Defeat for Queen’s in final preparation game for new season

Queen’s Park’s unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday afternoon against SWPL1 side Montrose at Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex.

Iain Robinson made three changes to the team that beat Glasgow Women the previous weekend, with Ellie MacDonald, Rachael O’Neill, and Abby Callaghan all starting.

There were early opportunities for both sides, as Sophie Rutherford and Summer Christie tested the Montrose keeper, but strong defensive performances at both ends kept the game level.

Montrose broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Sophia Martin won the ball deep inside the Queen’s half and her powerful long-range effort found the bottom corner.

They didn’t hold their lead for long. Two minutes after falling behind, The Spiders won a free kick on the right-hand side of the Montrose box. Ellie Kane stepped up and powered a strike through the wall and into the far corner.

In the 43rd minute, the visitors regained their advantage. Montrose were awarded a free kick just outside the Queen’s box. Cassie Cowper lobbed the ball to Louise Brown, who stooped to head past the keeper.

Montrose came close to doubling their lead as the Queen’s keeper parried a shot over her head, but she got back quickly to put the ball behind for a corner.

Half-Time: Queen’s Park 1 Montrose 2

The visitors started the second half sharply. Substitute Neve Guthrie found herself one-on-one with the trialist keeper, but her low strike was well held.

In the 52nd minute, Montrose extended their lead. A well-placed pass by Freya Brien sent Hannah Innes through on goal, and her powerful strike went under the body of the keeper.

12 minutes later, Montrose increased their advantage. A floated cross by Hannah Innes found Kaela McDonald-Nguah, who finished powerfully from close range.

The visitors won a free-kick just outside the box and worked another shooting opportunity, but a great reaction save from the keeper kept the ball out of the net.

In the 78th minute, Ellie Kane scored her second of the match. After receiving the ball from the left wing, Ellie worked herself into space and hit a powerful strike past the keeper. Her sixth goal in three matches.

Full-time: Queen’s Park 2 Montrose 4

Sunday’s match was Queen’s final pre-season match before the SWPL2 league starts on Sunday the 17th of August. Despite Sunday’s defeat, The Spiders will go into the 2025/26 campaign full of confidence, having won three and drawing just one of their other four friendlies.

Next up for Queen’s is an away trip to Foundation Park, where they will face Dundee United in matchday one.