BIG CROWD EXPECTED FOR TAYSIDE DERBY 'CUP FINAL'
26th July 2016
PHOTO: Tommy Wright discusses tactics with Alec Cleland in training.
Neither of last season's Scottish Cup finalists will be making a return trip to Glasgow at the end of this month, but St. Johnstone and Dundee United will participate in their very own 'cup final' at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.
With only three league matches remaining, Saints sit level on points with their Tayside rivals. Goal difference currently separates the two teams, with St. Johnstone in 5th place and United in 4th.
After taking an early 1-0 lead against Inverness during their game-in-hand on Tuesday night, Dundee United fell victim to an impressive Caley comeback. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Tangerines. With a 7-point lead, only a remarkable set of circumstances could now prevent Inverness from finishing in 3rd place and ensuring automatic European qualification.
Therefore, this upcoming head-to-head between St. Johnstone and Dundee United may be hugely significant. A victory for either side could be vital in the race for 4th place and potential European qualification. Following this weekend's match, Saints face Celtic at home and Aberdeen away. United must make another arduous journey to Inverness before finishing their season with a tough home match against their derby rivals Dundee.
Dundee United profited from a strong start to the season, but they have somewhat tailed off since the turn of the year. Saints will be hoping to take advantage of this, whilst also taking confidence from the knowledge that United have only won two of their last twelve meetings with St. Johnstone. However, United's most recent victory against Saints took place this season – a 2-0 victory at Tannadice in September.
Of course, an instantly memorable clash between the two sides took place on May 17th 2014. For those Saints fans who may not fully recall the details, St. Johnstone defeated Dundee United by 2 goals to 0, with Steven Anderson and Steven MacLean ensuring that Saints ended their long 130-year wait for a major national trophy.
Another memorable clash took place at McDiarmid Park in December. Saints produced an excellent comeback to win 2-1 on the day, with Chris Millar ending his long 130-year wait for another Saints goal!
Whatever happens on Saturday, an exciting and hugely important match awaits us once again! So come along to McDiarmid Park and throw all of your support behind this excellent Saints team.
As things stand, Tommy Wright should have a full squad to choose from. However, Brian Graham (who has now signed a pre-contract deal with Ross County) is ineligible to play against the club which he is currently on loan from.
Match preview by Ollie Wale.
St. Johnstone fans will be admitted to the East, West and Ormond stands. Admission details are as follows:
For this match prices have been dropped for all 13-18 year olds to ONLY £5 and every season ticket holder can bring two friends for a combined £20 (please bring season ticket voucher 25).
WEST STAND
Adult - £23 Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £14 13 - 18 year olds - £5 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
EAST STAND
Adult - £22 Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £12 13 – 18 year olds - £5 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
ORMOND FAMILY STAND
Adult - £15 13 - 18 year olds - £5 Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
One adult and up to two children aged 12 or under can gain admission at a cost of £15. Unaccompanied adults or children aged 12 or under will not be admitted. Additional adults within a 'family group' are admitted at a cost of £15.