Positive despite defeat

St Johnstone Women’s long-awaited return to league action resulted in a narrow defeat against Partick Thistle.

But boss Jason McCrindle witnessed enough positives to feel confident about piecing together a productive second half of the season.

Despite a late charge on the hosts’ net, Partick’s one-goal advantage from the first half of the match secured them all three points.

“We played really well and we did a lot of good work in the break,” McCrindle said.“That was evident on Sunday with how we played.

“The girls looked sharp and I thought we were very unfortunate not to come away with anything from the game.

“Given how we worked in the break I wasn’t surprised at how well we played. We’ve set standards in terms of how we train. Going into the game I thought we were in a much better position with their fitness.

“The only disappointing thing was that we didn’t manage to get a goal. But we can’t be too disheartened with it.

“We want to finish strong and, if Sunday is an indication as to how we’re going to perform, then I don’t have any worries at all.

“The benchmark has been set of what is required. If we play like that every week, then I don’t have any concerns at all.”

Saints sit second from bottom of the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 standings but attention this weekend turns to the Scottish Cup.

Boroughmuir Thistle are the visitors to McDiarmid Park on Sunday for third round action.

McCrindle sad:“I love the Scottish Cup. It’s the biggest cup competition in Scotland and we’re glad to be in it.

“We’ve got an opportunity to progress but Boroughmuir will be looking at us and thinking it’s a good opportunity for them too.

“They will be a very well-organised side and they have some good players. They’ll be fit and athletic so we know it’s going to be tough.”

The Perth squad is nursing a couple of injuries but Ashley Fish has remained at the club until the end of the season on loan from Hibs.

Meanwhile, St Johnstone fans’team PSJ opened up their IFA supporters league campaign with a 6-3 defeat against Celtic.

They are looking to bounce back against Stirling Albion in Kinross on Saturday morning.