Early gift for Buddies
Christmas came early for a St Mirren support in desperate need of some festive cheer.
On a cold winter’s afternoon, a gritty Buddies display provided a heartwarming performance.
And Simeon Jackson’s secondhalf winner was enough to clinch the Paisley side’s first win on the road since a 1-0 defeat of Brechin City way back in April.
From start to finish, Saints produced their most complete display of the season as they moved three points clear of bottom side Dundee, who fell to defeat to Celtic.
And although they might have been holding on at the end, there were no complaints from the travelling support buoyed by the fight and the spirit on display.
Oran Kearney made two changes to the side that lost out narrowly to Aberdeen the previous weekend.
Paul McGinn returned to the fold after missing the game with a head knock, as he replaced the crocked Cammy MacPherson in midfield, and striker Cody Cooke made his first league start as Adam Hammill dropped to the bench.
In a first half devoid of any real quality, Saints made up for it for it with grit and determination.
As one Motherwell fan raged at halftime: “It’s not even football”.
But it was effective from a St Mirren side that needs points.
Motherwell, without manager Stevie Robinson on the touchline as he started a three-match suspension, brought the early threat but Tom Aldred’s skewed header would act as the first of a number of spurned opportunities for the hosts.
The St Mirren defence held firm as McGinn slotted back in at right-back alongside Anton Ferdinand, Alfie Jones and Jack Baird, with Ethan Erhahon on the left.
The left-back was in the Fir Park bad books, however, despite being the victim of the late challenge from Liam Grimshaw.
The Motherwell man was deservedly booked by ref Don Robertson – but the home support vented their anger as the foul count against their side mounted up.
A rare St Mirren attack saw McGinn brothers Stephen and Paul almost link up to devastating effect but Paul’s ball across the face of goal was gathered by ‘Well keeper Mark Gillespie at the second attempt.
Paul McGinn was again central to
Festive cheer
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.
Ahead of this weekend’s clash at Motherwell, we look back at a memorable win for the Buddies.
MOTHERWELL ...................................... 0 ST MIRREN ............................................. 1
some positive Saints play on the stroke of half-time as he played through Jackson.
The striker played the ball to Ryan Edwards to then cut back for Lee Hodson but the makeshift midfielder couldn’t keep his curling drive down.
It was in the second half that the Buddies really came to the fore.
Saints started on the front foot but Jackson could only scuff into the hands of Gillespie despite being played in by Erhahon.
At the other end, Danny Johnson was unable to keep his strike down as he zipped the ball over the bar.
Having not been pleased with what he had seen up to that point, boss Kearney rolled the dice and made two changes before the hour mark.
Hammill and Cammy Smith were the two players brought on with Cooke and Ryan Edwards making way.
The substitutions appeared to do the trick as the Buddies enjoyed their best spell of the game as they got the ball down and worked it about.
It would perhaps be overreacting to say that the goal was coming – but when it did in 68 minutes, it definitely wasn’t undeserved.
Capitalising on slack passing in the Motherwell midfield, Smith bounded through on goal.
His effort may have been saved by Gillespie but the stopper could only parry into the path of Jackson who gleefully thundered home the rebound.
The celebrations said it all among players and support as a weight was clearly lifted with the Buddies forcing themselves in front.
But the effort was being put in at both ends, and keeper Dean Lyness also played his part as he produced a stunning save to block Curtis Main’s header from a corner.
He was on form again, saving David Turnbull’s effort from 25 yards, but the best was still to come as the ‘Well man found himself unmarked at the far post.
It appeared a case of picking his spot but Lyness managed to claw the ball away for a corner.
Defending the set-piece proved to be the last act – with Saints clearing their lines to the joy of the away support.
a newspaper
Keanu Baccus has been savouring his maiden international goal after firing Australia closer to a sixth straight World Cup.
The St Mirren star lit up the Western Sydney Stadium on Thursday by grabbing the opener in a 2-0 qualifying win over Lebanon.
Baccus intercepted a ball in midfield, drove forward and curled a floating effort from the right-hand side over keeper Mostafa Matar and into the far corner of the net.
Hearts defender Kye Rowles sealed the deal, with the sides scheduled to meet again tomorrow.
The Socceroos are well clear at the top of a group which
also includes Palestine and Bangladesh.
And Baccus was delighted to get off the mark for Oz.
“It was a little bit of a rest defence and I managed to intercept it,” the 25-year-old midfielder said.
“The keeper was a bit close to his near post. I was trying to whip it into a dangerous position to be honest.
“Luckily, God was on my side and it floated into the top corner.
“I sort of started at high and wide so I gave it every chance to go in.
“I’m buzzing to get my first goal. That’s what I’ve wanted for so long.
“It’s been a long time – 18, 19 games I think.
“And I’m buzzing for the win. We needed it – another three points closer to World Cup qualification.”
Buddies first-teamers Elvis Bwomono, Alex Gogic, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Conor McMenamin and Jonah Ayunga are also away on international duty.