No derby fever at Spartans ahead of Hibernian clash - Rosie McQuillan
Clash with Hibs just another game insists Spartans forward
Only Hibernian will be calling Sunday’s clash with Spartans an Edinburgh derby, insists Ainslie Park forward Rosie McQuillan.
The two capital sides go head-to-head on the back of both losing their respective SWPL Cup semi-finals last weekend, as Spartans search for what would be just their second league win of the season.
Hibs finished above Spartans on goal difference last season, but this time they are seven points ahead of Debbi McCulloch’s side, and won the previous encounter 3-0 on the opening day of the season.
“We don’t see it as an Edinburgh derby” McQuillan told Anyone’s Game.
“The only time I have heard ‘derby’ is from the other side. We go into every game with the same belief and confidence that we can win the game.
“No matter if it’s Hibs, Glasgow City or Hamilton. We all need to have the mindset that we can get three points.”
Spartans have suffered a difficult season so far; claiming just eight points from nine games so far.
However, they are unbeaten in their last four league games, and earned plaudits for a battling display against champions Glasgow City at Forthbank before eventually succumbing 3-0 to Eileen Gleeson’s side to end their cup dreams.
“As a team, we have had a bit of a rocky start to the season,” said the 18-year-old, who has scored three times since signing in summer.
“Mostly, it is due to a lack of goals, but I have opened the scoring now and I am really hoping to continue on from that.
“It’s my first time here in SWPL 1 in two years and the league has changed a lot. I really just wanted to get into the team and get settled then score goals which I am starting to do.”
Sponsorship Coup
McQuillan was speaking at the launch of Park Motors Group’s new sponsorship of the SWPL for the 2021-22 season.
“I think it’s really exciting,” she said. “The more sponsorships we get, the better for the exposure of the league.
“It’s not only going to help the league; it’s helping the whole women’s game in Scotland which is what we are all trying to do.
“Since the World Cup in 2019 there has definitely been a lot more media coverage surrounding the women’s game. I know loads of people who never used to take notice of the women’s game and are now starting to ask me questions.
“Prior to that you heard almost nothing about the women’s game.”
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