MATCH REPORT | DUFCW DEALT EARLY SEASON BLOW WITH DEFEAT AGAINST THE JAGS

A Cara Henderson hat trick alongside Rosie McQuillan’s first half goal sealed the points for a Thistle side who played with ten for 70 minutes.

Graeme Hart handed debuts to Megan Sidey, Katie Frew, Jade Wilson, Nicola Jameison while fellow new signings Olivia Hurrell, Maya Knight, Lauren Sangster and Niamh Noble were all named on the bench.

United’s game plan was thrown into disarray in the fourth minute as a long ball made its way into the box; a stramash then ensued as United looked to clear their lines only for the ball to hit Lucy Sinclair, allowing her teammate Cara Henderson to lash into an empty net.

Thistle were dealt a blow after just twenty minutes played as Clare Docherty fouled Claire Delworth and appeared to swear at the ref, giving him no choice but to show her a red card for foul and abusive language.

Georgie Robb had the first opportunity for United ten minutes before the break as Rachel Todd laid off a cross into her path, the midfielder couldn’t get the shot on target however.

The hosts made United rue this in the 37th minute; Henderson turning provider for Rosie McQuillan to slot home at the back post.

HALF-TIME - PARTICK THISTLE WOMEN 2 DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN 0

United made a change at half time with Niamh Noble making her debut replacing Leah Sidey invoking a change of shape from Graeme Hart.

This seemed to settle the side more despite not really threatening Thistle all too much.

There was another debut in the 73rd minute when Jo Fraser made way for Maya Knight, whilst Georgie Robb was replaced by Summer Christie.

Just 60 seconds later Thistle were given the chance to kill the game off when Megan Sidey fouled Imogen Longcake inside the box. Cara Henderson stepped up to dispatch the spot kick despite Sidey guessing correctly.

With eight minutes remaining they were given another penalty, this time for a Jade Wilson foul on Vhairi Munro.

Henderson took the opportunity to complete her hat trick and sent Sidey the wrong way with a powerful penalty.

Graeme Hart’s final sub saw Olivia Hurrell replace Katie Frew for her United debut.

The visitors had two chances late on with Rachel Todd firing over before sub Maya Knight forced Megan Cunningham into a save.

FULL TIME - PARTICK THISTLE WOME 4 DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN 0

M. Sidey, Delworth, Frew (Hurrell 82), Wilson, Jameison, Fraser (Christie 73), Smith, Robb (Knight 73), Todd, L. Sidey (Noble 46, Cowper

Subs not used: Arthur, Murphy, Sangster (gk)

Full back Claire Delworth reflected on what was a tough and bitterly disappointing day for the squad.

“The early goal of course is less than ideal but that’s the challenge of football and it’s how you react to it and today we didn’t react well, we let ourselves down, the staff down and the fans. We didn’t perform to anywhere near our standards and we struggled to create any chances or use the ball well.”

“We have a moment to step up now, Hearts is another tough day, we have an extremely hard first four games and we need to, as a group, stand up and be counted for. The girls know we weren’t good enough today but are determined to put this right and work hard to prepare for the next game & improve on our performance.”