Hendry goal his ‘best ever’
Forward says wonder strike is his finest
ST JOHNSTONE ................ 2 MOTHERWELL .................. 1 Matthew Gallagher
Local parks across the region will now forever witness St Johnstonemad kids attempting ‘The Callum Hendry’.
It’s deep into stoppage time, the ball drops over the shoulder on the left edge of the box and the mission is to recreate one of the finest goals McDiarmid Park has ever laid eyes on.
Those skilful enough to master the moment and send a similar first-time strike packed with venom and dip over the goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net will be fully deserving of their celebrations.
Hendry certainly enjoyed sending the Perth stadium into raptures on Saturday
Subs not used:
Referee: Bookings: when the latest chapter of his personal success story since returning from loan was penned in bold, capital letters.
This was a 91st minute masterclass and a sweeter connection he may never make with a football.
To show such technique and composure so late in the day with the game locked at 1-1 was, genuinely, world class.
The magnitude of it clinching three points to push further clear of basement boys Dundee must not be understated.
Just where would Saints be without Hendry’s goals since the turn of the year?
The 24-year-old forward has six to his name since January and, before his last-gasp heroics, had again used his head to great effect to pull the Perth side level on 21 minutes.
Not as stunning as the winner, of course, but the observant nature of his striker play also earned full marks. He darted towards the front post and evaded two Motherwell defenders to nod beyond helpless Liam Kelly.
Let’s make sure to doff the cap to the initial pass from Ali Crawford out to the right flank for Melker Hallberg and then the Swede’s clever delivery.
The Steelmen had, on 13 minutes, taken the lead when striker Kevin van Veen was gifted the freedom of the Fair City to navigate from wide to a central position before sending a low strike into the bottom corner from range.
That was a painful blow for first team coach Steven MacLean who had been tasked with patrolling the touchline after manager Callum Davidson tested positive for Covid-19.
The Perth boss would be up off the sofa celebrating Hendry’s leveller and then doing laps of the living room when the drama of a late, late winner exploded out from his screen.
It would be unfair to suggest that the long pass up field from substitute Jacob Butterfield was a hit and hope job. It was far from it and was instead controlled and directed into an area of great uncertainty for the visiting defence.
This reporter, it must be said, did not anticipate Hendry instantly swinging his left boot at the ball but thank goodness he did. It caught Kelly by surprise, too.
The celebratory scenes on and off the park were then joyful. Some overexuberant supporters spilled onto the pitch side while others would be hugging and dancing with the nearest person whether familiar or stranger.
Hendry was buried deep below a pile of Perth players but eventually emerged intact with the widest of grins.
“It’s probably the best goal I’ve ever scored,” he beamed.
“I didn’t know I had that in the locker - but I’ll take it.”
The all-round game of Hendry has been impressive his aerial ability, hold-up play, link-up and genuine passion.
“I’ve been getting my head down training and taking my chances,” added Hendry, who is out of contract this summer.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. I’m enjoying my football and reaping the rewards.”
Of course this was not just the Callum Hendry show, although few would grumble if that assertion was indeed made.
Those in blue were required to battle against a Motherwell side that has been on a poor run of league form in 2022.
“It was tight,” Hendry said. “We knew it was going to be a bit scrappy.
“Steven MacLean said after that we deserved it because we kept ourselves in the game and fought for every ball.
“I know it was me who scored but the boys deserved the goal and the three points.
“It was a great feeling after the game. I think we have deserved something like that.
“It has been coming and I’m just glad it did on Saturday.”
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