Match report: St Johnstone U18s 1-0 Montrose

Our under-18s picked up a cup win against Montrose on the McDiarmid Park astroturf on Friday evening.

Played in front of a good turnout under the lights, the only goal of the game arrived in the first half through James Muir’s finish from close range.

It was a close encounter from the first whistle but, before going ahead, there were chances for Callan Hamill and Murray Binnie.

The latter hit the top of the crossbar after working his way into a promising position towards the edge of the box.

The opener arrived in the 34th minute and it was Muir who found himself positioned nicely to slot the ball past the goalkeeper with composure.

Striker Jacob Fleming went close shortly after the interval and a couple of other half chances presented themselves but the lead remained at one.

Montrose pushed for a leveller late on and forced a couple of corners but the home rearguard held firm and goalkeeper Lucas Reid celebrated a clean sheet.

Starting line-up: Reid, Brookfield, Didcock, Cord, Shiels, Miller, Binnie, Hamill, Fleming, Muir, Dair.