Montrose 5 Queen’s Park 2

Queen’s Park’s winning run came to an abrupt end in Montrose on Sunday as the home side ran out 5-2 winners.

Head Coach Craig Joyce made 2 changes to the starting XI from the last-gasp victory against East Fife as Sophie Bayless was replaced by debutant Ciara Bonner and Abbi McDonald was replaced by Jaya Gill.

The game was played with caution from both teams, with neither side prepared to make the first move. The early part of the game lacked any clear cut chances as both sides tried to gain control of the ball and dictate the game.

Ellie Kane would be first to come close as her free kick from around 30 yards hit the Montrose bar. Unfortunately for the Spiders, the rebound didn’t fall favourably and the shot was hit wide from a tight angle.

It would, however, be Montrose who would strike first. A first time pass over the top from Erin Henderson was met by Holly Daniel. Daniel’s cross picked out Louise Brown who poked home from 6 yards.

Montrose with the wind in their sails pushed for a second goal as Aimee Cully was next to try her luck with a strike from distance, but it was comfortably saved by Lauren Grant.

Almost instantly, Charlotte Gammie got on the end of a London Pollard cross, but again Grant was there to keep the ball out the net.

Eventually, the second goal did come. Louise Brown dispossessed Kane to calmy lift the ball over Grant into the net.

Queen’s Park searched for their route back into the game and had it not been for an incredible save from Anna Blanchard in the home goal, they might have got it in the 35th minute. Taylor Davis chased down a Gill pass, crossing the ball from the byline. In-form Abby Callaghan was there to meet the cross and strike towards goal, but Blanchard was able to tip the ball onto the post and keep the score at 2-0.

Half Time: Montrose 2-0 Queen’s Park

The second half began much like the first, with no real chances for either side.

On the hour mark, Montrose would see to that as Daniel slotted the third goal passed Grant after a great pass from Henderson.

Indeed, goals in the second half were like the busses. No sooner had the third goal went it, had Aimee Ridgeway made it 4-0 converting a Henderson cross.

On the 68th minute, the Spiders did have something to cheer as Bonner picked out Callaghan, who volleyed into the Montrose net from outside the box – scoring for the 8th consecutive game.

The Spiders continued to search for a route back into the game. A well worked move allowed Callaghan to cut the ball back for substitute Alex Fraser, but she couldn’t get the ball under control for a strike.

On the 86th minute, Gammie broke through on goal but a terrific block from Eleanor Smith prevented the strike at goal.

From the resulting corner, Megan Burns headed into the net giving Montrose their fifth goal of the day.

There was, however, still time for one more goal. Smith fired her free-kick into the Montrose wall, but lifted the rebound over everyone and dropping into the net.

Full Time: Montrose 5-2 Queen’s Park

Montrose: Anna Blanchard, Aimee Cully (Scarlett Brady, 45’), Georgia Carter, Amy Strath, Megan Burns, Louise Brown (Anna Grant, 89’), Erin Henderson (Flo Bruce, 83’), London Pollard, Holly Daniel (Erin Ross, 83’), Charlotte Gammie, Aimee Ridgeway (Lauren Gordon, 75’). Subs not used: Beth Mowatt, Kayleigh Brough, Talitha Robb, Haley Kern.

Queen’s Park: Lauren Grant, Leah Daly, Ciara Bonner, Eleanor Smith, Taylor Davis, Hannah Fulton (Abbi McDonald, 55’) Jaya Gill (Alex Fraser, 55’), Ellie Kane, Nicole Cairney, Abby Callaghan, Caitlin McKee (Sarah MacLeod, 55’). Subs not used: Rachel Caddell, Chloe Gibney, Sophie Bayless, Zoe Clark, Yasmin Boyce.