Late touch of class was a joy to behold
Exquisite Melamed finish earns point men
HAMILTON ............................ 1 ST JOHNSTONE .................... 1
Someone best check the condition of the football.
It appeared to be killed stone-dead by the right boot of Guy Melamed in the 87th minute of this match.
The Israeli striker’s exquisite piece of play to cushion down Liam Gordon’s long, high pass was world class. A touch of class.
And his quick-fire finish that followed was equally delightfully and salvaged St Johnstone a point when all looked lost.
The 28-year-old is a clever football player, that is for sure. The way he swivels his body to keep hold of the ball, at times, is effortless.
Melamed now has five goals in seven starts for the club. He has scored with his head, right foot, left foot, from close range and distance.
“I liked the goal on Wednesday the most,” he said. “I’m happy to show that I can score all kinds of goals.
“Outside the box, inside, with the head, with the left foot or right.
“We created a lot of chances and showed we can make a comeback. We have character.
“Eventually we are happy with the point, but we’re disappointed too because we felt good and that we controlled the game.
“I think about the last chance I had in the 90 minutes. Maybe I should have passed to David Wotherspoon.”
Perth players had experienced the highest of highs on Sunday after defeating Livingston to lift the League Cup for the first time.
The emotional and physical exertions of that day perhaps showed in the opening 10 minutes. It was a sloppy start in Lanarkshire.
But little could be done to prevent former Saint Ross Callachan from netting a peach in the 36th minute.
His curling effort from distance travelled through the air and over the head of Zander Clark. Its final resting place was the top corner.
Melamed’s moment of magic with time running short was a relief and kept alive slim hopes of a top six finish.
His attitude was spot on. Especially after being an unused sub in the weekend’s cup triumph at Hampden.
“Every player wants to play, especially in the final,” he said. “But I respect the coach.
“If he decides I need to be on the bench, I respect that.
“I came into Wednesday with no hard feelings and gave everything. The main thing on Sunday was we took the cup.”
There may yet be a chance for Melamed to play in a national final this season, though.
News arrived this week that the Scottish Cup will be continuing - Saints take on Dundee next month in round three - after a temporary suspension of play due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It would be special for Melamed and he would also like to return to Hampden for midfielder Murray Davidson, who missed out last weekend with injury.
Melamed said: “I heard that Murray also missed the other cup final. He is unlucky. Maybe he will play in the final of the Scottish Cup?”
A sublime piece of play from striker Guy Melamed to control and finish for Saints’ equaliser. Neat and tidy.
Jamie McCart is always keen to play out from the back. As per, was strong in the tackle and air.
Another dominant display at the back from Liam Gordon. Assisted goal with a clever pass over the top.