WOMEN'S TEAM DEFEAT ST JOHNSTONE 1 - 0

An early goal from Neve Guthrie was enough for Dundee United to take all three points in the first Tayside derby of the season. 

Both United and St Johnstone battled in horrible conditions at Tulloch Park where there was very little to write home about for either side in the Scottish Building Society Scottish Women’s Premier League Two.

Gavin Beith made two changes from the defeat to Queen’s Park, Tammy Harkin and Steffi Simson were replaced by Rebecca McMillan and Erin Ross. 

After a battling opening period, the only goal of the game came in the sixth minute; the ball ricocheted forward and allowed Neve Guthrie to run at goal, take it past the oncoming keeper Megan Sidey and fire into the empty net. 

The next clear cut opportunity for either side didn’t come until the half hour mark when Guthrie was involved again, cutting the ball back for Stina Kleppe but she could only drill a low effort into the keeper’s arms. 

At the other end Rachel Todd’s corner was met by Fern Newbigging who saw her shot cleared by the United defence. 

Caroline Nachman was forced into action on the stroke of half time when Saints’ Emma MacLean tried her luck from the edge of the box.

Just after the break, Todd sent another effort high and wide from distance as the hosts looked for an equaliser. 

In the 54th minute United came close to a second when Kleppe slipped the ball to Smith who let fly but Sidey did well to push her attempt round the post. 

The conditions didn’t allow for much football to be played as both sides were restricted to playing the ball in the air. 

With twenty minutes remaining Todd threatened for St Johnstone again but couldn’t get a 25 yard free kick on target. 

Six minutes later Megan Burns almost capitalised as she pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the park before driving forward and seeing her rifled shot saved by Sidey. 

The final chance of the game fell to Morgan Steedman, however the Saints striker failed to beat Nachman. 

It was a difficult game for both sides due to the weather conditions affecting the grass pitch at Tulloch Park, but Gavin Beith will be delighted to take all three points ahead of Tuesday’s rearranged clash at home to Glasgow. 

St Johnstone: Sidey, Henderson, Tweedie, Jameison, McGowan, Carter (Scott 81), Todd, Cowie, MacLean, Steedman, Newbigging (Clark 53).

Subs not used: Milligan, Irvine, Wight, Cameron (gk)

Dundee United: Nachman, McMillan, McLaren, Guthrie, Ross, Smith, Napier (Simson 55), Foote, Burns, Kleppe, Clemison. 

Subs not used: Robbie, Carter, Kern, McCallum, Robson, Meach (gk)