Queen’s Park last home game of 2024 ended in defeat to Dundee United despite a strong attacking display at Ochilview Park on Sunday.
The interim management team of John McNeil were in the dugout for the first time following the departure of Craig Joyce and Iain Ferrie, and they made two changes to the starting XI as Ami Robertson and Millie Paton replaced Nicole Cairney and Rosie McQuillan – both of whom had a place on the bench.
The Spiders started the game on the front foot, with plenty of promising attacks building with nice play between forwards Abby Callaghan, Ami Robertson and Lia Tweedie. Despite the best efforts, there was nothing tangible in regards of shots on goal.
The first close call for The Spiders came on the 15th minute when Olivia King chased down United goalkeeper Beth Rennie. Rennie’s clearance cannoned straight off of King and was headed straight for goal. Rennie, however, done well to rectify her error and was able to pounce on the ball before King and stop the ball going into the net.
Shortly after, Darcy Molley had an effort at goal saved by Rennie following a nicely worked free-kick. Lia Tweedie also came close with an effort from the edge of the box.
On the half hour mark, Emma Craig struck a free-kick towards goal, but the effort was well saved by Beth Rennie.
Queen’s Park continued to lump the pressure on the Dundee United back line in search of an opener. Olivia King was next to try her luck with a first-time shot from the edge of the box.
The opener did come for The Spiders minutes before the half-time whistle. Ciara Bonner disposed Morgan Steedman on the halfway line allowing Emma Craig to pick up the ball. Craig then embarked on a powerful run deep towards goal before crossing a pin-point ball into the box. Ami Robertson was in the perfect position to head the ball into the net and give her team a thoroughly deserved lead at half-time.
Half-Time: Queen’s Park 1-0 Dundee United
Queen’s Park almost got off to the perfect start in the second-half as Millie Paton’s crossed come shot forced Rennie into an early save.
On 53 minutes, Dundee United found an equaliser. Beth Rennie sent a clearance deep into the Queen’s Park half. Freya Brien was first to react to the bouncing ball. Lauren McGregor done enough to force the young striker away from goal, forcing Brien into an acrobatic overhead kick towards goal. That effort fired off the crossbar and into the path of Morgan Steedman.
Dundee United almost went infront thanks to a Summer Christie shot from outside the box. That strike fired off the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
Shortly after, it was the width of the stopped Queen’s Park from regaining the lead. Olivia King released Lia Tweedie into the box with a great pass. Tweedie powered passed the defender before unleashing a strike towards goal. Unfortunately for The Spiders, the strike fired off the post and bounced away from goal.
Dundee United then found themselves infront. Freya Brien picked up on a stray pass, and very directly headed towards cool. Once inside the penalty area, Brien was able to find the back of the net with a shot on the angle.
Full Time: Queen’s Park 1-2 Dundee United
Queen’s Park: Lauren McGregor, Hannah Cunningham, Ciara Bonner, Morgan Hay, Darcy Molley, Lia Tweedie, Emma Craig (Jordan McLintock, 84’), Olivia King, Millie Paton (Nicole Cairney, 69’), Abby Callaghan, Ami Robertson (Trialist, 57’).
Subs not used: Monica Harty, Rebecca Taylor, Rachel Wright, Rosie McQuillan, Lucy Inman.
Dundee United: Beth Rennie, Megan Burns, Ellie Cowie, Abbie Cuszack, Amy Taylor, Alix Moodie, Ashley Robertson, Summer Christie, Katie Frew, Morgan Steedman, Freya Brien.
Subs not used: Beth Mowatt, Amilie Martindale, Stacey McFadyen, Ellie Osborne, Alex Logan, Laura Steedman, Daisy Hutchinson.
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