Montrose stunned 10-player Queen’s Park in Larbert after their 3-0 goal victory saw them pick up their first points of the season.
Ami Robertson got the game underway at Ochilview Park and within the first three minutes the hosts had their first opportunity of the game; Hannah Cunningham made a promising through ball towards Chloe Muir but she was fouled down the left flank. Ellie Kane delivered the set piece into the danger area, finding Muir, but she was unable to put her effort on target.
Seven minutes in, Millie Paton snubbed Montrose’s first glimpse at goal and she intercepted a promising attack after the visitors picked up possession in a dangerous position. Dedicated pressure from Cunningham two minutes later saw her muscle the ball out of play. Unfortunately, Montrose capitalised via Louise Brown’s header from the awarded corner.
Hannah Cunningham was dismissed by Referee Barry Cook after a nudge to the back of Maisy Stewart was deemed as the denial of a goal scoring opportunity. Louise Brown doubled her tally for the afternoon with the converted spot kick.
Montrose came close again from a corner but Talitha Robb’s connection was poor and it sailed over the crossbar. Queen’s Park created a counter-attack which saw the hosts win a free kick at the edge of the box. Emma Craig almost fired her side back into the game as the set piece forced Kirsten Pratt to make a save.
With 34 minutes on the clock, Captain Ellie Kane attempted to spark a response from her side as she drove the ball into the opposition’s half before playing it to Nicole Cairney who whipped it into the box but there was no one able to convert. Kane had another chance four minutes later but her shot on target lacked power and found the grateful gloves of Kirsten Pratt.
Five minutes from half-time, Louise Brown was booked for a late challenge on Morgan Hay which led to her being treated on the field. Subsequently, she could not continue and was replaced with Darcy Molley.
Jade McLaren played a great through-ball to Neve Guthrie but she was forced out of play before she could get her shot away. The corner posed no threat for The Spiders defence; as was the case with Montrose’s next three chances during the added minutes.
The last chance of the half fell to Queen’s Park; Oliva King released Ellie Kane with a nicely worked pass but the captain’s strike failed to find the back of the net.
Half Time: Queen’s Park 0-2 Montrose
Craig Joyce looked to inspire change in his side with a double substitution at the break. Millie Paton and Ciara Bonner were replaced by Megan Quigley and debutant Murron Cunningham who joined from Motherwell during the week.
Olivia King and Nicole Cairney looked ready to spark a response as King played a great ball through but Cairney couldn’t get her shot away and it was deflected behind.
Jade McLaren capitalised on a long-ball with time to take it past the keeper to give her side the three goal lead with 56 minutes on the clock.
On the hour-mark Abby Callaghan was brought on to replace Ami Robertson before King inspired another chance for her side. The Spiders number 12 did well to gain possession in the attacking third but Megan Quigley couldn’t convert from the tight angle.
Montrose found themselves on the front foot again when Demi Taylor played a dangerous ball into the box but Lauren McGregor came out and collected effectively. Queen’s Park made their final change in the form of Rachel Wright for Emma Craig. Lauren McGregor was forced to make a great save with twenty to go in regulation time to deny Montrose their fourth after some decent build-up play.
Darcy Molley looked for a consolation in the 75th minute as she struck the ball well from distance but it rose up and over the crossbar. Seven minutes later, she attempted to take up the role of playmaker with a decent long ball through to Callaghan but the keeper was there to collect it first.
With a minute left to play, Ellie Kane managed a shot from the edge of the box but it was fired inches wide of the post. Abby Callaghan had the last chance of the game, courtesy of Kane’s through ball, but she didn’t manage to convert.
Full Time: Queen’s Park 0-3 Montrose
Queen’s Park: Lauren McGregor, Hannah Cunningham, Ciara Bonner (Murron Cunningham, 46’), Morgan Hay (Darcy Molley, 42’), Millie Paton (Megan Quigley, 46’), Emma Craig (Rachel Wright, 69’), Olivia Muir, Ellie Kane, Nicole Cairney, Ami Robertson (Abby Callaghan, 54’). Subs not used: Monica Harty, Charlize McFadyen, Rosie McQuillan, Lucy Inman.
Montrose: Kirsten Pratt, Claire Delworth, Cassie Cowper, Georgia Carter, Erin Ross (Alma Codegoni, 75’), Talitha Robb (Flora Bruce, 80’), Maisy Stewart (Nyla Murphy, 80’), Rachel Murchie (Eilidh McHattie, 75’), Jade McLaren, Louise Brown (Demi Taylor, 46’), Neve Guthrie. Sub not used: Charley Creamer, Holly Daniel.
Defeat for Queen’s Park brings with it an end to a busy schedule, after two wins on the bounce against The Spartans and Dundee United. Craig Joyce and his side will now look ahead to their clash at K Park against Glasgow City. The match will be played on the 8th of September with a 1PM kick off.
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