Another giant step by Saints
ST MIRREN manager Jack Ross hailed his team’s desire after they took a significant step towards pulling off a great escape.
A ‘hat-trick’ by Stevie Mallan helped thrash relegation rivals Raith Rovers and saw the Buddies rise to eighth in the Championship with one game to play.
The Paisley men sit two points ahead of John Hughes’ team, who now occupy the relegation play-off spot.
Saints travel to champions Hibernian next week, while Raith host all-but-relegated Ayr United knowing a win is required to have any chance of avoiding the dreaded relegation play-offs.
‘I would have taken any manner of win before the game because of what the result would mean to us,’ said Ross. ‘But to win in that style was outstanding.
‘Even in March, we were five points adrift. Our first goal was to not finish bottom. The next challenge is to not finish in the play-offs.
‘With this group of players, I believe we can go to Easter Road and be positive.
‘Normally, when you finish in the play-offs it’s in a downward momentum. We’re the opposite and have been for a third of the season.’
Raith had looked hesitant in defence on a few occasions before Mallan punished them on 27 minutes.
The visitors’ failure to deal with a bouncing ball allowed Cammy Smith to pick up possession on the right byeline. His cross was met perfectly by Mallan, who swept home from six yards.
Saints had a spring in their step and nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Lewis Morgan’s shot from 18 yards was pushed wide by Pavol Penksa.
However, there was nothing the Raith goalkeeper could do when Mallan doubled Saints’ lead six minutes before the break.
The midfielder’s free-kick from 20 yards took a big deflection off Declan McManus in the Raith wall and, with Penksa already committed to his left, the ball flew into the far corner. It officially went down as an own goal but Mallan deserved the credit for another fine strike.
Raith looked rattled and survived further scares when Smith and Kyle Magennis both saw shots fly narrowly wide.
When half-time arrived, it came as a relief to the Kirkcaldy side more than anything as the travelling support made their frustration clear.
The misery continued three minutes after the restart when Mallan’s corner from the right was met by Rory Loy at the back post. Kevin McHattie’s attempt to clear failed as he could only head the ball into his own net.
Mallan had been terrific and his unofficial hat-trick arrived in stunning fashion on 59 minutes.
A couple of neat one-twos allowed him to hit a superb, first-time shot from 30 yards that curled into the top corner.
‘That goal is right up there as one of the best I have scored,’ said Mallan. ‘It’s a great occasion to get the hat-trick and for the boys to earn the win, as well.
‘I’m happy to score and assist more goals. I want to thank the fans for their support and for me being named man of the match.’
Lewis Morgan then found the net but his effort was ruled out for offside as Raith struggled to compete in what threatened to turn into a complete rout.
‘You’re nothing special, we lose every week,’ chanted the away fans who had not already left.
St Mirren’s five-star display was rounded off by Morgan three minutes from time.
Loy slipped the ball to Mallan, who fed Morgan in the box and his shot squirmed under Penksa.
‘Since I arrived, I have tried to galvanise them,’ said Rovers boss Hughes. ‘They’ve been feeling sorry for themselves. I’ve had to blow smoke up their backside to try to get a reaction.
‘I’ve never once raised my voice. If the players don’t think they’re fighting for their lives, then we have to have a good look at ourselves.’