Miller’s goal is to just play his role

PARTICK THISTLE defender Gary Miller scored his first effort for two years with a contender for goal of the season — but admitted afterwards he would be happy with just one goal every campaign.

Catching the ball with the outside of his right boot, the f ormer St Johnstone player slung a breathtaking half-volley beyond helpless keeper Alan Mannus.

Team- mate Steven Lawless attempted to outdo him f i ve minutes later when his superb 30-yard volley dipped in under the bar, but Miller was delighted with his own contribution towards earning Thistle their first win at McDiarmid Park in 22 years.

‘I did think it was in immediately,’ he insisted. ‘I thought it had a chance. Within 30 seconds, Lawless has run up to me and I thought he was going to congratulate me but he said: “Have you been watching me in training?”.

‘Five minutes later, I threw the ball to him and he’s done the same. I thought: “What are the chances?” .

‘ Goal of the season f or f i ve minutes? He’s ( Lawless) been saying that already. I’ll take a goal a season, never mind goal of the season.’

Miller put Thistle ahead after a decent start by the Jags. Liam Craig’s clearance wasn’t convincing and Miller ran onto it, letting rip past the stranded Mannus. Just five minutes later his effort was matched by Lawless from a similar distance.

Three minutes after the restart Saints halved the deficit. Graham Cummins cross was met by the unmarked Steven MacLean from just seven yards out.

Abdul Osman had already been booked when he blocked Joe Shaughnessy’s shot with his arm and was given his marching orders with just a few minutes left on the clock. But, the visitors held out for the win.

Saints keeper Mannus said: ‘Is it better to get beaten by two wonder strikes or two sloppy goals? I don’t know. But it was disappointing not to get anything out of the game.’