangers could prevent Gattuso making the move to Ibrox, especially with the club facing a 12 month transfer embargo, which they are currently appealing.

“Although I have spent many years in and around football, nothing could have prepared me for the level of passion and commitment I saw over the last few days in Glasgow and at Perth by all those with Rangers at heart. It was heart-warming to see players, supporters and staff all make clear to me how much they care about the Club.

“I hope the consortium I lead can repay that commitment and we are now pressing on with the job of completing the sale of the Club.

“I met fans’ representatives after the match on Sunday (I’ll take that result any day!) and quite rightly they had plenty of questions for me. They made clear that because of what has happened at the Club, I will have to earn their trust and that is exactly how it should be.

“As I said yesterday we are fully committed to trying to achieve a Company Voluntary Arrangement that will enable the Club to emerge from administration. That is our priority but it is in the gift of creditors. If that cannot be achieved we will have to pursue the alternative route of a newco but that would be structured in such a way the Club would not lose its history. But that is not the way we want to go.

“Quite rightly, supporters and the media have raised the issue of the identity of those involved in the consortium. The fundamental reason I cannot do this at this time is that some investors would like to wait until a CVA proposal is advanced or agreed before going public. That is their choice.

“What I can say to supporters is that there is a broad church of investors, from families in Singapore and India to individuals in the UK involved. They are good people who are united in their belief that a club such as Rangers can, should and will have a strong future.

“The identities of those involved will be revealed as we pursue the CVA and know what the outcome of that will be. I can assure supporters and the football authorities that is what is going to happen so everyone will know where the money is coming from.

“I am also hoping to meet the SPL and SFA soon to discuss the consortium and all matters regarding the Club.

“I would also like to say that as soon as the CVA process is further along the road I would like to meet supporters’ representatives again to discuss progress.”

Manager Kevin Murphy said after the match: “Credit to the players today they refused to let this game go and kept coming back at Spartans. This was as good a performance as I could have asked for in very difficult conditions and showed that the players do have the ability and drive to take this club forward.”

In atrocious windy conditions it was a credit to both teams that they served up a match full of good football, incident and goals.

The game got off to a flyer when in only four minutes a ball over the top caught the Hamilton defence napping and as Megan Cunningham advanced towards the danger Spartan’s Di Barry calmly lobbed it over her head.

Hamilton playing with the wind at their backs got control of the midfield and began to exert some pressure on the home team without giving the keeper any great problems. That was all to change when on 30 minutes a mistake in the home defence allowed Sarah Crilly to steal the ball from the Spartans left back play a quick one-two with Jackie Seagrave and beat the keeper with a fine finish.

Spartans came back at Hamilton almost from the restart and only a terrific one-handed save from Cunningham kept the scores level. Hamilton responded themselves and only two minutes later took the lead. A poor pass across the edge of the penalty box allowed Cheryl McCulloch to intercept and fire a powerful shot high past the Spartans keeper. Chances came and went for both teams but there was no further scoring in the first half.

With Hamilton now playing into the teeth of the wind the second half was always going to be a struggle to keep their lead, in fact it only took 3 minutes for the home team to draw level.

A bouncing ball wasn’t cleared properly and Spartans striker Sarah Ewens latched onto it to send it high past Cunningham in goal. Only six minutes later Ewens again pounced on an error and this time took the ball to the by line and cut it back for Barry to notch her second of the match and give the home team a 3-2 lead.

After this poor start to the second half it would have been easy for Hamilton to let the game run away from them but to their credit they fought back and began to create several half chances of their own.

With only 8 minutes remaining Hamilton finally got the equaliser their pressure deserved, Helen Templeton on as a sub won the ball on the half way line and played the ball through to young Carolina Richardson who up to that point had been having a quiet match. Richardson with her back to goal turned her defender on the edge of the box and hit an absolute screamer into the top corner.

The game was now there for both teams to win and chances were created at either end, deep into added time a mistake on the left by the Hamilton defence allowed a cross into the box that was only partially cleared and the ball was hammered into the net by Spartans midfielder Louise Young to put the home team 4-3 up.

Hamilton had worked too hard not to take anything from this match and with the referee looking at his watch Crilly won a corner on the right. Everyone bar the keeper was waved forward into the penalty box, Cara McBrearty delivered the perfect ball onto the head of Toni Mason and she powered the header down past the flailing hands of the keeper. The Hamilton players, coaching staff and supporters celebrated as if they had won the cup.

This was the best Hamilton have played since the start of the season and they more than deserved to take something from this game.

Report written by James Crilly

Rangers took the lead in the first half through Jen Callaghan, before Jo Love equalised for City minutes into the second half. Lisa Evans gave City a deserved lead before second half substitute Danica Dalziel was shown a straight red card for a tackle two minutes from time, in which she appeared to win the ball. Despite being a player down City looked to extend their lead and duly did so through Emma Fernon to secure all three points for Eddie Wolecki Black’s side.

With torrential rain and gale force winds battering Petershill Park, it was Rangers who started the brighter of the two sides using the benefit of the wind behind them to peg City back.

A poor pass back to City keeper Alexander saw her kick out fall to a Rangers player, but the attempted shot at the empty City net was closed down and deflected out for a corner kick. After the resulting corner kick was knocked out for another set piece to Rangers, the home side saw a goal bound header cleared off the line by City’s Nic Docherty ten minutes into the game.

City had their chances through Lisa Evans and Jane Ross, but neither could hit the back of the net in part due to the fine goalkeeping of Khym Ramsay.

It was Ramsay who played a huge part in the opening goal, as the keeper fired a long ball down field which found striker Jen Callaghan, Alexander in the City goal was somewhat hesitant in coming out, then backtracked towards her own goal gifting Callaghan time to tee up a shot from all of 40 yards out to fire over Alexander to break the deadlock.

City nearly equalised sooner after through Emma Mitchell, but Ramsay raced out of her goal to smother the ball at the feet of the City player.

The first controversial decision from referee Billy Dewar-Riddick, saw Jane Ross brought down from behind in the penalty box, but the referee waved play on much to the derision of the City players and fans alike.

Khym Ramsay could only watch as City went close once again through Evans whose shot beat the diminutive Rangers keeper only to strike the cross-bar.

After a half time roasting from manager Eddie Wolecki Black, it took just two minutes into the second half for City to draw level as Evans played the ball to Jo Love who fired a low shot past Ramsay.

City began to dominate the play and it looked only a matter of time before they scored again. On 66 minutes, City took a deserved lead as Evans picked up a pass from Rachel Corsie before unleashing a shot past Ramsay from the edge of the Rangers box.

Two minutes from time and City were reduced to ten when the referee showed a straight red card to substitute Danica Dalziel. The full back was distraught at being given her marching orders from a referee, who was officiating his first ever premier league game. Dalziel looked to have got the ball, but Billy Dewar-Riddick decided that she merited a red card and couldn’t get it out quick enough – so quick that he lost his grip on it and it flew across the pitch in a somewhat comical moment.

Despite Rangers having numerical advantage it was City who conjured up further chances came through Mitchell and Evan, but it was fullback Emma Fernon who drove through the Rangers defence to score City’s third in injury time firing past Ramsay.

In the last moments of the match City could have extended their lead, but a stunning save from Ramsay denied former Hibs midfielder Leanne Crichton and Eilish McSorley saw a header from Jane Ross’ cross hit the wrong side of the post.

All in all it was a hard-fought victory for City who had to not only deal with a stubborn Rangers side, but had to deal with the wild conditions and a referee who looked as though he was looking to prove a point and become part of the game himself.

City manager Eddie Wolecki Black was ‘happy to get all three points’ after a poor start to the game, not helped by the elements and a poor refereeing display.

In contrast St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas was looking to turn round a post split run of results to forget with a win which could propel his over-achieving side into a Europa League spot if other results went their way.

After a spirited opening by the home side, they were again left to rue a lack of quality in the final third and when the chance did fall to Sheridan his free header was straight at McGregor.

With a raucous support willing them on Rangers started to take a stranglehold of the game, with Aluko dropping back into the hole tipping the match in their favour. As the pressure mounted it was no surprise when Rangers took the lead with a stunning shot on the half volley from McCulloch, on the edge of the box which left Mannus with no chance.

The game settled down to a midfield tussle with both sides having their chances, with the best falling to Bedoya when free in the box he blazed wildly over the bar.

Neither side made any changes at half time and it was the home side who made all the running early on, but without the guile of Croft they struggled again to create meaningful chances from open play. Rangers on the other hand had no such problems as Edu fed Aluko who burst through the home defence to coolly put away Rangers’ second of the match.

The second goal seemed to be a fatal blow For St.Johnstone’s faint hopes and all recognition of each other disappeared.

On the opposite side of the coin Rangers grew in confidence and put a limp St Johnstone to the sword with Aluko bagging a further two goals to take home the match ball.

On a day that started so brightly off the field the players on the field proved that on it there still a match for anyone in the SPL.

With the events of the past 24 hours reducing the 90 minutes to a mere sideshow to the main spectacle of events off it Ally McCoist was full of praise for his team who continue to perform in what he described as ‘the darkest season in Rangers history’.

Perth gaffer Lomas was philosophical of his teams performance and indeed there matches since the split, a proud manager who realised his men have given their all and over achieved in their top six finish.

St Johnstone: Mannus, McKay, Callum Davidson, Morris, Wright, Anderson, Millar, Adams, Sheridan, Sandaza, Craig.

Subs: Enckelman, Maybury, Moon, Haber, Kane, Keatings, McIntosh.

Rangers: McGregor, Bartley, Perry, Broadfoot, McCabe, Whittaker, Bedoya, Edu, Wallace, Aluko, McCulloch.

Subs: Alexander, Healy, Little, Hegarty, Mitchell, Crawford, McKay.

Attendance: 6459