Saints 1 Aberdeen 0
Team ::
Main,McQuillan,Davidson,Attila,Kernaghan,Griffin,O'Halloran,O'Neil,Grant,Farquhar,Jenkinson
Subs :: Preston,Tosh,Georgio
For the first time this season Saints managed to field an unchanged line-up with the only difference on the subs bench being the introduction of OBoyle for McCluskey. The visitors fielded a strong side and we finally had the entertainment of the very different receptions for the ex-Saintees Dodds and Inglis.
The game started evenly with Dons making all their moves via Joe Miller on the right ing to put Davison under early pressure. At the other end of the field Inglis and Roddy both showed there were no hard feelings as the Saints striker was clobbered heavily early on. The main factor for both sides was the strong wind which meant that the Dons were able to test Main early with long-range efforts.
Saints showed though that luck hasn't totally deserted them in the last few weeks when Roddy ONeil was fouled after 10 mins - the ref allowed an advantage (thought Christ knows why) and Roddy sent the ball back in from the right to be met by Inglis who set out to prove that it was just being in the presence of Sergei all along that made him look good by totally screwing up his clearance and letting Del in to send a chip past Bandy-legs Leighton who only managed to get a fingertip to it but not prevent the goal !!! Cue several thousand chants of 'We want 6' as the Saints celebrated.
After that the first half went downhill a bit for Saints with Leighton only being tested again by a Farquhar effort towards the end of the half. The Dons on the other hand pressed forward in numbers and started to force a series of corners. The also managed to hit the post and miss a couple of sitters. The Saints defence looked solid enough but again suffered from a failure to clear their lines, and when they did manage to do so there was no midfield or striker in reach of the ball. The Saints fans were growing frustrated (with Attila and Jenko the main targets) although the ref didnt do much to help matters with increasingly inconsistent decisions including another booking for Roddy (and hopefully another fine).
The second half was a lot more even although the Dons again seemed to be permanently camped in Saints half. Main was forced to make some excellent saves and McQuillan cleared a shot off the line. At the other end Saints were denied a penalty when Koumbare appeared to handle the ball and we had the entertaining sight of another classic Saints set-piece being fucked up as Roddy was too slow to get the ball. He had the chance to make it 2-0 when a Main clearance found him in a 50-50 with Leighton. However true to form for the second half the ref (Kevin Bissett from Inverness) gave a foul to the Dons. His decision making was the worst part of the second-half with the Saints continually ruled against and it was to their credit that the tempers were kept in check.
Preston was brought on for the ineffective Dino and Georgio for the just as ineffective Jenko - the latter change making a bit more difference as OBoyles running started to have an impact in the Saints attacks. Gary Farquhar had a fairly good game and seems to be developing an understanding with O'Neill. In defence Danny and Kernaghan both looked solid and Davison had the beating of Miller. Main was his usual outstanding self and managed another MoM award.
Despite this win its still obvious that some changes are needed. Another striker is required since Roddy is struggling to make an impact. Hopefully the midfield problems will be sorted out as Kane and Dasovic return and Dino pisses off.
Remember to vote on todays ref Kevin "Mutton Molester" Bisset - send marks out of 10 to refvote@grange.demon.co.uk