Flashback Early Xmas gift for Buds

In today’s Flashback, we look at this dramatic clash between St Mirren and Motherwell in December, 2012 ahead of the Paisley side’s crucial trip to Fir Park this afternoon.

A deadly double from Steven Thompson handed Saints fans an early Christmas present as they edged past the Steelmen in Paisley.

Striker Thompson (pictured) pounced twice in the space of three minutes to send Danny Lennon’s Buddies on the road to what should have been a routine victory.

But in the second 45 they shut up shop, with Motherwell’s Bob McHugh reducing the deficit with 14 minutes remaining to leave the home supporters’ nerves shredded.

Saints’ Jon Robertson has the match’s first opportunity after just three minutes when he seized a misplaced pass but his 22-yard shot flew over the target.

At the other end, it took an important tackle from Jim Goodwin to deny Chris Humphrey a shot on target as he waltzed in from the right hand side.

Two minutes later, good work from Robertson earned Saints a corner on the right. John McGinn curled in a leftfoot inswinger, Goodwin got his shot away at the back post but’Well skipper Keith Lasley was on hand with the goalline clearance.

At the midway point in the half, keeper Samson was called upon to produce a brilliant save, diving to his right-hand side to claw away an Ojamaa header as the midfielder connected with a Lasley cross from the right.

After 36 minutes, Saints passed up a great chance to score on the counter.

McGinn picked up an Ojamaa rebound and delivered a great ball upfield for Guy.

The big Cumbrian was forced to go wide of goal before playing in strike partner Steven Thompson.

The goal just opened up for the former Rangers striker but somehow

Simon Ramsden got in the way to make a crucial block.

But they were not to be denied and shortly after Thompson was on hand from eight yards to glance Robertson’s lovely cross into the far corner of the net for 1-0.

And not long after it was 2-0. This time it was Teale’s lovely delivery from the right-hand side and Thompson rose highest to send a header into the right hand corner of the net for 2-0.

Early in the second half, McGinn saw a low drive palmed away by Randolph as Saints sought to extend their lead.

Then Guy, Teale and McLean were guilty of passing up good chances to move Saints even further in front.

After 76 minutes Motherwell changed the complexion of the game when McHugh drove high into the net to make it 2-1.

Saints defended deeper and deeper and eventually saw out the win.