It was not pretty but we did enough to get the point needed to keep us up and send them down. We now have four games for Eric and Co to refine their plans for next season.
It was a very strange looking starting eleven that lined up under the bright spring sunshine.
DuBordeau started his second game and the fans saw the first team debut of Franck Bernhard. The tall, blonde defender (wearing the number fifty shirt) occupied the right side of the back three. There were also starting places for Adams, Martinez, and Ferrere.
The alterations, forced on us by injuries, contributed to the poor first half performance which saw us one down at half time.
The early highlight for the home support was provided by a rocket of a free kick from Ferrere. Faddy was fouled and the wee Frenchman (one of four wearing Claret and Amber) fired at the left corner and almost scored. The keeper parried and the ball hit the post.
But in twenty minutes the debutant passed to a blue shirt and within ten seconds Hartley had scored. Indeed, we could have gone two down when DuBordeau was beaten by a lob and the crowd in the Cooper Stand heaved a collective sigh of relief as the ball bounced off of the bar.
The team talk at the break and the tactical alterations made a difference. Ready came on for Martinez and Deloumeaux moved into midfield. McFadden and Ferrere swapped positions.
There was an immediate difference. The attitude and workrate of the players improved and we started to control the game.
Attempts on goal started to come thick and fast - Bernhard sent one wide (as did Killer Ready from a half volley), Ferrere (the MOM) had another rocket touched wide and McFadden ran along the eighteen yard line before shooting.
With twenty minutes to go Eric Deloumeaux managed a shot which was deflected to the post. Elliott reacted first and was presented with an easy tap in. He will miss playing St Johnstone next season as he keeps scoring against them!
The Saints made a few substitutions and tried to regain the lead but the game petered out honours even.
After the match Eric Black agreed that the first half was poor but that we improved in the second half.
Farewell St Johnstone.
Team:
DuBordeau
Bernhard Deloumeaux Strong
Corrigan McFadden Adams Martinez(S45 Ready ) Hammell
Ferrere (S90 Nicholas) Elliott
Subs :Woods Ready Cosgrove Fagan
Referee K Clark
'Well 1 St Johnstone 1 Att 3,418
06 April 2002