Set-piece struggles frustrate St Johnstone WFC in "unacceptable" Livingston result

St Johnstone WFC manager Jamie Reynolds admitted Sunday’s 5-0 home defeat to Livingston was “unacceptable”.

And conceding three goals from set-pieces was particularly disappointing.

Saints had defeated the West Lothian side 3-2 after extra time in last week’s Sky Sports Cup clash at the same venue.

But the league encounter very much went in favour of the SWPL2 newcomers.

“Sunday’s result was unacceptable for us as a football club,” Reynolds said.

“We as a staff know it and the girls in that dressing room know it.

“We started the game well, the only difference between the two teams in the first half was we couldn’t take our moments in front of goal, and Livingston took their chance.”

Reynolds added: “The most disappointing thing from my perspective was conceding three goals from set pieces.

“It’s unacceptable to let our opponents beat us individually in those controlled environments.

“We’ve been leaking far too many goals from set pieces this season.”

Livingston opened the scoring when Anna Dickov turned a couple of defenders and struck a shot just inside the post.

Three minutes into the second half and the lead was doubled. A corner into the box resulted in a scramble where Courtney McAvoy was positioned nicely to turn the ball home.

Their third, five minutes later, arrived in very similar fashion.

Perth goalkeeper Ellie Mitchell had made another fine one-handed save which led to a corner kick.

This time it was Ashley Elizabeth who fired into the back of the net.

Scoring from corners was becoming a recurring theme and, with one minute left of the match, Livingston grabbed their fourth. Fiona Walker was left unmarked to head home on this occasion.

A fifth followed in injury time when Sharon Hughes-Lee found herself in