The under-19s put in a superb performance on Tuesday night to defeat Queen’s Park 3-1 at the Community Arena.
Despite falling behind early doors, the young team battled back to victory with goals from Trialist, Darryl McMutrie and a wonderful Arran Brookfield free-kick.
It was a special set-piece worthy of winning any game of football.
It had not been the start Saints were after when, with just two minutes on the clock, Queen’s Park forward Osayande Eguagie was sent through on goal.
Goalkeeper Connor Douglas got a hand on the powerful strike, but not quite enough to keep it from dropping into the back of the net.
Saints, however, hit back immediately and were level thanks to a lovely move at the edge of the box which resulted in Trialist sending a fantastic, guided right-footed finish into the top corner.
The young Perth side continued to apply pressure, although were also required to be strong and alert at the back against a visiting outfit keen to get the ball down quickly and play.
Our second of the evening arrived in less spectacular fashion around the 15 minute mark, but through determined work from McMutrie.
Dougal McAdam’s corner was sent looping into the air by a clearing header and McMutrie rose above all to nod between a sea of players and beyond the stretching goalkeeper.
Queen’s Park worked themselves into a few promising positions as the half wore on, but Douglas’ handling was comfortable and the rearguard’s defensive work solid. Clark Russell and Noah Harrington were dove-tailing nicely in the heart of the defence.
There were half-chances for Saints to build on their advantage, too. Kai Hughes turned wide at the near post from an Ethan Martin cross, while skipper Brookfield sent a shot the wrong side of the mark.
Into the second half and opportunities continued to fall at both ends. McMutrie forced a solid save out of the ‘keeper after good pressure towards the edge of the box then, after the hour mark, McAdam cut inside and curled wide.
Queen’s Park maintained their threat and Douglas was down superbly in the 67th minute to touch low drive around his post. Shortly after, the Glasgow visitors flashed a delivery across the six-yard box but there were no takers.
Saints had put an enormous amount of effort into the game, with substitutes Adam Shaeb, Danny Gray and Luka Garden continuing the hard work as the contest reached its latter stages.
And it was Brookfield who wrapped up the three points with a stunning 78th minute free-kick, which flew over the wall and into the back of the net.
Saints: Douglas, Brookfield, Harrington (Shaeb 63), Russell, Martin, Quinn, Trialist (Gray 63), Gallagher, McAdam, McMutrie, Hughes (Garden 81). Subs: not used: Gay, Young, Brown.
