The under-19s started their Club Academy Scotland Performance/Advanced Youth league campaign with a 4-1 win against Alloa Athletic on Monday evening.
Striker Louis Lloyd, who was picking up minutes on his return from injury, was on the scoresheet in the first half before Dougal McAdam and Luka Garden (2) wrapped up the victory after the break.
Saints had the best chance of the opening exchanges when McAdam showed off his pace down the left flank and cut-back for the late run of Jack Robertson.
Robertson’s side-footed effort from 12 yards edged the wrong side of the post.
Goalkeeper Kyle Thomson was soon called into action and impressively saved an Alloa penalty to keep the score at nothing each.
Lloyd twice went close to opening the scoring, first with a glancing header from captain Arran Brookfield’s delivery and then with a powerful strike that was pushed behind for a corner.
Alloa, however, would take the lead just shy of the half hour mark when their attacker lofted a neat finish high into the far corner of the net from the edge of the box.
Saints responded on the stroke of half-time and it was Lloyd who reacted quickest to head into the back of the net after Robertson’s fierce drive had cannoned down off the underside of the crossbar.
Lloyd was always planned to just play the opening half and he was replaced by Garden for the beginning of the second half.
There was a chance to move into the lead in the 49th minute when McAdam was fouled in the box. He picked himself up but saw his effort from 12 yards saved.
McAdam was not denied moments later, though. Arran Clark produced a terrific run and pass to send McAdam racing into the box – and he made no mistake with a powerful left-footed finish, which beat the goalkeeper at the near post.
Instantly, Saints had further breathing space when Garden broke clear and produced a composed finish for number three.
Further changes were made as the half progressed and the Perth youngsters continued to push for more.
Clark Russell’s back-post header was cleared off the line, substitute Kai Hughes smashed the crossbar and Brookfield nodded into the back of the net, only for the flag to be up for offside.
The victory was rounded off in the 90th minute when Garden pounced in the box to net our fourth from close range.
Subs: Thomson (Trialist 61), Brookfield, Voy, Robertson, Clark, Russell, McCormack (Crawford 70), Shaeb (Gallagher 61), McAdam, Lloyd (Garden 45), Trialist (Hughes 70). Subs: Brown, Young, Gray.
