Top-flight visitors Montrose ran out comfortable winners in St Johnstone WFC’s latest Sky Sports Cup fixture on Wednesday evening.
It was a battling performance from Saints – who continued to fight until the final whistle – but the Angus club proved too strong on the night.
Goalkeeper Charlotte Gates was called into action on a couple of early occasions, but her handling was secure to deal with the threat.
Up the other end, in the fifth minute, Lucy Livie found herself in a promising position on the left flank. Her delivery was spilled by the goalkeeper, which almost allowed forward Robyn Smith to capitalise.
Gates, on loan from Glasgow City, made an impressive stop shortly after to tip a fierce drive over the crossbar before getting down quickly to deny a bottom corner effort.
Montrose would nudge into the lead on 14 minutes when Darcie Miller kept her composure after being sent through one-on-one with Gates.
Despite falling behind, Saints continued to work hard and Elvie McLean saw her long-range attempt held while Jodie Malcolm couldn’t get the break of the ball after racing through over the top.
The visitors continued to look dangerous and Fran Ogilvie lifted their second into the net just shy of the half hour mark before Louise Brown added the third moments later.
Emily Tomb and captain Ellie MacIver had strikes at goal as the interval approached, but both were comfortably held.
Montrose started the second half very strongly and added to their tally thanks to goals from Demi Taylor, Miller (2) and Kaela McDonald-Nguah.
Brodie Rigby-Wilson entered the action for Saints and made an immediate impact with a terrific low drive into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Soon after, Saints had a second of the evening. Rigby-Wilson this time turned provider by sending a square pass in the direction of Livie – and she made no mistake with a smart finish from a couple of yards inside the box.
Neve Guthrie rounded off the scoring for Montrose before the final whistle sounded with the score at 8-2.
Next up for Saints is a Sky Sports Cup fixture against Renfrew on Sunday. Kick-off at Holm Park is scheduled for 1pm.
Latest Sky Sports Cup standings can be found HERE!
Saints: Gates, Telford, K. Brady (Clark 83), MacIver ©, Burns, McLean (Rigby-Wilson 61), Malcolm (Parrish 67), Moodie, Livie (Shanks 67), R. Smith, Tomb (D. Smith 61).
