Watt a special night for Tony
‘Watt is love?’ was the chant coming from the away section of the terracing at Berwick Rangers on Tuesday night.
And Perth fans may well have found the answer to that question after the club’s new signing opened his account in style.
Forward Tony Watt entered the McDiarmid Park entrance on Monday morning but was pitched into friendly action at Shielfield Park.
Within the first half hour, he had scored one and laid on two assists as rampant Saints turned up the heat on the home side.
Captain for the evening Liam Craig, David McMillan and substitute Kyle McClean were also on target in the fourzip triumph.
The game, Saints’ last before competitive action begins, allowed boss Tommy Wright to cast an eye over two trialists.
Goalkeeper Dean Lyness played the opening 45 minutes while full-back Mark Russell, formerly of Morton, looked solid throughout.
Summer signing Drey Wright stepped his performance up a level from Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Aberdeen.
He enjoyed playing alongside Watt and said: “We got off to a real quick start which was what we wanted to get into our rhythm.
“We got the early goals which settled us down but we started with a good tempo and carried it on throughout.
“I linked up with Tony quite well on Tuesday and hopefully we can carry that on through the season.
“He showed his quality with two good assists and a goal.
“There’s been new players coming in, but we’ve settled in really quickly. That bodes well for the future.
“Obviously I came off at half-time but for the 45 minutes I played we controlled the game and created chances.
“It was a different standard of opposition compared to Sunday but I did feel a lot sharper with my movement and quality on the ball.
“I think that is only going to come on with the more minutes that I get under my belt.”
The small band of travelling Perth supporters took their place in the sunshine after making the two-hour trip south.
They watched with a smile as debut man Watt nodded home a Blair Alston corner after only seven minutes.
Watt’s influence in the opening stages increased moments later when he delivered a perfect cross from the right flank.
Strike partner McMillan remained composed to sweep a first time volley beyond the helpless Sean Brennan.
Saints were brimming with confidence but weren’t ready to take their foot off the gas. Wright’s players wanted more and that’s what they got.
Again Watt was the architect. This time he threaded into the path of Craig whose low left-footed strike left the home stopper with no chance.
Berwick were offering little but almost nabbed themselves a 26th minute goal.
A combination of trialist goalkeeper Lyness and defender Jason Kerr blocked Aaron Murrell’s route to net.
But Saints, donning their new away kit, hit back instantly with trialist fullback Russell getting the ball rolling by slipping Craig in.
The experienced midfielder’s leftsided cross dropped at the back post for Watt who smashed first time on the volley.
But Brennan reacted quickly and
Saints celebrate Tony Watt’s early opener. Picture: Dominic Gall managed to get a hand up to tip over the cross bar.
It was then inches from being four as Wright turned his man and delivered to the back post. Watt, on the stretch, couldn’t connect.
The tempo dropped at the beginning of the second half with few clear cut opportunities created.
Youngster Cammy Ballantyne was introduced and like Ali McCann - who played the full game - looked very assured on the ball.
Saints did net a fourth in the 68th minute when substitutes Callum Hendry and McClean linked up.
The latter’s deflected strike nestled in the bottom corner to add gloss to the scoreline.
McClean should really have helped himself to a hat-trick within minutes. First he latched onto a clever Hendry flick but his low effort was saved by the legs of Brennan.
He found himself through on goal again seconds later, going for a dink this time, but the ball dribbled inches wide.
Winger Wright added: “We’ve all gelled very well. I’ve come in as a bit of an outsider but it’s a great dressing room Tony Watt scored once and provided two assists in his 45 minutes. Picture: Dominic Gall Ali McCann and Kyle McClean battle well for the ball. Picture: Ian Runciman and bunch of lads.
“We’re looking forward to Saturday, we knew we had to get Tuesday out the way and that was a good run out for us.” SAINTS: Lyness (Hurst 45), Comrie, Russell, Gordon, Kerr, Wright (McClean 45), McCann, Alston, Craig, Watt (Hendry 45), McMillan (Ballantyne 65). Subs not used: Tanser, Wotherspoon, Scougall, Quigley.