THE SAINTS GO MARCHING ON
Morgan floors Queens to extend the gap
LEWIS MORGAN was once again the inspiration for St Mirren as they took another significant step towards the Ladbrokes Championship title.
And it was a fitting performance on the fifth anniversary of their thrilling League Cup final victory over Hearts.
Morgan set up goals for Danny Mullen and Kyle Magennis either side of netting a terrific free-kick. A good day became even better when Saints learned Livingston and Dundee United dropped points.
The Saints now hold a 12-point lead and they can see the finishing line.
Manager Jack Ross said: ‘It was a good day for us. We know if we keep winning games we can’t be stopped, but when you have the bonus of the teams around you dropping points, then it’s even better.
‘The 2013 final was a day that will always be remembered in the club’s history. So, it was great to mark it with a victory that might be significant in us achieving success again.
‘I thought we showed our quality in the second half and the goals were good.
‘I was pleased for Danny Mullen because he has deserved a goal for his all-round play.
‘Lewis’s free-kick was excellent but Kyle Magennis’s goal was the pick of the bunch. He has been back to his best and he has the individual quality that he showed again.
‘I think we have now won more league games than Hibs did last season in winning the title — our only problem is we don’t draw too many games. But I think 20 league wins at this stage of the season is a remarkable achievement.
‘I had a big decision to make in bringing Lewis back as the team played well last week, but Lewis made his contribution.’
It was Morgan who set up the opener when he threaded a great pass through to Mullen, who finished brilliantly with his left foot to claim his first goal since joining from Livingston on 17 minutes. Queens were level just four minutes later with an equally impressive goal of their own. Jordan Marshall burst down the left side, worked a terrific onetwo with John Rankin then raced into the box to drive a low left-foot strike into the corner.
Queens finished the first half strongly and might have scored again, as Rankin pulled a shot wide on 33 minutes then Saints keeper Craig Samson did well to block Dom Thomas’s strike on 41 minutes.
However, Morgan produced his magic seven minutes into the second half to put Saints back in front.
It was he who won the free-kick just outside the Queens box when he was taken down by Scott Mercer. The on-loan Celtic man bent a left-foot effort around the wall and, even though Jack Leighfield got a hand to it, he could not keep it out.
The 20-year-old was not finished, though, setting up a third goal on 63 minutes.
He cleverly backheeled the ball into the path of Magennis, who surged into the penalty area and slammed home.
It was a second 3-1 defeat in succession for Queens after falling to Dundee United in midweek and manager Gary Naysmith believes the problems are self-inflicted.
He said: ‘It was like deja vu — a good first half and then within 15 minutes of the second half we are out of the game.
‘We’re losing goals from or own throw-ins, which is not acceptable. We are making too many mistakes.’