No case for the defence in Saints’ derby disaster
ST MIRREN manager Jack Ross insists he will not hesitate to make changes in defence after his team was thrashed by Morton in the Renfrewshire derby at Cappielow.
Michael Tidser’s penalty put the hosts ahead in 26 minutes before Cammy Smith equalised four minutes before the break.
However, the game swung in Morton’s favour just after the interval when Saints defender Jack Baird was sent off for a last-man challenge and Tidser netted his second penalty.
Further goals from Bob McHugh (72 minutes) and Andy Murdoch (77) piled on the pain for Saints.
‘I always let people in the dressing room know what I will say to the media — and I told them that the reason we lost is that we were so poor defensively,’ said Ross.
‘Middle to front? I don’t have a problem, they did fine, even with ten men. But if you defend in the manner we did, you’ll lose. It has given me decisions to make.’
The game exploded into life when Jai Quitongo raced into the Saints box. He was clipped by Baird, who gave away a penalty.
Baird was booked by referee Willie Collum, while Quitongo also picked up a yellow card after his over-enthusiastic celebration for winning the spot-kick.
Craig Samson was then booked, before Tidser eventually sent the St Mirren keeper the wrong way.
The visitors equalised when Smith unleashed a superb shot high into the net.
But five minutes after the break McHugh was brought down by Baird in the box. The defender was given a straight red before Tidser again sent Samson the wrong way.
The impressive McHugh added a third goal, then turned provider for Murdoch to make it 4-1.