Saints fans suffer then celebrate in double header with the Jags
Scottish Supporters Football Premier League
Two games in two weeks against Partick Thistle sides saw mixed results for the St Mirren fans’ team.
With no league fixture since November, St Mirrenoff were caught cold last week and went down 2-1 away to Sparta Jags, with Craig Sinclair’s early strike ultimately proving not enough.
Saints were determined to make amends against Partick Thistle on Sunday, with the added incentive of suffering a shock 7-2 defeat when the sides last met.
The home side took control of the game early on, with Gordon McEwan and Chris Dailly dominating the midfield.
Strikers Sinclair and Robert Hillcoat were constantly chasing lost causes and this unsettling the Thistle defence led to the first real opening. As the Thistle goalkeeper and centre half hesitated, Hillcoat nipped in between them and stole the ball, but his shot was well blocked by the keeper’s legs.
It was not long before Saints dominance was rewarded. Fraser Gray was fouled 40 yards from goal and David Wilson curled the free-kick into the penalty area where Ian Craig rose well to loop a header past the keeper.
Craig almost went from Saint to sinner, dallying in possession and presenting Thistle with a great chance which their striker spurned.
A fantastic reflex save stopped Wilson from converting direct from another free-kick, but it was from his set-piece that the Saints doubled their lead. His corner was soon back at his feet and after rounding a defender, he crossed for Hillcoat whose first-time volley rifled into the back of the net.
Defender Graeme Mothersole limped off early in the second half and it was his replacement, Grant Elliott, who looked to have put the result beyond doubt.
Again Wilson was the provider, his corner met at the back post by the gangly sub’s powerful downward header which crossed the line before the Thistle defender could clear it.
Another injury inadvertently brought Thistle back into the game. Their striker limped off and with no subs left to make, he swapped positions with their goalkeeper. Random, but very soon effective as the keeper-turned-striker’s from 25 yards shot tested Saints’ keeper Craig Muir.
Muir saved well, but the rebound fell to a Partick player, who tapped into the empty net despite suspicions of offside.
Tired legs were setting in amongst the Saints side and after two stunning challenges from Craig then Elliott had thwarted Thistle, they pulled another goal back with seconds left to play. Saints had a chance to kill the game in injury time when Hillcoat set up Sinclair 12 yards out, but the striker screwed his shot wide of the post.
A close shave, but a welcome three points ahead of an away trip this Sunday (13 February) against Ayr United. Hopefully the Saints fans can take inspiration from the senior side’s cup performance at the seaside.
St Mirrenoff: Craig Muir, Chris Adam, Ian Craig, Graeme Mothersole (Grant Elliott), Duncan Johnston (David Bannerman), Fraser Gray, Chris Dailly, Gordon McEwan, David Wilson (Gordian Mothersole), Robert Hillcoat, Craig Sinclair.
