Penalty pain for St Johnstone in SWPL Cup but Murdo Steven hails group togetherness

St Johnstone WFC may have agonisingly exited the SWPL Cup last Sunday.

But interim head coach Murdo Steven witnessed further evidence of how hard his group of players are prepared to work for each other and the club.

Saints had been reduced to 10 players on the hour mark - captain Hannah Clark received two bookings - but managed to force a 1-1 draw and extra-time at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.

The additional minutes resulted in a 2-2 finishing scoreline before the Ayrshire side advanced to round two thanks to a penalty shootout success.

Perth players were of course gutted but Steven said: “We took the game as far as we could and to do that after going down to 10 players on the hour mark says everything about this group of players at the moment.

“We actually played better once we went down to 10 and we were disappointed not to win the game in the 90 minutes. Penalties are a lottery after any game and Sunday was no different.”

Goalkeeper Becky Cameron had saved in the shootout but a retake was required - and scored - after officials harshly adjudged she was off her line.

Steven told the PA: “Becky was unfortunate to have the decision go against her but there was nothing that will change that.

“Becky has a fantastic attitude and will use the frustration in a positive manner. There was disappointment across the group but a reality also of that is the way football goes.

“The players in our group are aware that even in the defeat there are positives to take and I’m delighted with the character everyone showed on Sunday.

“We are disappointed to be out the cup, but well done and good luck to Kilmarnock in the next round.”

Saints have welcomed a trio of new signings across the past week. First up was striker Steffi Simson