It was three goals and three points as St Johnstone WFC started their ScottishPower Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 season with victory on Sunday.
Despite falling behind, goals from Lucy Livie, Elvie McLean and Jodie Malcolm ensured it was a positive and winning opening to the new campaign.
Played at the Community Arena at McDiarmid Park, both sides battled to get on the front foot in the first few minutes of the contest.
Leni Parrish and McLean both had efforts at goal for the Saints which were easily dealt with by goalkeeper Chloe Gibney.
Livingston nudged into a ninth minute lead when Louise Mason was afforded too much time in a central position to slot beyond Megan Sidey from inside the box.
The visitors looked intent on adding to their advantage, although Livie did turn McLean’s cross marginally wide as Saints sought to retaliate on 15 minutes.
It was the same duo who linked-up later in the half – and this time Livie sent a neat, lofted effort over the head of Gibney and into the back of the net to level things up.
With the momentum, Josh Henderson’s side pushed forward in search of another. It soon arrived in spectacular fashion.
McLean – no stranger to an attempt from distance – sent Saints into the lead with a wonderful strike from 25+ yards, which clipped the crossbar on its way in for good measure.
There seemed to be fewer clear-cut opportunities in the second half, with Sidey in the Perth net proving alert and showing off a safe pair of hands whenever required.
The victory was wrapped up in the 88th minute courtesy of substitute Malcolm. The forward broke through on goal at pace before keeping her composure to slot beyond Gibney.
Saints defended with determination in the remaining minutes to ensure it was a winning start to the 2026/27 season.
The Zenith Coins Player of the Match went to Leni Parrish for an energetic performance in the midfield.
Line-up: Sidey, Telford (Shanks 73), K. Brady, Burns, McLean (Anderson 77), Moodie ©, Livie (Malcolm 63), McMillan (D. Smith 63), R. Smith, Rigby-Wilson (MacIver 63), Parrish. Subs not used: Gates, Clark, Taplin, Tomb.
