Montrose 0 Aberdeen 2
ScottishPower Women’s Premier League
Sunday 31 August 4PM
Links Park
Aberdeen Women claimed their first win of season 2025/26 with a great victory at Links Park on Sunday.
Toni Leigh Finnegan headed the Dons into the lead after seven minutes of first-half injury time, and Alex Clarke was rewarded for an excellent performance with her first Aberdeen goal in the second half to seal an important win over their local rivals on matchday three.
Dons boss Scott Booth named an unchanged side following their 1-0 defeat at home to Glasgow City the weekend prior, with summer signing Clarke retaining her place in the starting XI. There was a welcome addition to the AFC bench in the shape of Holly Daniel, who made her first appearance in a competitive matchday squad since her June arrival on her return to her former club.
Mya Christie was also named on the bench for the first time as an Aberdeen player since the 21st of May 2023, after featuring as a trialist against Glasgow City.
There was one change to the Montrose team that beat Motherwell 4-1 at K-Park last weekend – Cassie Cowper returning from suspension to replace Claire Delworth at the back. Former Don and at one point all-time highest appearance maker Chloe Gover started for the home side, with Hannah Innes named amongst the substitutes.
It was Clarke who would have first chance for the Dons in the opening exchanges after Eva Thomson released her down the line, her attempt blocked after some good work allowed her to cut inside.
McDonald-Nguah had the ball in the back of the Aberdeen net not long after, but the forward was quickly denied by the linesmen’s flag. Minutes prior Aimee Black went into the book for a challenge on the Montrose no.11, the resulting free-kick from a dangerous area into the Dons wall.
Kerry Beattie was next for Aberdeen to try her luck, a good move involving the busy Clarke and Thomson found its way to the feet of the Don’s striker, her curved effort falling wide.
A bit of trickery from Thomson to weave her way out of a tight space meant Sophia Martin and Ashley Robertson came together in a nasty head collision, with Martin thankfully able to walk off unaided, but ultimately in need of being replaced by Leah Fleming after 25 minutes.
Stand in captain Ogilvie came close to opening the scoring on the half hour mark, her long range effort forcing Perry into a full stretch effort.
A yellow card for Talitha Robb after a dangerous challenge on Thomson that could have easily brought a worse punishment earned the Dons a free-kick they would take full advantage of at the end of the half.
Finnegan was brave and charged into a crowed penalty box to meet Tobin’s excellent delivery, heading over Perry and into the back of the net after seven minutes of first-half injury time. Advantage Dons.
Half-time Montrose 0 Aberdeen 1
The Dons started the half incredibly brightly and were soon rewarded with a second goal.
Finnegan and Clarke both came close only to be denied by Perry, but the ‘stopper could only deny the second Dons goal for so long and Clarke done exceptionally well to race onto Beattie’s through ball, round Perry, and slam home for 2-0. Her first Aberdeen goal, and what a time to do it.
Hannah Stewart was the first Don to be introduced from the bench, she replaced Aimee Black after 64 minutes.
Montrose threatened to find a way back into the game as the Dons offensive line quietened down and the hosts began to get back on the ball, but they were unable to really carve out any clear opportunities as the half trundled on.
Bridget Galloway replaced Clarke with 15 to play, and Daniel was introduced for the final minutes as she made her competitive bow.
Katie Cox capped an impressive performance with a big save at the death to deny McDonald-Nguah, and that was to be that at Links Park.
An impressive Dons performance after a tricky start to 25/26 was rewarded with a mightily important three points against their local foes.
Full-time Montrose 0 Aberdeen 2
Montrose: Perry, McClaren, Gover, Guthrie, Martin, McDonald-Nguah, Brown, Cowper (C), Robertson, Chomczuk, Robb
Substitutes: Delworth, Carter, Ross, Fleming, Taylor, Innes, Brien
Aberdeen: Cox, Tobin, Finnie, Broadrick, Black (Stewart 64′), Finnegan, Ilijoski, Thomson, Ogilvie (C), Beattie (Daniel 83′), Clarke (Galloway 74’)
Substitutes not used: Prawer (GK), Signorini (GK), Noble, Murray, Galloway, Stewart, Daniel, McEvoy, Christie
