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Perthshire Advertiser

St Johnstone's Fern Newbigging shares goal delight - and apology - after netting leveller against Boroughmuir

St Johnstone’s Fern Newbigging apologised for accidentally blocking team-mate Rebecca Robertson’s goal-bound shot - before finding the net herself to level against Boroughmuir on Sunday.

The second half substitute admitted with a laugh that she couldn’t keep letting the defenders have all the scoring spotlight.

Newbigging’s close range finish earned Saints a 1-1 draw and point at the Riverside, moving them up to fourth in the SWPL2 standings.

“I was obviously disappointed not to start so I think for myself I had to just go on and try and prove a point and give myself the best chance to be in contention for next week,” Newbigging told the PA.

“It felt good finally being back on the scoresheet and hopefully there are many more to come.

“I did apologise to Bex (Rebecca Robertson) for blocking her shot because I think it was going in. But I can’t keep letting our defenders do all the scoring these days!”

Saints had fallen behind in the second half after a goalless opening 45 minutes but Newbigging quickly tied up proceedings.

She added: “First half maybe wasn’t our best half of football, but after making a few tactical changes at half time I thought the second half was a lot better.

“After going behind, I think we can be happy with a point. But once we got that equaliser we pushed on a bit more to try and find the winner so we were also slightly disappointed not to get the three points. Overall I think it was a fairly even game.”

This Sunday, again at the Riverside, Saints welcome third-placed Kilmarnock who currently sit just three points better off.

“Games against Kilmarnock are always competitive and they’re a well set up side,” Newbigging said.

“Having already played them four times this season, we start to have an understanding on how they play so it’s just up to us to stick to our game plan and try and get the best result for ourselves.”

Saints also remain well in touch with second-placed Gartcairn. They are just four points ahead.

Of course catching those above is always an aim but Newbigging said: “I feel like it’s not really something we’ve discussed and I think we just need to take it week by week.

“We can’t look too far ahead. We know that this league is so competitive but that we can pick up points against anyone.”

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