Goodwin thrilled to avoid potential banana skin

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ST MIRREN dodged a potential Scottish Cup banana skin as they comfortably beat Kelty Hearts in Paisley.

Jim Goodwin’s players put in a real professional performance as they gave the high-flying League Two leaders the respect they deserved having knocked out holders St Johnstone in the last round. But the Buddies proved too strong for Kevin Thomson’s side as Alex Grieve, Jordan Jones and a Greg Kiltie double saw off any chances of an upset.

A thrilled Goodwin hailed his players for their application as he dreamt of another trip to Hampden.

“It was a really professional performance and we were clinical,” he said. “It was a real tricky tie as Kelty are not used to losing many games, but the overall performance from every one of my players was consistent.

“It would be nice to get there [Hampden] again. We were there twice last season and we want to be there again with the whole of Paisley behind us and we can experience the atmosphere properly.”

An early goal settled any nerves as Grieve nodded home after just 15 minutes. The striker grabbed his second goal in two games, as he pounced on a rebound after Richard Tait’s acrobatic effort was flicked into the air by Darren Jamieson.

It would take the hosts until five minutes after the break to double their lead. Jones opened his account for St Mirren with a stunning strike as he curled an effort into the top corner after a well-worked corner routine.

On the hour mark the hosts were three goals to the good as Kiltie latched on to a Jones pass before twisting on the edge of the area and rifling into the bottom corner. And it was game over when Kiltie slotted home.

Kelty boss Thomson said: “It was probably harsh at the end but at the same time we were playing a Premiership team.

“They are a good team, miles above us in the pecking order of Scottish football.”