Ruari Paton scored on his debut as Saints secured a 1-0 win against Airdrieonians in North Lanarkshire this evening.
The only goal of the game came on 22 minutes as Paton brilliantly lob the ball over the advancing Harry Stone following an excellent pass over the top from Jamie Gullan.
Airdrieonians pushed for an equaliser however, Toby Steward made some remarkable saves to deny Chris Mochrie and Gavin Gallagher to ensure that Saints departed the Albert Bartlett Stadium with the 3 points.
Saints are back in action on Tuesday evening as they take on Ayr United in a rearranged KDM Evolution Trophy quarter-final tie at the Falkirk Stadium, kick off 7:45pm.
MATCH REPORT
All roads led to the Albert Bartlett Stadium this evening as Saints took on Airdrieonians in a William Hill Championship match which was live on BBC Scotland. There were three changes to the Saints team which started the 2-2 draw at home to Partick Thistle a fortnight ago as Sam Stanton and Alfredo Agyeman both dropped to the bench, whilst Božo Mikulić missed out after pulling up with a hamstring injury during the second half against the Jags. They were replaced by Jack Baird along with Josh Fowler and Ruari Paton, who were both making their first starts for Saints after joining during the January transfer window. Airdrieonians head coach Aaron Taylor-Sinclair decided to go with the same team which started the 2-1 defeat after extra-time to St Mirren in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup last Friday evening.
It was a cold and dry evening in North Lanarkshire as Charlie Telfer got the match underway for the hosts.
The first chance of the game came after 3 minutes as Jamie Gullan gathered a ball over the top before producing a neat back heel to play in Josh McPake whose shot was saved by Harry Stone. Then 3 minutes later Fowler had the ball in the net after he got on the end of a Cheick Diabate delivery from the right however, the goal was ruled out for offside.
It was a good start by Saints however, on 10 minutes the Diamonds got a sight of goal as Chris Mochrie unleashed a low strike from distance which Toby Steward was equal to as he got down well to gather the ball.
Saints continued to press for the opener and on 15 minutes McPake whipped in a good delivery into the box from the left and Stone produced a brilliant save to touch the ball around the far post for a corner.
PHOTO: Josh McPake’s delivery is turned around the post for a corner by Harry Stone
Despite all the pressing from Saints the hosts got a great chance to take the lead on 20 minutes. Euan Henderson’s cross from the left picked out Cole McKinnon who was free in the centre of the box however, the midfielder fired his effort high over the bar.
However, the breakthrough came 2 minutes later as Saints took the lead. Gullan played a perfectly weighted pass over the Airdrieonians defence to play in Ruari Paton and the on-loan Port Vale forward then delicately lifted the ball over the advancing Stone and into the net for his first goal for the club.
With 9 minutes of the first half remaining a ball over the top was gathered by Henderson and he then picked out Mochrie on the edge of the area however, Morgan Boyes brilliantly charged down the shot from the midfielder. The loose ball then broke to Jamie Barjonas whose effort was straight at Steward who comfortably held the ball. Then shortly after Fowler was booked after catching Dylan MacDonald. Henderson took the resultant free kick but his strike from distance didn’t trouble Steward.
PHOTO: Ruari Paton scores to make it 1-0 to Saints
The opening exchanges of the second half was a rather cagey affair although on the hour mark Saints created an opening as Gullan played in McPake, but his shot was saved at the near post by Stone.
Saints then made their first change of the game as Alfredo Agyeman came on to replace Ruari Paton.
The Diamonds came close to an equaliser on 63 minutes as they hit Saints on the counter from a corner before substitute Lewis McGrattan curled a shot inches over.
PHOTO: The travelling Saints support
Airdrie continue to search for the equaliser and on 78 minutes Henderson raced clear down the left before picking out Mochrie in the middle, but Steward produced a tremendous save to turn the ball behind for corner. Steward was called into action again with 9 minutes remaining as the Saints number one produced another fine save, this time to deny McGrattan who tried to flick home a low cross from Robbie McMahon.
PHOTO: Jamie Gullan advances forward
Saints then made another change as Taylor Steven came on to replace Josh McPake as Saints changed their shape to address the space the hosts were getting out wide on the left.
Airdrieonians continued to apply the pressure to Saints in the closing stages and on 89 minutes Gavin Gallagher sliced his effort wide of the target. Then deep into the 4 minutes of added on time the midfielder got another chance to snatch a late leveller as he got on the end of a delivery into the box from the right however, Gallagher couldn’t turn the ball home as Saints saw the game out to secure a big 3 points on the road.
PHOTO: Simo Valakari celebrates with the supporters at full time
Airdrieonians: Stone, MacDonald (Constable 90+1’), Strapp, McMaster, Mochrie (Gallagher 77’), Henderson, McArthur, Ross, Barjonas (Mahon 78’), Telfer (Thomas 56’), McKinnon (McGrattan 55’)
Unused Substitutes: Melrose (GK), McGinty, Devine, Hastie
Booked: Strapp, McArthur
Saints: Steward, Diabate, Boyes, Holt, Fowler, Gullan, Baird, Paton (Agyeman 61’), McPake (Steven 86’), Forrester, McAlear
Unused Substitutes: Sinclair (GK), Tumilty, Svedberg, Stanton, Foulds, Fotheringham, Mallan
Booked: Fowler, McAlear, Agyeman
Scorer: Paton (22’)
Referee: Colin Steven
Attendance: 1,641
Match Report by Daryl Scott
Picture: Ruari Paton celebrates his goal
