Dundee United 2 Queen’s Park 3

Craig Joyce made two changes to his winning side that beat The Spartans 1-0 at the weekend, with Ami Robertson and Nicole Cairney starting over Abby Callaghan and Chloe Muir. Ciara Bonner featured in the starting eleven and made her 50th appearance for The Spiders last night joining the club’s honours list.

Morgan Steedman kicked the game off in Dundee and saw the first two chances fall for her side in the first few minutes. The first was cut into the box and taken by Ellie-May Cowie from close-range but Lauren McGregor parried it away; the second was picked up from the clearance and hit straight at the keeper.

In the 6th minute, pressure from Ami Robertson saw her win the ball in a promising position after a flick-on from Olivia King but the shot was fired just wide of the post.

The hosts struck first at Foundation Park via Morgan Steedman after a pin-point cross from distance courtesy of Leah Sidey found her feet and Steedman slotted home.

Queen’s Park looked to respond immediately but neither Monica Harty or Olivia King could breach through the defence with their runs.

Ami Roberton picked up possession in a dangerous area before she managed to pass to Nicole Cairney who set up Harty. The Spiders midfielder did well to slot the ball home from close-in but the play was called back: handball the decision.

Queen’s Park were quick to respond to the setback again as two minutes after the disallowed goal, Ellie Kane set up Robertson but her shot rose up and over the bar.

Just after the half-hour mark, the visitors were almost rewarded when Olivia King created a great opportunity for Emma Craig to strike from distance but the powerful shot was saved well by Beth Rennie in net who sent in behind for a corner.From which chaos ensued – at the mouth of the goal Queen’s Park managed two shots that were blocked and not cleared effectively amongst the many bodies. A third was hit off a United defender and ignited claims for handball that were waved away.

Ellie-May Cowie had the next chance for her side and cut inside after a great run down the right-hand side but the shot was hit poorly and straight at McGregor.

Queen’s Park found themselves going into the break level after a well-deserved equaliser. Olivia King capitalised on a heavy touch from the defence and struck a great shot from distance first-time to find the back of the net.

Half Time: Queen’s Park 1-1 Dundee United

Nicole Cairney found space on the 60th minute. She beat her marker and cut inside before she delivered the ball to Chloe Muir at the back post but unfortunately she couldn’t get the touch.

Craig Joyce made his first change in the 63rd minute with Megan Quigley coming on to replace Emma Craig. A minute later, Freya Brien came close to giving Dundee United the lead with a well-taken shot from far out. Lauren McGregor done well to get down to it to put it behind for a corner. Brien then found the net from the resulting corner.

The hosts didn’t manage to stay in front for long as four minutes later captain Ellie Kane’s cross found the head of Chloe Muir to fire Queen’s Park back into the game.

The Spiders continued to mount on the pressure with their next chance coming from Ami Robertson who won the ball before creating a chance for Megan Quigley. The next substitution sees the number 23 make way for Abby Callaghan.

Dundee United had their best opportunity to get maximum points from the game with a side-on free-kick but it was whipped into the box only for the header to be picked up by McGregor.

Then, just as both sides looked at though they were going to have to settle for a point a piece – Megan Quigley made a fantastic run from her own half before she played it through to Abby Callaghan who took it around the keeper to allow herself time for a calm and collected finish deep into the added minutes.

Victory in Dundee means it’s now two wins on the bounce for Queen’s Park and will return to hosting duties against Montrose on Sunday the 1st of September full of confidence. The game will be played at Ochilview Park with a 4pm kick-off.

Dundee United: Beth Rennie, Leah Sidey (Stacey McFadyen, ’80), Megan Burns, Daisy Hutchison, Sophie Timlin, Ellie Cowie, Alix Moodie, Ashley Robertson, Katie Frew, Freya Brien, Morgan Steedman. Subs not used: Summer Christie, Maya Knight, Alex Logan, Amilie Martindale, Beth Mowatt Ellie Osborne, Laura Steedman, Amy Taylor.

Queen’s Park: Lauren McGregor, Millie Paton, Morgan Hay, Ciara Bonner, Hannah Cunningham, Olivia King, Emma Craig (Megan Quigley, ‘65), Monica Harty (Chloe Muir, ‘45), Ellie Kane, Nicole Cairney, Ami Robertson (Abby Callaghan, ’87). Subs not used: Rachel Wright, Charlize McFadyen, Jordan McLintock, Rosie McQuillan, Elise Macara, Lucy Inman.