Mark McGhee has already delivered several post match briefings when he lamented the loss of a goal from a set piece. The reporters will be familiar with his views that we need a couple of big defenders and it seems that the same theme will be replayed after today's draw with St Mirren.
Kick off
We returned to the familiar 4-3-3 formation and Porter was called back as Fitzpatrick made way. Within minutes we had settled into our passing game and we had the opposition punned back for long spells. We had corners, free kicks and a few half chances before Porter open the scoring just before the half hour.
O'Donnell collected the ball from a throw-in and charged into the left side of the box with the help of a one-two. His near post cross was met by Porter and we were deservedly ahead. We continued to dominate the game and the fourth official signalled that there would be one additional minute. Saints won a corner and Burke sent it deep. Mehmet was able to control it from beyond the six yard box and his header was met by the head of Keane. Within seconds he referee blew for the end of the half.
First half attack
Saints took heart from the goal and they appeared at the restart determined to take the game to us. The result was that both teams determined to battle for the winner. The game moved from end to end and there were chances at either goal.
Clarkson had a good shot and later a marvellous header both on target and the Saints' keeper pulled off two great one-handed saves. At the other end we were relieved to see a near post effort by Mehmet thunder off the underside of the bar and bounce to safety.
McCormack beavered away and he produced a few shots but not on target. Lasley was replaced by Fitzpatrick with twenty minutes remaining and Darren Smith came on for Clarkson for the last few minutes. Smith provided McCormack with our last chance but, again, he was off target.
We should have had the game sewn up in the first half and we paid the price (again) for our inability to defend corner kicks. A draw was probably a fair result.