St Johnstone WFC: Hamilton (A) preview

Steffi Simson knows St Johnstone WFC need to make life as difficult as possible for league leaders Hamilton Accies this evening.

And the in-form forward believes that a key part of doing that will be showing calmness in possession and moving the ball quickly when the opportunity arises.

Saints were out of competitive action last week but have been training well ahead of the Friday night under the lights test at New Douglas Park.

“We know it will definitely be a tough game as Hamilton are a good team,” Simson said. “But if we can move the ball quickly and be direct I think we can cause them problems.

“They are a team that will punish us if we do make it easy for them so we need to keep the ball and try not to make silly mistakes. Also, up the other end, we need to be clinical, hit the target and give them problems.”

Saints are returning to the field of action on the back of an impressive 4-1 league victory against Ayr at the beginning of the month. Simson was on the scoresheet on that occasion, as were Jodie Malcolm (2) and Olivia Hurrell.

Saints currently sit seventh in SWPL2 but have eyes firmly set on reeling-in those directly above them.

Simson said: “It’s definitely good to get a run of points. Training has been positive and that gives the team a lift for Friday night.

“I think we definitely needed the result against Ayr. It’s always good to get three points and everyone was buzzing after the game.

“It showed us, if we get the ball down and play, we can create chances and score goals so hopefully we can take that into Friday.”

Kick-off at New Douglas Park in Hamilton is 8pm this evening (Friday). Admission prices are as follows: Adult £8, concessions £5, U16s free.