Super Stevie responds to Mayday call
Dominant Saints finally make breakthrough men
ST JOHNSTONE .................... 1 ST MIRREN ............................. 0
Stevie May’s ability to find the back of the net first became evident down the local park in Newburgh.
It would be jumpers for goalposts, in for a quick bite of lunch before returning for hours of crisp long-rangers and clinical finishing.
When he was picked up by local youth club Bridge of Earn, immediately there was a realisation that this young kid - small in stature and with a shaved head at the time - was one for the future.
What fuelled excitement was when he travelled to an international tournament at Inter Milan’s training ground and impressed by showing off his ability in front of goal.
Aged 16 he scored for St Johnstone on his competitive debut and more than 25 goals in campaign 2013/14 lifted that little lad from Newburgh
to one of the most prolific forwards in the Premiership.
While time south of the border and then at Aberdeen didn’t go exactly as planned, what Saturday promisingly proved is that the 27-yearold’s striker’s instinct is as prevalent now as it was in his free-scoring heyday.
One of the most encouraging points for manager Callum Davidson would simply be where May slotted home the 72nd minute winner from - deep inside the penalty box.
It was something the Perth boss highlighted post-match: “When I was here previously he used to score 30 yarders all the time. It was nice for him to get a tap-in.”
Instead of lingering on the outskirts of the box, May, who had only been on the pitch five minutes, darted forward after eyeing Craig Conway making progress on the left flank.
His run was timed perfectly, the cross was equally on point, to allow for a sliding, low finish beyond a goalkeeper in Jak Alnwick whose gloves were put to good use throughout.
Supporters, still watching online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, breathed a sigh of relief when the ball trundled into the back of the net.
It signalled a first home three points of the season and, for May, his finish’s significance could be gargantuan in sending him off on another memorable campaign in front of goal.
It must be said, however, that Saints should have been out of sight in the first half. A quick jog back of this reporter’s memory does not throw-up such a onesided encounter.
Perth players pinged the ball around with purpose, created chance after chance, but a combination of poor finishing and smart goalkeeping somehow kept the scores level.
Callum Hendry - some of his link-up play was very neat - was unfortunate not to open the scoring early doors with a crisp left-footed strike before Scott Tanser ballooned a volley over with the goal at his mercy.
Despite lacking a clinical edge, there was no failure in the home line-up and, again, Danny McNamara showed off his gritty defensive capabilities and desire to attack with intent.
And in the middle of the park, David Wotherspoon advertised further signs that he is ageing like a fine wine. Only missing from the Saints performance was that goal and, when May grabbed it, Perth fans would be tucking into their favourite glass of red with a smile.
Few would now bet against the lad from Newburgh building on his season opener.
Experienced head David Wotherspoon showed off his class in the centre of the park. His ball control was sublime and he made sure the play continued to tick over.
Skipper Jason Kerr’s defensive influence is clear. But becoming increasingly beneficial is his desire to advance deep into opposition territory.