St Johnstone Women took to the field for the first time this year on Sunday, losing out narrowly by a solitary goal to Spartans at the Vanloq Community Stadium.
Going into the match there was a boost for Josh Henderson’s side as Steffi Simson and Leni Parrish both returned after long spells out injured.
The first half, and the match in general was a fairly even, if at times physical encounter with the home side having the best of chances.
The best chance of the half for Spartans came from a corner. Spartans captain Robyn McCafferty heading the ball off the the bar and then firing over with the rebound.
Saints too, hit the bar, through the returning Simson. Jodie Malcolm did well down the right getting to the byline before cutting back where Simson curled the ball from just outside the penalty area, only to see it bounce off the bar to safety.
The deadlock was broken just shy of the hour mark. Emily Cadel picked up the ball on the right made her way just inside the penalty area and passed it into Ronaigh Douglas who made no mistake from close range.
Saints continued to get forward, but weren’t able to fully test Alicia Yates, the Spartans stopper reading crosses and corners into the box well.
Cochran in the Saints goal was also earning her keep, with a number of fine takes from balls into the box and some good saves, including an excellent one to deny Natalie Bandura with a couple minutes remaining.
Caution was thrown to the wind late on as striker Lila Aitchison was introduced for defender Ellie Jones, but Saints weren’t able to find a late equaliser.
Next Sunday the side are away again to Gartcairn with a 2pm kick off at the MTC Park in Airdrie.
Saints: Cochran, Jones (Aitchison), Brady, MacIver, McLean, Simson (Anderson), Malcolm, Howie (Taplin), McCafferty, McMillan, Smith (Parrish)
Sub not used: Grattan
