Saints get stung by Jags in league clash

St Johnstone WFC lost out against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 on Wednesday evening.

The visitors carved out an early lead but Saints quickly responded thanks to defender Amy Henderson’s header.

It was hoped that would provide the platform to kick on but, instead, Partick netted twice before the half-time whistle.

While the Perth side battled to respond after the break, there was no way through a resolute rearguard.

“We got the goal and then left ourselves a wee bit open at the back,” head coach Jason McCrindle reflected.

“It was obviously disappointing to lose the game but you can’t be too hard on the players.

ST JOHNSTONE WFC ....... 1 PARTICK THISTLE ............ 3

“They are working hard and there has not been a lot between the sides.

“We know how well we can play but we’re just not doing it for long enough spells in games.

“And we’re getting punished for our mistakes. I’ve said before that this league is so tight and it comes down to small margins.

“I was open with the players on Wednesday night. We are needing to work so hard for every opportunity we are creating.

“Teams, at the moment, are not having to do that against us. But I can’t be overly critical because we’re not playing badly.

“We can’t get too down because we haven’t played football for a long time.

“I’m actually enjoying being back watching them play.”

New additions Brodie Clark and Alix Moodie both started, while another recent signing in Hannah Colyer picked up gametime.

“It is a physically-demanding time,” said McCrindle. “We will continue to train but it will be more about recovery and preparation.

“We brought players in to help us and two of them started on Wednesday in Brodie and Alix. Hannah came on.

“The depth of the squad is a really big positive for us because we’re able to cope with injuries.

“Given the quick turnaround of games, there are players with a couple of knocks. But we have options if they can’t make it.”

Those players will be assessed injurywise ahead of Sunday’s away trip to

Hamilton.

“Hannah Clark picked up a knock and had to come off on Wednesday,” McCrindle said. “I’m not sure of the extent of the injury yet.

“Hopefully it is nothing long-term because she has been excellent for us.”

Hamilton sit second in the league standings and it goes without saying that McCrindle realises his players will need to hit top form.

He said: “We need to give a message to the players that their mindset is positive going to Hamilton.

“We want to attack the game, play with that bit of freedom and show what we are capable of doing.

“We’ve not done that for long spells in games yet.

“We’ll train on Friday and look to turn any negatives into positives.”