Glasgow City and Hibs were the biggest scorers of the day as all the big hitters eased into the last eight of the Sky Sports Cup.
Holders City thumped Livingston 8-0 while Hibs beat Kilmarnock 8-1.
Celtic squeezed past Spartans with a 1-0 win with manager Grant Scott relieved to go through but frustrated by elements of the performances. Rangers and Hearts will join the tournament at this stage after they were excused the early rounds due to European placements.
Ross’ side beat Rangers in last year’s final at Fir Park and were in no mood to offer a hint of encouragement to Livingston.
Linda Motlhalo, Ruby Seaby and an Emily Gray double had them 4-0 up at the break with the tie all but over. Further goals followed with Motlhalo adding her second and City’s fifth. Sofia Maatta was next to get in on the act with a sixth before Gray completed her hat-trick. Emily Whelan tapped in the eighth, at which time the full-time whistle couldn't come quick enough for Livingston.
Hibs were just as comfortable winners against second tier Kilmarnock in Ardrossan.
Jasmine McQuade and Tiree Burchill both claimed doubles while Libby Smith celebrate a hat-trick. Jess Ramsay added the eighth with Killie claiming a consolation from the spot via Arwen O’Brien.
Casey Howe netted the only goal of the game as Celtic made heavy weather of seeing off Spartans.
Grant Scott was relieved to get through the tie but admitted to some misgivings about the performance from his side.
“It was quite frustrating,” he said. “We dominated the ball and territory and if I was being critical of the players I’d say we were a bit wasteful in the final third and in and around the penalty box.
“We had a lot of shots but many of them straight at the keeper and a few off target too. But first and foremost it is a cup tie and you just need to get through it.
“We are still building momentum and belief in the group. It is another win and another clean sheet.
“We are in a good spot and I think when everyone is fit it will tough to pick a starting XI but it was brilliant to see Shannon back. She showed what she will bring and I have worked with Shannon before too. I am delighted to see her back in.
“The cup game is slightly different. You know you just need to win it. I still have some concerns over our performances across 90 minutes but we just need to keep the momentum going.”
Partick Thistle needed extra-time to beat Gartcairn with the Jags eventually running out 3-0 winners.
“You have 120 minutes to win the game. Overall, tomorrow doesn’t tell you how the game was,” said Manager Gary Holt. “It says that we are through and that is what I said to the girls after the game.”
Motherwell came out on top in the Lanarkshire derby as they saw off Hamilton Accies to progress.
Late goals from Ellie MacDonald and Mia McArthur put them into the hat.
Boroughmuir added to Montrose’s woes with Fiona Gibson netting the only goal of the game.
