Our Under-19s recorded a comfortable 6-1 victory over Alloa Athletic at the Community Arena at McDiarmid Park this evening.
It was the visitors who made the stronger start, with Jwarno Ahmedi producing a fine finish from inside the penalty area to fire high into the net and open the scoring after just five minutes.
Alloa enjoyed plenty of possession following their opener and created further opportunities to double their advantage, but Saints held firm as they looked to find a way back into the contest.
The equaliser arrived after 35 minutes when Arran Brookfield converted from the penalty spot. Kai Hughes did well to win the spot-kick, nipping in behind the Alloa defence before being brought down by goalkeeper Logan Banks.
The goal sparked Saints into life, and they would score a further three times before the interval.
Darryl McMutrie was first to strike, rising to meet a pinpoint Arran Clark cross with a composed header. The striker then doubled his tally with a superb aerial finish from a precise delivery by Trialist.
Fellow forward Kai Hughes also got in on the scoring when he calmly slotted home after Saints won possession in the final third following an impressive high press.
Saints continued their positive approach in the second half and added a fifth goal on 52 minutes, with McMutrie completing his hat-trick.
The striker produced an impressive acrobatic finish to convert a loose ball inside the penalty area and claim the match ball.
On the hour mark, Saints completed their scoring through winger Arran Clark. The wide man used his pace and trickery to get away from his marker before cutting inside and sliding the ball beyond Banks.
Saints had further opportunities to add to their tally in the second half through substitute Jeden Donaldson and Clark, but ultimately, six goals and a composed team performance ensured a convincing victory.
Our Under-19s currently sit third in the CAS Performance League and next up for the young team is a trip to face St Mirren next Friday in the Scottish Youth Cup.
