SAINTS SUFFER
Buddies’fighting spirit wasn’t enough as poor second
A deflected McAllister cross almost fell at the feet of Erwin in the box, with Siegrist bolting off his line to clear the danger.
Another teasing McAllister pass fell to Erwin moments later, with the powerful striker only prodding his shot, which was comfortably held by the host’s keeper.
Shankland had United’s first effort after 24 minutes, sending a left foot shot over the bar as his side started to dominate possession.
Erwin went close to breaking the deadlock again after Conor McCarthy headed a Jamie McGrath free-kick across the six-yard box. He sclaffed his effort wide in a rare flashpoint as the first half struggled to catch fire.
Out of the blue, the Terrors took the lead against the run of play. Saints defender Joe Shaughnessy cleared a Chalmers corner, but only as far as Shankland on the edge of the box. The Scotland international marked his return to action by sending a beautiful finish past a sprawling Zlamal.
The Buddies almost found an immediate reply. Tait powered a McGrath header straight at Siegrist, who gratefully palmed the ball over the bar.
Obika then sent an overhead kick just wide as the visitors rallied before the break, with a series of long throws by Tait eventually dealt with by United.
The hosts could and perhaps should have doubled their lead at the start of extra time as Shankland pulled back for Nicky Clark, who sent a shot wide from an excellent position.
Goodwin kept faith with the same 11 after the break, but it was United who started the second half on the front foot as Clark picked out Sporle in the six-yard box. His stabbed effort was just kept out by Zlamal as the Saints’ hopes of turning the tide hung by a thread.
Shankland and Clark were combining to wonderful effect up front, with the former’s clever flick sending Clark bearing down on goal. His low strike smacked off the post, but United refused to let the chance go and, after