Obika out to remedy St Mirren’s grim goal tally

LAST weekend St Mirren had 16 attempts on goal during their 0-0 draw against Dundee United in Paisley but not one was on target. On Tuesday they had 18 efforts in their 1-1 draw at home to Championship side Morton in the Betfred Cup, eventually winning an extra point in a penalty shoot-out.

They now top their group on goal difference from Queen of the South, who have completed their ties, and tomorrow they conclude their own against Queen’s Park at Hampden, knowing that victory will secure a place in the last 16.

However, a two-goal defeat would not only see the Dumfries club leapfrog them (again on goal difference) but would also allow the winners of the meeting between Partick Thistle and Morton (assuming there is one) to finish above Jim Goodwin’s side with eight points. Losing a penalty shoot-out to the Spiders would also open the door for Morton to finish above them on goal difference with a three-goal win.

Jon Obika scored his goal of the campaign fourth to put them in front against their Renfrewshire rivals but their inability to kill teams off was once again in evidence.

“We created some good opportunities, some clear-cut opportunities,” said the former Tottenham Hotspur striker. “It was tough to play against a side that just sits back, to try to break them down but we worked on it in training.

“We would have liked a few more goals before half-time but I was pleased to score. It feels like we haven’t played in a long-time but it was good to get a goal: I just wish I had a few more.

“To be fair, we work hard on our set-pieces and, for that one, I was on back-post duty and I was glad it fell to me [when he headed home from Kyle McAllister’s corner]. Practice makes perfect.”