Masson strike sinks Saints in Betfred Cup opener
Murray Davidson sees his progress halted. Photos: Chris Logan Photography MONTROSE .............................................. 1 ST JOHNSTONE ........................................ 0 It went down as the shock of the evening across Scottish football.
But few could argue that hard-working Montrose weren’t worthy of their memorable Betfred Cup victory on Tuesday.
The Gable Endies, who ply their trade in League One, looked hungry for success from the first whistle and got their reward.
With the sun splitting the sky at Links Park they certainly turned up the heat on Saints’ quest to advance to the competition’s knockout stages.
Perth players struggled for rhythm and, much like last Friday’s friendly in Inverness, lacked a real cutting edge in the forward department. It was deep into stoppage time when home goalkeeper Allan Fleming made a meaningful save to deny David McMillan.
Elliott Parish was in the visiting net and he, too, was relatively untested for the majority. But a moment of magic from Terry Masson separated the sides in the 72nd minute.
And what a beautiful goal it was. The first-time hit from 25-yards was top cornerbound the second it left the midfielder’s boot.
The winner sparked home celebrations in the stands and terracing. On the pitch, one of the Montrose players celebrating was fullback Andrew Steeves, who hails from Scone. He spent over a decade with the Perth club before making an emotional McDiarmid