Montrose 6 Queen’s Park 0

Queen’s Park hit the road for the final time this season with a long trip to Links Park. After a disappointing performance against Stirling last weekend, the Spiders were looking for a strong response.

With a rather depleted squad, Craig Joyce made 3 changes to the starting line-up which faced Stirling University. Eleanor Smith, Yasmin Boyce and Carla Todd were replaced by Sophie Bayless, Abbi McDonald and Caitlin McKee.

On the 13th minute, Montrose managed to break through the Spider’s defence, capitalising on a loose ball in midfield. Megan Burns played a long ball over the top for Lauren Gordon who rounded Chloe Gibney and hit the ball into an empty net.

Shortly after, Montrose threatened again. Amy Strath found Holly Daniel with a long pass. Daniel drove towards the goal and struck the ball powerfully, but a good save from Gibney denied Montrose their 2nd goal.

Montrose continued to dominate the game, containing Queen’s Park relentlessly within their half. In the 18th minute, their persistence paid off as a series of corners culminated in Charlotte Gammie’s short corner finding Stacey McFadyen, whose cross-turned-shot sailed into the back of the net, doubling Montrose’s advantage.

Two minutes later, the home side found another as they broke out on a swift counterattack. Gammie’s through ball sent Daniel one-on-one with Gibney, and Daniel rounded the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.

The next 10 minutes showed some improvement from Queen’s Park, as they managed to retain possession in the Montrose half. However, they struggled to find the decisive final ball to create any real chances.

The Spiders appeared to have regained control until the 31st minute, when Gammie intercepted a loose ball in the midfield, playing another through ball to set up McFadyen who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving her side a 4-0 advantage going into the break.

Half-Time: Montrose 4-0 Queen’s Park

Queen’s Park came out for the second half much more connected than the first. The best chance for Queen’s Park came from a Ciara Bonner shot which was blocked by the arm of a Montrose defender at the edge of the penalty area and a freekick was awarded. Ellie Kane stepped up to take the set piece but narrowly missed the target, as her effort sailed just over the bar.

Despite the Spiders best efforts to keep Montrose at bay, the home side eventually broke through, scoring their fifth goal in the 73rd minute. Louise Brown won the ball in the middle of the park from a Queen’s Park goal kick. Her header found the feet of Gammie who played the ball through for Eilidh Reid to slot home.

Queen’s Park continued to battle and showed great determination to try salvage something from the game. In the 77th minute, it seemed as though the Spiders had accomplished just that, as Abbi McDonald won the ball from a throw-in and played Abby Callaghan through on goal. However, as Callaghan advanced towards goal, her jersey was pulled back, resulting in a penalty being awarded. Callaghan stepped up to take the spot kick but her effort was matched by Beth Mowatt in between the sticks.

With the last kick of the ball, Montrose scored their final goal of the game. Aimee Ridgeway pressed the Queen’s Park backline, successfully winning possession. Ridgeway played the ball to Gammie who layed it back off for Ridgeway to fire home.

Full-Time: Montrose 6-0 Queen’s Park

Montrose: Beth Mowatt, Erin Ross (Aimee Culley, 85’), Georgia Carter, Megan Burns, Amy Strath (Erin Henderson, 75’), Holly Daniel, Louise Brown, Stacey McFadyen (Aimee Ridgeway, 58’), Charlotte Gammie, Talitha Robb (Eilidh Reid, 58’), Lauren Gordon (Flora Bruce, 58’).

Subs not used: Anna Blanchard, Demi Taylor, Scarlett Brady, Kayleigh Brough

Queen’s Park: Chloe Gibney, Sophie Bayless, Ciara Bonner, Rachael O’Neill, Taylor Davis, Ellie Kane, Leah Daly, Abbi McDonald, Nicole Cairney, Abby Callaghan, Caitlin McKee (Carla Todd, 70’).