St Mirren ‘disgrace’ turns to delight as terrific comeback propels Paisley side into cup final
St Mirren recovered from an absolutely dreadful first half to record a convincing win over the Welsh champions and claim a place in the Irn Bru Cup final against Dundee United next month, writes Ewing Grahame.
United manager raymc kinnonwa sin Paisley to watch the tie and would have found plenty of food for thought as the home side produced a comeback as emphatic as it appeared unlikely.
The New Saints ran the show in the first half, with playmaker Ryan Brobbel the most impressive performer on view. He created one opening for Jamie Mullan and saw one effort well saved by Billy O’brien before he curled a shot into the net from distance.
St Mirren manager Jack Ross appeared on the verge of self-combustion during the opening 45 minutes but, by venting his spleen at his charges during the interval, he provoked a revival which few would have placed a wager on.
“In the first half we were a disgrace and I said that to the players at half-time,” he said. “I was so angry with them as it’s no reflection on how we do things. But the second half was, and that’s why we won the game.
“Winning things in football doesn’t come round very often, regardless of the competition and we believe we can win this cup. We believed that before today’s game and nothing changes having got through to the final. The fact it’s clubs of Dundee United’s stature and ours should help make it attractive, 30 years on from meeting in the Scottish Cup final.”
Ross’s rocket was accompanied by a tactical change, with Lewis Morgan replacing Craig Storie, and the verve