SCOTT Booth believes Hayley Lauder is finding her shooting boots after the Scotland midfielder gave Glasgow City the early lead against Spartans for the second successive game, writes Alan Campbell.

The 10-time champions went on to win 5-0 at Ainslie Park and remain one point ahead of Hibernian, who left it late before eventually beating Stirling University 2-0. The sides will meet again in the only midweek fixture on Wednesday, when Hibs could go top having played a game more.

Celtic beat Hamilton Accies — who were reduced to 10 when Joanne Paton was sent off in the first half — 4-0 to remain third, seven points behind Hibs.

Aberdeen’s struggles continued when they lost 4-1 to Rangers at New Tinto Park. They have yet to win a game this season and prop up the league with just two points.

Booth was happy with his side’s win against a below-strength Spartans. Lauder opened the scoring in five minutes, added to by Sam Kerr, Abbi Grant, Leanne Crichton and Leanne Ross. “It was a good win because Spartans have done well this season,” Booth said. “In the first half in particular I thought we played some really good football.

“A lot of things we worked on in training during the week the girls put into practice. I was really happy with that.

“Hayley has been getting into good positions all season because she is such an intelligent player. She’s gifted in both feet and with more composure should score more goals. She’s starting to bring that to her game now.”

It took Hibs 67 minutes to find a way past Stirling through the returning Joelle Murray. A fine strike from Rachel McLauchlan four minutes from the end ensured the three points.

Celtic got back to winning ways, going ahead through Kirsty Howat, before Paton was sent off minutes later for Accies. It took Celtic until later on to take full advantage through a Ruesha Littlejohn double and another from Jamie-Lee Napier.

At New Tinto Park, goals from Lisa Swanson, Hannah Robertson and two from Hayley Sinclair lifted Rangers six points clear of second bottom Hamilton and seven in front of Aberdeen.