It was always going to be a challenge but St Johnstone WFC head coach Grant Scott is sure his players will use Sunday’s Scottish Cup defeat as a positive learning experience.
Saints battled very well against top-flight Hibs and, while the visitors clearly deserved to advance to round four, the finishing scoreline of 6-1 was harsh on the Perth side.
They certainly deserved to get their name on the scoresheet and were unfortunate to concede a couple of quick-fire goals late in the afternoon.
“We made two silly mistakes at the end and the scoreline looks worse than it possibly could have been,” head coach Scott said.
“I thought we acquitted ourselves well and I’m reasonably happy with the overall performance.
“We competed for large chunks of that game and minimised Hibs to not too many clear-cut chances, despite making lots of blocks.
“We kept our shape and good discipline. If we take that into our league form, we’ll be a tough side for opponents to play against.
“Like myself, the girls recognise that those last two goals make it look a little worse than it was.”
Saints started this match, played at the Riverside Stadium, very well and striker Morgan Steedman had the chance to open the scoring early doors but lifted a lobbed attempt over the crossbar when one-on-one.
Hibs took advantage and on six minutes seized the upper hand when Michaela McAlonie finished well from close range.
But determined Saints responded and Steedman was soon sent through on goal again with only the goalkeeper to beat.
And what terrific composure she showed to slot the ball low into the bottom corner and spark joyous celebrations from team-mates.
“I was thoroughly delighted with the start and, if I’m honest, I was really disappointed to lose that first goal,” added Scott.
“I felt it was even at that point and they hadn’t really breached us too often.
“But we showed a great reaction to equalise. I thought our first chance was actually easier than the goal.
“Fair play, because Morgan got herself in the position for both and managed to take the second one. She did really well and is a very composed player with a great touch. It was a really good finish from her.”
Hibs showed their clinical edge, forward Alexa Coyle in particular, when she netted twice to carve out a 3-1 half-time advantage.
The visitors were seeing the majority of the ball after the break but Saints were persistent and kept their shape well.
It took until the 72nd minute for a fourth to arrive courtesy of Shannon McGregor and then two goals in the final two minutes – from Rosie Livingstone and Ellis Notley respectively – added shine to the scoreline.
Scott said: “As you would expect in the second half, the extra fitness and standard of players at Hibs allowed them to dictate the game a little bit.
“We had to make blocks and saves to keep ourselves in the game but, in that period, I thought we gave a good account of ourselves.
“We gave ourselves a chance to close it out when 4-1 down and we would have gone away with a little more positivity. But they can take belief from the performance, I hope.
“We’ve got ambitions to climb the league we’re in. We want to be competing at the top to get promoted and be playing against that calibre of side every week.”
