Buddies start with a bang to punish Bairns
AS FAR as St Mirren are concerned, this will do for starters. It has been 11 years since they tasted an opening-day victory.
During last season’s dramatic escape from relegation danger, Saints had to wait 15 matches to savour their first win. Patience is key if you’re a Buddies supporter.
Fans know all too well not to get their hopes up, but they will not argue with this fine performance which pushed 10-man Falkirk aside.
Jack Ross’s men recovered from Nathan Austin’s goal to earn three deserved points.
Left-back Stelios Demetriou’s first-half effort was followed by second-half strikes from Cammy Smith and Gavin Reilly to dump the Bairns, who switched off after the break and lost Aaron Muirhead to a straight red card.
St Mirren had plenty of fight — a bit too much from assistant boss James Fowler, who was sent to the stand just before the break for an altercation with Falkirk’s goalkeeping coach, Derek Jackson.
‘It happens in the heat of the moment,’ said Ross, who has extended his contract to remain in Paisley until 2020. ‘I’ve been involved in things like that. I don’t think there was much in it, but you have to wait to see what reports are submitted. We didn’t start well but then we got a foothold in the game. We always threaten to score goals. There’s lots to work on but it’s good start.’
Hopes of a strong start for the Buddies evaporated after just two minutes. Rory Loy’s effort was saved by Saints goalkeeper Craig Samson, who pushed the ball into the air and Austin bundled home.
Saints stood strong and drew level 12 minutes before the break thanks to Demetriou. Reilly’s pass from midfield found the left-back, who raced forward and his low shot into the far corner gave Bairns goalkeeper Robbie Thomson no chance.
Saints took just a minute after half-time to spark into life when they fired themselves in front.
Thomson flapped at Reilly’s cross and the ball dropped to Smith. The striker composed himself before he drilled home from 15 yards.
Things got a whole lot better for the Buddies when Reilly bagged his fourth goal of the season on 69 minutes.
A neat pass from Smith fed the former Hearts striker down the left and into the box. He made no mistake with a fine low finish into the far corner.
Muirhead’s dismissal 13 minutes from time for leading with his elbow as he jumped for the ball with Demetriou compounded a miserable day for Falkirk.
‘Foolishly, Aaron has jumped with the left elbow and I certainly wouldn’t argue it,’ said Falkirk boss Houston of the defender’s dismissal. ‘You can’t lead with your elbows, so we’ll accept that.’