‘Perfect fixture’ for Spartans

The Ainslie Park side face struggling, bottom of the league Killie at Spartans Academy (kick-off 1.00pm) and are hoping a good performance and hopefully a convincingly victory will give everyone a boost after the disappointment of a third successive SWPL Cup final defeat.

Young said: “The performance the other night was an improvement from the league defeat against City, but it was disappointing nevertheless because nobody likes to lose a cup final.

“No disrespect to Kilmarnock, but this is perhaps the best fixture we could have after such a disappointing night.

“We need a victory not only for our confidence, but for our league position too.

“We have dropped silly points this season and are not where we should be in the table

“It would be great to go out, put in a good performance and score a few goals – and get the City result out of our system.”

Meanwhile, Hibernian Ladies travel west to take on Rangers at Petershill Park, Glasgow (2.00pm) and manager Willie Kirk predicts a difficult afternoon for his side.

Games between the two clubs have been close in recent seasons and it was the Gers’ shock 1-0 win towards the end of the last campaign that ultimately cost Hibs second place in the SWPL.

Kirk said: “Rangers has given us problems in the past and we know we will be in for a tough afternoon against them.

“Their results have been up and down this season which makes it difficult for us to spot any trends in their play, but they have a terrific, experienced coach in John Joyce and he will have them well organised.

“They have good players that can hurt us if we allow them to, but we must look after our own performance and if we play as well as I know we can then I would expect to pick up all three points.”

Elsewhere, Hutchison Vale have the unenviable task of putting the brakes on the Glasgow City juggernaut when they take on the champions at Saughton Enclosure (2.00pm).