Motherwell battled hard to earn a well-deserved point against Spartans at Ainslie Park on Sunday.
Both sides would be provided with several opportunities throughout. However, neither side could apply the finishing touch.
Gill Inglis would be denied the opener early on, before Rosie McQuillan passed up a gilt-edged opportunity for the hosts early into the first half.
The women of steel move up into eighth in the SWPL1 table and will be full of confidence as they host Hearts at Alliance Park next week.
Motherwell applied the early pressure and were unfortunate not to open the scoring in the early stages.
Amy Anderson’s perfectly-timed through ball was superbly controlled by Inglis, who cut inside and fired towards goal. But the forward’s curling effort was brilliantly parried away by the goalkeeper.
Spartans would have the best chance of the game minutes later. Simone McMahon’s long ball sliced through the Motherwell defence, leaving McQuillan through on goal.
The forward skilfully rounded Khym Ramsay but couldn’t apply the finishing touch as she fired wide of the empty net.
Motherwell would come agonisingly close to the opener on the half hour mark.
Leanne Crichton’s floated cross was superbly flicked on by Lori Gardner from close range, but Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison reacted quickly to make a smart save.
Motherwell would be reduced to 10 as Paige McAllister was given her marching orders midway through the second half.
McAllister appeared to have timed her tackle perfectly, but the referee made no hesitations and quickly brandished the red card.
Motherwell came close to the winner late on. Crichton’s whipped in free kick was brilliantly met by Claire Crosbie at the back post, but the defender’s powerful headed effort fell wide of the Spartans goal.
This result will be a real confidence boost for Motherwell as they continue to build on last week’s derby day result over Hamilton.
Paul Brownlie’s side may feel slightly aggrieved to have not found the winner as they controlled large parts of the game.