Buddies couldn’t beat nine men
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition — and a history to match. They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877. Today, we look back at an eventful clash between the Buddies and St Johnstone - who meet again next Saturday - in December 2012.
St Mirren salvaged a draw but couldn’t grab all three points against nine- man St Johnstone.
Murray Davidson had risen superbly to head the Perth side into an undeserved lead early in the first half.
But Steven Anderson was sent off for a trip just before half-time and Chris Millar followed after a second yellow card with 20 minutes remaining.
Paul Dummett powered home an equaliser, but Saints’ rearguard effort and some poor Buddies finishing ensured a draw.
The hosts were looking to extend their unbeaten run to four games and it was St Mirren who exerted the early pressure.
Manager Danny Lennon admitted prior to kick-off the scouts were out looking at Scotland Under-21 midfielder Kenny McLean, but it was young John McGinn who was to impress most in black and white.
The 18-year-old forced a fine one-handed save from goalkeeper Alan Mannus and Gary Teale flashed another effort across goal from the resulting corner.
St Mirren, with captain Jim Goodwin and top scorer Steven Thompson back in the side, were playing neat possession football as they probed for openings.
However, St Johnstone were dangerous on the break and Liam Craig ought to have at least found the target instead of heading meekly over when found unmarked by a Gregory Tade cross.
That vulnerability at the back was exploited again shortly after when the Perth side took what was a lead they hardly deserved on the balance and quality of play.
Callum Davidson, the veteran former Scotland defender back from injury to replace the suspended Dave Mackay, curled in a cross that was flicked on by Craig and Murray Davidson rose above his marker to power a header past Craig Samson’s despairing hand.
The flow of the match was to turn again thanks to some calamitous defending by Anderson.
His first slip allowed Lewis Guy an opportunity to fire just wide from the edge of the area and his subsequent hesitation moments later led to him downing the Buddies forward and earning a red card.
The home side took control after the break and the tide truly turned when Millar was shown a yellow card for halting the dancing feet of McGinn in their tracks.
St Mirren immediately took advantage of the defensive disarray as McLean’s thundering drive was pushed into the path of Dummett, who fired his first goal for the Paisley outfit.
Teale blazed over from a promising position, McGinn fired low off the outside of the far post and Thompson glanced a header wide then had another cleared off the line by Frazer Wright.
However, despite their late siege, the Buddies had to make do with a point.