St Johnstone Women returned to action on Sunday following the international break away to Airdrie-based side Gartcairn.
It wasn’t to be Saints’ afternoon, however, as three first half goals secured three points for the home side.
Saints fell behind after 90 seconds. A free-kick was conceded out on the left and, when the ball was played into the box, Charlotte Gates saved a first effort but couldn’t do anything as Isla Gourley knocked home the rebound.
We exerted a lot of pressure on Gartcairn but weren’t able to convert the chances. One of the first of the half came to Brodie Rigby-Wilson. She made her way into the penalty area only for a defender to get a touch as she went to strike.
The ball continued goalwards, she got another touch but was unable to get more power on it, with goalkeeper Zara Carey getting a slight touch to take out a bit more momentum before the danger was cleared.
A short time later there was a well worked move with Emily Tomb down the left passing the ball inside to Robyn Smith, who passed it on to Jodie Malcolm but Carey was equal to her strike.
Gartcairn doubled their lead after half an hour after moving the ball down the left and a pass into the edge of the area found Gourley to score her second.
Saints continued to get forward with Ellie MacIver and Robyn Smith both having efforts wide, and Carey once again equal to attempts from Malcolm and Elvie McLean.
Just before half time Gartcairn scored their third. A ball forward from midfield split the Saints backline and Gourley sealed her hat-trick with a composed finish.
The second half was fairly flat compared to the first. Gartcairn were enjoying more of the ball and more of the game was being played in the Saints half.
There were odd forays forward with Malcolm and McLean forcing saves from Carey.
At the other end Saints dealt well with a number of Gartcairn corners. Charlotte Gates was also called into action making excellent saves from Teoni Steele and Tanaka Chitengu.
Saints return to the Community Arena this Sunday when they welcome Renfrew Ladies for a 4pm kick off.
Saints: Gates, MacIver (S Brady), McLean, Malcolm (Bennett Luna), Irvine, Moodie, McMillan, D Smith (Livie), R Smith, Rigby-Wilson (Shanks), Tomb.
Unused subs: Sidey, Telford, K.Brady.
