Flashback From panic to party time
Talking to Tony Bullock this week, I’m not going to lie, the first memory that springs to mind is promotion party.
Of course, that should be a good thing, with Bullock manning the goals as Saints clinched the First Division title back in 2006.
But, for those that remember it, the goalkeeper started that clash and never finished it.
The promotion party was in full flow at Love Street as St Mirren needed just three points to wrap up the title and keep Dundee at bay.
Kick off was delayed by 10 minutes to allow the 7,629 crowd in.
Bullock, a January signing from Gillingham, was named as the starting stopper ahead of the young Chris Smith, who had only been given a brief run-out every now and then.
Things all appeared to be going well when Kirk Broadfoot opened the scoring for the Buddies after 18 Title clincher
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.
Today, we look back at the game that would win Saints promotion in 2006, despite a wobble from goalie Tony Bullock.
minutes.
But the second half was only two minutes in when Dundee equalised in what was the most bizarre circumstances.
A harmless low, free-kick from the right hand side bounced around the box and look to be offering no threat at all.
Bullock appeared to think the ball was going out of play as he attempted to shepherd it out – but instead it bounced back off of the post and into the path of striker Steven Craig, who tapped in one of the easiest goals of his career. Suddenly, the doubts crept in. Bullock was clearly gutted by the mistake, and it had an effect.
Just a minute or so after, he elected to leave a ball that travelled into the box, which he should have perhaps collected.
Another poor clearance moments later meant it was curtains for Bullock, unusually subbed as Gus MacPherson decided that it was perhaps better to take him out the firing line.
Smith came on with half an hour to play, but the sub of the day was Billy Mehmet’s introduction with 10 minutes to go.
Of course he scored the winner, and the Saints went up.
Suddenly the doubts crept it. Bullock was clearly gutted by the mistake, and it had an effect