St Johnstone WFC enjoyed a winning return home to the McDiarmid Park astroturf as they defeated East Fife 4-2 in SWPL2.
An impressive crowd turned out at the new-look pitch and it was a fast start from Josh Henderson’s side who were ahead within 14 minutes.
Midfielder Steffi Simson did well to latch on to a loose ball in the box before firing home a composed finish.
Simson then went close again just four minutes later when she looped a shot towards goal, but this time her effort went up and over the bar.
Saints had further chances to extend their lead in the first period with Jodie Malcolm going closest, but Henderson’s side would eventually double up.
On 44 minutes a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball bundling home into the back of the net.
East Fife hauled one back just before the interval with Lauryn Healy turning home an impressive delivery into the box.
Into the second-half and Saints again had chances to further add to their lead. Malcolm again went close after racing through on goal and Rachel Howie also edged one past the post shortly after.
We made it three on 56 minutes however, when the ball was forced home following a dangerous corner, with Malcolm lingering with intent.
Second-half substitute Lila Aitchison would round off Saints’ scoring as she made an instant impact from the bench when she fired high into the net after some impressive build-up in midfield.
East Fife striker Healy would pull a goal back in the closing moments, but ultimately it was a derserved win for Saints Women at the McDiarmid Park astro.
Next up for Saints is a home match against Queen’s Park on August 31.
Saints: Cochran, Jones, MacIver, McLean (Clark, 80), Simson (Taplin, 69), Malcolm, Howie (Shepherd, 80), Irvine, McMillan, Shanks (Aitchison, 69), Anderson (Brady, 80).
Subs not used: Grattan.
