SHEERIN REFLECTS ON SPECIAL GOAL

Paul Sheerin has admitted that Saturday’s goal against Dundee is up there with the best of his career.

The veteran midfielder turned a couple of times at the edge of the box before curling a great shot into the top corner to edge Saints ahead on Saturday and at lunchtime today he said “It is certainly among the best of my career. Two others spring to mind – a goal for Inverness against Ayr United and then one for Ayr against Partick Thistle but Saturday’s goal would be up with them in my top three career goals. I just tried to create a bit of space for myself before getting the shot in and it worked well. It was great to be able to run towards the East Stand because I know how much beating Dundee means to the fans.”

Having had time to reflect on the game, Derek McInnes said this morning “I said before the match that it was three points available but there is no doubt that a win in a derby game gives a feel-good factor amongst players and supporters.

“We didn’t threaten as much as I would have liked in the first half but we worked hard and the basis was there for someone to win it for us after the break and that is exactly what happened and the second half display was very pleasing. The work ethic and attitude are there now and some individuals are playing better while others are getting fitter.”

The attention has already turned to the next match – another home game this Saturday when Airdrie United are the visitors.

Del continued “There is no point in beating Dundee if we don’t beat Airdrie. I’ve asked the players to recognise that what has been achieved in the last three weeks has been done not by silky soccer but by hard work. The hard work must always be the first requirement – if you get that then we can try and add attractive, entertaining football to that.”

Kevin Rutkiewicz left the stadium on crutches on Saturday having aggravated an ankle strain picked up in training on Thursday but hopes are high that he will be fit for the visit of Airdrie United.

The second Reserve League Cup match of the season is played tomorrow afternoon when Saints meet Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park and McInnes will give Saturday’s substitutes and others not involved against Dundee a game under their belts.

Saints Under 17s beat Queen’s Park 3-1 yesterday with goals from Steven Reynolds (2) and Dean Elder. The Under16s match was off and the Under 14s enjoyed a comfortably win against Queen of the South in Dumfries.

Elsewhere, the Scotland Ladies side demolished Slovakia 6-0 at McDiarmid Park yesterday to reach the play-offs for a place at the 2009 UEFA Women’s Championship. The girls will find out on Thursday who they will meet in the two-legged play-off.

Former Saints captain Jim Weir has parted company with Montrose where he has been the manager for the past 20 months.