St Johnstone WFC may have agonisingly exited the SWPL Cup last Sunday.
But interim head coach Murdo Steven witnessed further evidence of how hard his group of players are prepared to work for each other and the club.
Saints had been reduced to 10 players on the hour mark - captain Hannah Clark received two bookings - but managed to force a 1-1 draw and extra-time at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.
The additional minutes resulted in a 2-2 finishing scoreline before the Ayrshire side advanced to round two thanks to a penalty shootout success.
Perth players were of course gutted but Steven said: “We took the game as far as we could and to do that after going down to 10 players on the hour mark says everything about this group of players at the moment.
“We actually played better once we went down to 10 and we were disappointed not to win the game in the 90 minutes. Penalties are a lottery after any game and Sunday was no different.”
Goalkeeper Becky Cameron had saved in the shootout but a retake was required - and scored - after officials harshly adjudged she was off her line.
Steven told the PA: “Becky was unfortunate to have the decision go against her but there was nothing that will change that.
“Becky has a fantastic attitude and will use the frustration in a positive manner. There was disappointment across the group but a reality also of that is the way football goes.
“The players in our group are aware that even in the defeat there are positives to take and I’m delighted with the character everyone showed on Sunday.
“We are disappointed to be out the cup, but well done and good luck to Kilmarnock in the next round.”
Saints have welcomed a trio of new signings across the past week. First up was striker Steffi Simson before attacking midfielder Elvie McLean and defender Rebecca Robertson joined the Perth squad.
On the most recent arrivals, Steven said: “We are delighted to have both players join the club.
“Elvie is a young player with good potential and we hope she can develop that with us. We are a club that has history of giving young players that kind of platform.
“Rebecca brings us more SWPL2 experience and has a real desire to get the most from her football which is an approach we really appreciate. Both players are a good fit on and off the pitch for us.”
Saints remain unbeaten in the SWPL2 this season and return to league action on Sunday with a trip through to Gartcairn.
“Gartcairn have done well since their promotion and are a club that look like they are wanting to build upwards all the time but, like every week, our focus is us and the next challenge,” Steven said.
“We are in a good place and working hard to keep pushing that forward. We will have a good week at training and be ready for the game.”
