Monkey’s off Buddies’ back with away win
Oran Kearney led St Mirren to a first away win of the season – then vowed to turn the Premiership relegation scrap into a four-horse race.
The Buddies moved three points clear of bottom side Dundee thanks to a scrappy win at Motherwell.
Victory also moved them to within two points of Hamilton Accies – and just six behind Well.
Kearney was delighted with his side’s showing and now he wants his players to make sure they drag the Lanarkshire side back into the mire.
“That was the plan all along,” said Kearney. “Ideally, that’s what you’re trying to do.
“I’m sure Motherwell’s mentality this week revolved around trying to put big distance between them and us.
“It’s important we keep as many teams in the mix as possible, for as long as possible, so when it gets to the stage of the season where things become edgy and nervous, we have company down there.”
St Mirren’s first away win could be seen as a significant moment in their season, but Kearney insists he doesn’t think about the game in those terms.
“I don’t think we look at milestones that way,” he said.
“The mentality all week was, ‘Let’s get our first away win and get that monkey off our back’.
“We’ve under-performed against the teams around us since I’ve come to the club.
“We’ve been disappointed with the points we haven’t gained on them. Putting that right is the most pleasing aspect of it.”
Another positive was the performance from the bench of Cammy Smith, whose energy created Saints’ winner for Simeon Jackson.
“Cammy did really well,” Kearney said.
“It has been a frustrating time for him up to this point.
“I mentioned that in the changing room afterwards in front of everybody.
“His attitude has been 100%. All aspects of him as a person and how he goes about his business have been fantastic.
“That’s exactly what you want from subs.”