Saints’ heartache at the 11th hour
MIRREN MATCHES AS THEY WERE REPORTED AT THE TIME
Ian Murray’s side suffered 11th hour heartache in their first Championship match of the season at St Mirren Park.
Scott Agnew’s stunning volley cancelled out Willie Gibson’s opener but Garry Fleming netted a late spot kick to grab all three points for Dumbarton.
Saints boss Murray changed things around for the visit of Sons. Out went skipper Steven Thompson, Cammy Howieson and Stevie Mallan, from the side that started against Rangers, and
in came Calum Gallagher, Allan Gow and Lewis Morgan.
With four minutes on the clock, Dumbarton forced a corner and when Gibson swung in the kick, Fleming had the freedom of the box, but headed over.
It was a scrappy encounter in the middle of the park and Sons’ Jon Routledge was warned for a “studsup” challenge on Agnew.
With 10 minutes gone, Gow released Gallacher, and only a last- gasp challenge prevented the Saints new boy getting a shot on goal.
From the corner, Agnew found Sean Kelly at the back post but the big defender’s header was cleared.
There were two bookings in 60 seconds as the game developed an “edge”– Routledge for a foul on Agnew, and McMullan for a rash challenge on Scott Taggart.
But Saints then missed a glorious opportunity to take the lead.
Morgan sent in an inviting cross but Jason Naismith headed over from just six yards.
Agnew then hit a free-kick to the back post but when Naismith knocked it invitingly across goal there were no takers.
The Buddies were made to pay in 26 minutes.
A poor challenge by Agnew on Kevin Cawley gave Sons a free-kick 25 yards out, and Gibson – with the aid of a deflection – fired home.
It was hard to argue against Sons deserving their half-time lead.
I t was same- aga i n - Sai n t s after the break, but Sons keeper Mark Brown was forced into a save when Gallagher looked like getting to a
McMullan cross.
On the hour, things went from bad to worse for the home side when Naismith went down injured out wide near the Dumbarton goal line. A stretcher was called for and the popular right-back was carried off.
Barry Cuddihy replaced the stand-in skipper and within 60 seconds Saints were level.
A cross into the box was cleared only as far as Agnew on the edge of
the box, and the pint-sized midfielder caught it perfectly on the volley to fire home.
The tide was turning and Gallagher went within inches of heading Saints into the lead when he got on the end of a deep Morgan cross.
Stuart Carswell then headed an Agnew corner over the bar, and moments later Darren Barr appeared to handle a McMullan shot in the
area, but referee John Beaton said no penalty.
The home men were well on top and the introduction of Steven Thompson was the catalyst.
However, there was an unexpected twist in the tail – which no- one saw coming.
Youngster Cuddihy upended Cawley in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Fleming converted the kick to give Dumbarton a precious away win.