St Johnstone WFC were keen to prove a point following back-to-back Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 defeats - and did just that.
Rachel Todd’s early finish was the only goal of the game to secure an impressive three points away at Hamilton Accies on Sunday.
Saints were forced to soak up large spells of pressure but defended superbly well to keep the hosts out, much to the delight of head coach Jason McCrindle.
He hailed a resolute and determined display as the Perth side picked up a confidence-boosting victory in summer sunshine.
He said: “We were under pressure for large spells of the game but the early goal gave us the confidence to believe in what we were doing.
“We had one or two half chances but defensively, from the front to the back, it was a real team effort.
“They were determined to show what we are capable of doing. They hadn’t done that in the first two games.
“We knew Hamilton’s qualities and where they were dangerous. We changed our shape slightly and everyone felt comfortable with it.
“Everyone knew what it was going to take. I’m absolutely delighted to come away with three points and a clean sheet at a tough venue.”
The win against fourth-placed Hamilton will give his players great belief ahead of Wednesday’s game with top-of-the-table Aberdeen.
“Three games in the space of a week is physically demanding but, as I’ve said, we have the luxury to rotate,” McCrindle continued.
“We were able to freshen things up against Hamilton and we’ll look to do that again on Wednesday.
“We are demanding the right energy levels from the players and they are giving us everything.
“We should have the belief to go into the Aberdeen game and win it. But we need to make sure we are resolute again. If we give ourselves a foundation to build on and play to our strengths, there is no reason why we shouldn’t look for three points.”
An added boost for McCrindle and Saints on Sunday was welcoming club captain Jade McDonald back onto the field of play.
He said: “We were under the cosh the last 10 or 15 minutes so changed our shape to adapt and Jade came on in the middle of the pitch.
“Her experience helped the team. She had been back training the last couple of weeks so it’s a massive bonus to get her involved.”
