MONTROSE, Scotland (Interstat) — Substitute Madison Finnie scored in the third minute and Demi Taylor netted a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time to lift Montrose FC Women to a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen in SWPL 1 action Sunday at Links Park.

The match, which defied pregame projections that favored Aberdeen, was a crucial result in the lower half of the Scottish women’s top-flight table.

Finnie’s early strike set the tone, giving the hosts an immediate advantage. The goal came from a quick offensive move, catching the Aberdeen defense off guard from the opening whistle. Aberdeen struggled to find a response for much of the match, as Montrose managed the game with a lead that lasted over 80 minutes.

The contest grew increasingly tense and physical in the second half. Four yellow cards were issued in a 27-minute span, with Montrose defender Jade McLaren and substitute Abigail Tobin booked for the home side, and Aberdeen’s Toni-Leigh Finnegan and forward Louise Brown also shown cautions.

Aberdeen found a late equalizer against the run of play in the 85th minute. Forward Sophia Martin finally broke through the Montrose backline, scoring to level the match and seemingly steal a point for the visitors.

Instead of settling for a draw, Montrose pressed for a winner deep into added time. The decisive play came from another substitute, as Katie Cox provided the assist for midfielder Demi Taylor’s clinching goal in the 96th minute. The frantic finish prompted one final booking, with Cox receiving a yellow card immediately after the restart.

The victory completed a league double for Montrose over Aberdeen this season, following a 2-1 win in Aberdeen on Nov. 23. Aberdeen had won the prior meeting 2-0 in Montrose on Aug. 31.

The result improved Montrose FC Women’s SWPL 1 record to 6 wins, 12 losses and 3 draws, moving them four points clear of Aberdeen in the standings. Aberdeen’s league record fell to 4 wins, 15 losses and 2 draws. The loss extended a difficult season for Aberdeen, which has now lost 18 of 30 matches across all competitions.

The game’s outcome contrasted sharply with statistical forecasts. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, and its ELO rating system gave Aberdeen a 56.3 percent probability of winning.

Both teams will meet again in their next SWPL 1 fixture on April 26 in Aberdeen. Montrose will then host Motherwell LFC on May 10, while Aberdeen will host Hamilton Academical the same day. The season concludes for both on May 17, with Montrose traveling to Hamilton Academical and Aberdeen visiting Motherwell LFC.