Livingston 0 Queen’s Park 1
Queen’s Park rounded off 2023 with a resolute 1-0 victory over Livingston, sending them 12 points clear at the top of the Scottish Power WPL-2 heading into the new year.
Queen’s Park travelled to the Toni Macaroni Arena for the first time this season to face 3rd place Livingston. In their previous encounter at New Tinto Park, the Spider’s secured all three points after going 3-2 up in the 88th minute, delivering one of the most exhilarating second halves of the season so far. As they prepared to face Livingston once again, Queen’s Park aimed for a performance reminiscent of that thrilling match, albeit with a touch less tension.
Craig Joyce made three changes to the starting line-up from last week’s clash with Kilmarnock. With Megan Quigley side-lined due to suspension and Darcey Molley unavailable, Leah Daly and Rachael O’Neill stepped in to take their places. Lauren McGregor also replaced Lucy Inman between the sticks.
The opening minutes saw the game remain relatively even, with both sides venturing forwards but neither team able to break through the defensive line and create and real chances.
Abby Callaghan had the first opportunity on the 8th minute. A Livingston attack was cut out by the Queen’s Park defence and cleared by Ciara Bonner. The ball found its way to Nicole Cairney, who passed it to Callaghan. After some interplay between Cairney, Callaghan, and Davis, Leah Daly played an excellent through ball into the box for Callaghan to hit. Despite her powerful strike, the effort narrowly missed the target.
Ten minutes later, the Spiders threatened again as Taylor Davis delivered the ball to Ellie Kane at the corner of the 18-yard box. Kane laid it off to Abby Callaghan, who skilfully cut inside before striking towards goal. Unfortunately, Callaghan’s effort narrowly missed the target once more.
Despite Livingston gaining a few corners, which were comfortably dealt with by Lauren McGregor in the Queen’s Park goal, the Spiders seemed unfazed by Livingston’s attacks. At the opposite end of the pitch, Queen’s Park had some nice passages of play and were patiently awaiting their breakthrough.
They believed their chance had finally arrived as Abby Callaghan broke through again just on the stroke of halftime. Monica Harty attempted to slip the ball through to Callaghan, and though her pass was cut out, the clearance fell to Ellie Kane. Kane clipped the ball through for Callaghan, whose strike on her weaker side seemed destined for the bottom corner. Unfortunately, her effort rebounded off the inside of the post before being desperately cleared by Livingston’s Jessica Murphy.
Half-Time: Livingston 0-0 Queen’s Park
Disappointed not to be leading at halftime, the Spiders entered the second half raring to go. Their determination was evident as they created their best opportunity just two minutes into the half. Rachael O’Neill, starting from the back, embarked on a powerful run down the wing before delivering a tremendous ball into the box. Abby Callaghan connected with the ball, but her effort was blocked by Gamrot in the Livingston goal. However, the Spiders persisted with a series of attempts. Taylor Davis at the back post saw her effort also saved, but she regained control, setting up Leah Daly whose shot was blocked by the Livingston defender. The rebound fell to Emma Craig, who attempted a strike from around 30 yards, but her effort sailed over the bar.
Queen’s Park were in the driving seat as they created another opportunity in the 50th minute. Rachael O’Neill fizzed a delightful ball forward to the feet of Ellie Kane who laid it off to Nicole Cairney out wide. Cairney drove towards goal and expertly shimmied off her marker, allowing her to cut inside and have a shot at goal. Cairney connected brilliantly with the ball, but her curling effort flew just over the bar.
Livingston finally sparked an opportunity of their own only four minutes later, earning a free kick just inside the Queen’s Park half. A long delivery into the 18-yard box was cleared by the Spiders, finding its way to Raewyn Murphy in the midfield. Murphy played a through ball to Shannon Todd, who managed to put the ball into the back of the net. However, Todd was flagged for offside, and the goal wasn’t given.
Queen’s Park finally got the breakthrough they deserved in the 61st minute. Lauren McGregor went long with a goal kick which was flicked on by Emma Craig towards Nicole Cairney. Cairney did brilliantly to control the ball on the turn and flick it perfectly over top of the Livingston defence for Abby Callaghan to run onto. Having been a constant threat throughout the game, Callaghan calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to put the Spider’s ahead.
Livingston, undeterred, sought to equalize just seven minutes later. Following a breakdown in their attack, the ball landed at the feet of Bryony Ross at the edge of the box. Ross fired a great strike toward the roof of the net, yet McGregor in the Spiders’ goal pulled off a fine save to deny the home side.
Queen’s Park continued to push forward relentlessly, with attempts coming from Davis, Kane, and McGoldrick, although, none materialized to put the game to bed. Nonetheless, the Spiders’ defence stood firm, strongly seeing out the game to carry all three points back to Glasgow.
Full-Time: Livingston 0-1 Queen’s Park
Livingston: Schenai Gamrot, Natasha Frew, Courtney McAvoy (Raewyn Murphy, 46’), Beth McKay, Bryony Ross, Ashley Fish (Lauren Evans, 64’), Lucy Brown (Sharon Hughes, 85’), Anna Dickov, Jessica Murphy, Shannon Mulligan.
Subs not used: Molly Reeve, Anna Murray, Gemma Mason, Fiona Boslem, Stacey Calder.
Queen’s Park: Lauren McGregor, Taylor Davis, Ciara Bonner, Rachael O’Neill (Rachael McConnachie, 60’), Eleanor Smith, Emma Craig, Leah Daly, Monica Harty (Robin Gallagher, 60’), Nicole Cairney (Sophie McGoldrick, 79’), Ellie Kane, Abby Callaghan.
Subs not used: Lucy Inman, Rachel Ross, Elise Macara, Ami Robertson, Trialist.
Starting Eleven
Post-Match Interviews
Queen's goal - Behind the Goal with GoPro
Highlights
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