What will Dad say?
Ora Djorkaeff couldn’t quite believe St Mirren had lost out on a penalty shootout bonus point in their Betfred Cup tie with Lowland League East Kilbride yesterday. No wonder. Twenty-one years ago, his dad, Youri, teamed up with Thierry Henry (left) to help France win the World Cup.
St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin insists it is vital they bring in new recruits following their Betfred Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to East Kilbride.
Lowland League outfit East Kilbride secured the bonus point following a 0-0 draw, which leaves St Mirren’s hopes of progressing from the group stage hanging by a threat.
St Mirren dominated the game but could not find a way past inspired Kilby keeper Alan Martin.
In the shoot-out Danny Mullen had the chance to win it for Saints after Ryan Sinnamon had his effort saved by Jaclav Hladky but the striker blazed over the bar.
Saints sub Cody Cooke was ordered to retake his penalty after scoring as referee Colin Steven hadn’t blown his whistle and his second attempt was saved by Martin and then Ruari Paton stepped up to clinch the bonus point for East Kilbride.
St Mirren have only brought in two new additions, Oan Djorkaeff and Tony Andreu, during the summer, and Goodwin knows they have to quickly strengthen their squad ahead of their Premiership opener against Hibs.
Goodwin said: “We are short of bodies and it’s difficult for the players as the majority of them have played three games in a week. At this time of the season, that’s not ideal preparation.
“But I knew taking on the job that we had a job on our hands to get people in. But we’re doing all we can to make that happen before the league starts.
“We’re confident of getting one or two over the line soon, but it takes time. I wouldn’t have thought we’d have any in before Tuesday.
“There’s none close enough to say they’ll be over this weekend to sign papers. Easter Road is the priority.”
St Mirren enjoyed the bulk of possession but spurned a host of chances. Djorkaeff should have done better when sent through on goal by Andreu but hesitated and allowed Sinnamon to get back and make a challenge.
Stephen Mcginn tested Martin with a drive, while Kyle Magennis fired into the side-netting from a tight angle after rounding the keeper.
Prior to the interval Martin pulled off an inspired double save to deny Mullen.
The pattern of play didn’t change after the interval with St Mirren continuing to push forward but they lacked the craft and creativity to break down East Kilbride’s stubborn rearguard.
Djorkaeff, Mullen and Andreu all had efforts on target, sub Cooke sent a header just over the crossbar and then sub Jim Kellerman forced Martin into a wonderful reaction save when he drilled a shot through a crowded penalty area.
Saints were unable to find a way through and now need to win their final match against Albion Rovers and hope Dunfermline slip in to have any chance of winning the group.
East Kilbride manager Stuart Malcolm was delighted with his side’s showing against Premiership opposition.
Malcolm said: “We got a bonus point for the penalties, which was a great for the fans.
“But, for us, it’s another step closer to where we want to be at the start of the season.”