This one is all for you legend Liam Saints produce best performance of the season to mark special day
An eruption of applause could be heard from the home dressing room after this demolition job on Dundee.
It was a show of appreciation to a player whose contribution to St Johnstone has, simply put, been nothing short of phenomenal. Take a bow, Liam Craig. Saturday was always going to be his afternoon.
The midfielder, for the 442nd time, proudly pulled on his Perth shirt and became the club’s alltime record appearance holder by surpassing friend and former team-mate Steven Anderson’s impressive total.
Supporters unfurled a large East Stand banner as Craig, captain for the day, led the Saints out of the McDiarmid Park tunnel. Its message was a simple but factually correct one: ‘Liam Craig. History maker. 442 and counting. Legend.’
It goes without saying that this would be a massively emotional day for the 34- year- old. But, such is his professionalism and manner, he was always going to produce a composed display in the heat of battle. That he did.
That Saints picked this very game to offer up their best performance of the season was rather fitting and the smile on Craig’s face at full-time was the picture everyone was after. He is a leader, role model and an all-round good guy.
Beaming Saints manager
Scottish Premiership
stunner of a pass sent Michael O’Halloran bombing down the right flank at pace.
He was somehow able to slow down in time to slip the ball into the box for Kane to connect so cleanly and guide a low drive beyond helpless goalkeeper Adam Legzdins.
A celebratory knee-slide in front of the noisy scoreboard end would follow. Of course, Craig was at the heart of the celebrations.
Kane was not done. His striker’s instinct was evident again on 39 minutes to this time nudge over the line from close range after neat play from both David Wotherspoon and May. Dundee had no answer.
Saints fans treating themselves to a halftime snack had barely parked themselves back down when May swept into the bottom corner for the third. This was stunning stuff from the cup double winners.
James McPake’s Dens Park side did attempt to mount a late comeback and defender Ryan Sweeney nodded in from a corner with little over 15 minutes remaining. But they were deservedly beaten.
When the full-time whistle sounded, Craig again entered the spotlight. His name was ringing around the stadium as he gleefully wandered off the Perth pitch a history maker. A club legend.