Super Saints sink Staggies

Saints all but secured the title today, knowing that two points will be enough from the remaining three league games against Dundee, Stranraer and St Johnstone.

It was goals from Keano and Sutton respectively that secured the vital win, in what can only be described as a brilliant saint's performance, with several players standing out. This includes Bullock, McGowne, Adam, Reid and Potter who were all in exceptional form.

A large travelling support ensured that St Mirren would be up for this game, and it was great to see the crowd back the team for the 90 minutes. The game never started to plan with Kirk Broadfoot picking up an injury, in what looks like a possible twisted ankle but this will need to be confirmed. Reid replaced Broadfoot and stayed back in defence as St Mirren surged forwards and moments later, it looked as if Gus would need to make further changes with Keano taking a knock, although as luck would have it, he managed to play on.

St Mirren and Ross County both continued to make chances, with Adam coming close after only seven minutes. It was County's McCulloch who gifted Lappin the ball after fifteen minutes, who made no trouble of finding Keano – who was clearly ecstatic with his goal, and so were the support. Keano has come under some criticism by some for not scoring enough goals, no-one has ever questioned his work-rate though and today he certainly reaped the reward and this will go a long way in boosting his confidence.

Keano was involved in the next St Mirren attack, but hit the bar after an Adam cross had leaked through the County defence. Tony Bullock continued to play well and produced a few excellent saves, including an excellent chance from Cowie but the chance was eventually cleared by the St Mirren defence.

Adam came close with a free kick but it was deflected away and 1-0 at half time was looking a likely result, although Cowie had other ideas. Clean through on Bullock it look a certainty for the equaliser, but Bullock produced another magnificent save to keep the saints ahead, at half time.

No changes were made by St Mirren at half-time, although we saw County keeper McCaldon make way for rookie, Joe Malin. From the outset St Mirren pursued the County goal and Kean nearly doubled his tally after Lappin and McGowne combined, although young Malin managed to put a hand to the ball, and with no-one to slot in the rebound, the ball was cleared to safety.

St Mirren's perseverance was to pay dividends though after sixty-three minutes. Charlie Adam won the ball and managed to find Sutton, who headed home. If the St Mirren fans had gone wild when Keano scored, it was scenes of jubilation over half of the stadium, with the black and white army going wild.

I think the belief and realisation has sunk in, and it doesn't matter about St Johnstone, the title is in our hands. Next Saturday shall be our day of destiny and let's hope as many Saints fans as possible make the game. A win will guarantee our SPL status for next season. My advice is stay in all week and save your pennies for next weekend, as their is going to be a part-y!

I would give Kevin McGowne the man of the match award today. I felt he was excellent in both his defensive role and going forward, and you could hardly fault him over the 90 minutes!