An early strike from Morgan Cross was enough to give Celtic a laboured victory over stubborn Spartans at New Douglas Park.
The hosts took the lead after just nine minutes, as Cross volleyed home a neat cross from Lucy Ashworth-Clifford.
Elena Sadiku’s side could have doubled their lead on the half-hour mark, as Caitlin Hays’ header from a corner just edged past the back post.
But the visitors continued to frustrate the reigning champions, limiting their chances on goal through a stop-start second half, with Saoirse Noonan’s stoppage time shot over the bar the nearest Celtic came to extending their lead.
