Flashback A four-gone conclusion
Looking back 16 years to a clash between the Saints and their weekend opponents Dundee United makes for slightly grim reading.
St Mirren’s Premier League status looked perilous after they were thrashed 4-0 at Tannadice in March 2001.
Here’s hoping this weekend’s trip north is a little less traumatic.
In 2001, these sides were locked in an almighty battle at the foot of the Premier League table – a battle that Saints would ultimately lose, sadly.
Dundee United finished third in the Championship last year and will be among the favourites to go up this time round.
If St Mirren are to be in the mix at the end of the season, Saturday’s game is the one they will be looking to take something from.
Sixteen years ago it was United who were in charge almost from the off. League fall
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition – and a history to match.
They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Dundee United, we look at a game fans would like to forget.
Charlie Miller struck first with David Hannah adding a second soon after. Derek Lilley and Jim Hamilton pitched in with goals late in the game.
United started brightly and took just four minutes to puncture the Saints defence and call Ludovic Roy into action.
Jamie McCunnie went on a good run down the right flank before chipping the ball into the box to the awaiting Hamilton, whose header produced a superb one-handed save from the French goalkeeper.
After 13 minutes Hamilton was threatening again.
This time Lilley was the provider but Roy was alert to block at the striker’s feet.
Miller had been running the show for United and looked like the most likely candidate to grab the opener and he did so in fine style after 32 minutes.
A Danny Griffin free-kick found Hamilton who laid a pass into the path of Miller and the former Rangers man smashed the ball into the top corner from 22 yards.
The home side were well on top and within three minutes St Mirren found themselves two goals behind.
A Craig Easton cross found Hannah charging in on goal and he powered home a header via the underside of the crossbar.
United wrapped up the points 11 minutes from time with a third goal.
St Mirren failed to clear their lines and Miller fed Lilley with a cute pass on the edge of the box. Roy got a hand to the striker’s powerful shot but could not stop the ball spinning into the net.
A minute later, Hamilton compounded the misery for the visitors when he cleverly looped a far-post header into the opposite corner of the Buddies’ goal.
It was not a good day for the Saints. Surely things can’t be as bad this weekend?
Here’s hoping the lads have been doubling up on the defensive drills in Ralston.