Saints’ victory a perfect send off for Mackay
WHEN Dave Mackay arrived at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, he knew it was going to be an emotional afternoon. At the end of the week the St Johnstone captain announced his retirement from football, watching his team-mates from the main stand was always going to feel unusual.
But it is safe to say the club legend left the stadium with a smile on his face — and not just because the hosts defeated Hearts.
The 2014 Scottish Cup-winning skipper watched on as Saints goalkeeper Zander Clark produced several great saves to deny the visitors the opening goal.
If Mackay was surprised to see Tommy Wright’s men take the lead just before the hour mark, he had no idea two bigger surprises were to follow.
Graham Cummins’ goal prompted the Saints players to celebrate by displaying Mackay’s No 2 shirt to the crowd.
And just before the Perth side’s victory was confirmed, Scotland boss Gordon Strachan climbed the steps in the stand to shake Mackay’s hand before he departed.
The 35-year-old admitted the events had left him feeling emotional.
‘It was great — Gordon didn’t have to do something like that to someone like myself,’ he said. ‘But I appreciate it and he had a quick word with me.
‘He said he was sorry to hear I have retired and that I am a good player and ambassador for the club. I really appreciate it.
‘I knew he was at the game and there were a few decent Scottish boys on show. He would have liked what he saw from a couple of them.
‘I didn’t expect the celebration. It was a nice touch from the players. I’m not sure who planned it but I appreciate it. That’s what you expect from the group of boys we have.
‘We’re all pretty close, good mates and we look out for each other.
‘It was a little bit emotional but I’m not an emotional type of person. I didn’t know it was going to happen, so I didn’t have time to think about it.’
While this match had its nice touches, there was also added bite given accusations from Wright that Hearts players go to ground too easily.
Ironically, it was St Johnstone’s Cummins and Chris Kane who were booked for diving — two of six yellow cards shown to the hosts.
The star of the show was Clark as he denied Hearts defender Faycal Rherras and Jamie Walker with two outstanding close-range saves in the first half.
Saints struck when Cummins prodded home from no more than six yards after he met Liam Craig’s shot.
Hearts, knowing they could move top of the Premiership with a win for at least 24 hours, were then denied again by Clark and the woodwork as Callum Paterson’s header from a corner crashed back off the bar in the closing stages.
Clark now boasts a great record of eight wins in eight starts in the league.
And the 24-year-old — starting in place of Alan Mannus — felt it was going to be the hosts’ day.
‘It’s a great record to have but it’s not just down to me,’ said Clark. ‘The boys in front can make my job a hell of a lot easier.
‘Hearts have great height in their squad and Paterson leapt well late on. Luckily, the bar saved us. I’m delighted the bar did its job.
‘To score the goal was great and when Hearts missed a few chances, it started to feel like it was going to be our day.’
Clark admitted he did not know his team-mates were ready to honour Mackay with a special celebration but was full of praise for the club legend.
‘You don’t need me to tell you what Dave has done for the club,’ said Clark. ‘He is a great pro both on and off the field.’
Hearts still sit second in the table but were left to rue their missed opportunities.
Goalkeeper Jack Hamilton was disappointed the team slipped up but praised the performance of Clark.
‘It wasn’t the result we were looking for,’ said the 22-year-old. ‘Their goalkeeper was excellent and, sometimes, you just know it is not your day.
‘The main aim was to move top of the league and to put down a marker even at this early stage.
‘We’ve plenty of good players who can score goals but big Zander was brilliant and pulled off some fantastic saves.’