Lancaster: Players enjoyed the moment

Aberdeen FC Women’s boss Clint Lancaster praised his players for handling the big occasion of playing at Pittodrie following the 3-3 draw with Montrose.

The Dons led twice thanks to goals from Francesca Ogilvie and Hannah Innes only for Montrose captain Tammy Harkin to hit back twice in the first half.

The Gable Endies then went 3-2 up in the second half thanks to Cassie Cowper’s volley before leading scorer Bayley Hutchison scored to ensure the Dons were not beaten on their return to Pittodrie.

Lancaster was disappointed not to win the game but was proud of his players’ efforts.

He said: “On the whole a draw was a fair result. We didn’t do enough to win the game.

“Montrose have got some good players in their team and they worked really hard. It was a fair result.

“It was a big occasion for our girls. They have beaten Montrose three times and there was a lot of expectation on them to win again.

“I don’t think we created enough, certainly in the second half, to warrant winning the game and it’s unfortunate that a lapse of concentration out of possession led to us conceding the first two goals.

“But we’re four games unbeaten and the girls have been brilliant all season. The most important thing for them tonight was to enjoy the moment.”

A record crowd of more than 2,000 fans cheered the sides on at Pittodrie and Lancaster was delighted to see his players backed by a big Dons support.

The manager believes opportunities to play at the club’s spiritual home will live long in the memory for the squad.

He said: “The fans were unbelievable and it’s so good to see so many young boys and girls cheering the players on and the support did not go unnoticed.

“The crowd was amazing and we just want to thank everyone at the club for putting this game on.

“It’s so good to see the families of the players and young girls in particular here enjoying the game. It has been brilliant and we’re grateful for the chance to come and play.”