Livingston’s Scottish Cup came to an end as a dominant display by SWPL 1 side Spartans ended the Lionesses Hampden dreams. A hat trick from Becky Galbraith sent the Edinburgh side on their way to a 5-0 quarter final victory at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Sunday.

Instantly, Spartans showcased a threat down the flanks, with pacey wingers getting in behind the Livingston backline. There was an early warning sign as Caley Gibb whizzed a cross across the face of the goal, but there were no takers to tap the ball in.

Livingston didn’t take that early warning as Spartans opened the scoring moments later. Mya Bates this time put a low cross into the box with Becky Galbraith gently guiding the ball home for the opener.

Bates and Galbraith offered a threat every time Spartans went forward, with both missing chances to double the lead. Galbraith would add a second to the game in the 32nd minute, firing in from close range after another Bates cross.

Heroic defending saw Sharon Hughes-Lee clear a chance off the line, before Jess Murphy, Shannon Mulligan and Natasha Frew all put in vital blocks following a corner kick.

The second half saw Spartans continue to push for goals, with Schenai Gamrot making a few saves to keep the deficit down to two. However, it wouldn’t be long until the away side found their groove again, with Galbraith getting her hat trick on the hour mark, tapping in following a corner.

It appeared as if the floodgates had opened as Hannah Jordan made it 4-0, before an unfortunate play saw Natasha Frew turn the ball into her own net to make it 5 for the visitors.

Spartans saw out a very professional performance to seal their place in the Scottish Cup semi-final draw, with the SWPL 1 side well worthy of their victory. For Livingston, history had been made as the club made it to the quarter finals for the first time in their short history. The Lionesses are back in action midweek against league leaders Queens Park, before hosting Stirling University on Sunday.

Match Report: Angus Mcgregor

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