Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

A battling City side fell to a late Dale Hilson winner at the Paisley 2021 Stadium this afternoon as the Saints moved to the top of the league.

It was a familiar tale with both City players and supporters firmly believing that their side were worthy of at least a share of the spoils in Paisley after a positive performance against a St Mirren outfit boasting an impressive home record, winning their last 7 games on home soil.

Manager Darren Dods made just one change from the side that lost to Dunfermline Athletic at Glebe Park last weekend. Chris O’Neil, who picked up a knock in that game, made way for Euan Spark who lined up on the right hand side of defence.

The first real chance of the game fell to the home side after 10 minutes. Ex City loanee Jordan Kirkpatrick had a low shot from the edge of the box deflected wide for a corner.

The Saints were almost ahead just a few minutes later. Skipper Stephen McGinn received a cross from Lewis Smith before laying the ball off for Lewis Morgan on the edge of the box, his shot was deflected into the path of Cammy Smith but Graeme Smith was down well to save his low effort.

They were not to be denied however as they broke the deadlock on 14 minutes. A long ball over the top from Stephen McGinn wasn’t dealt with by the City rearguard and CAMMY SMITH latched onto the ball, closed in on goal before rolling the ball past the on-rushing Smith and into the net.

Many expected the goal to settle the home side but it was City who started to grow into the game. Connor McLennan had an ambitious effort from the edge of box which flew high and wide but the same player came closer just a minute later – a corner from Jordan Sinclair was headed clear only as far as the on-loan Aberdeen frontman, but his effort went just over.

With 7 minutes of the first half remaining, City bagged themselves a deserved equaliser. Jordan Sinclair delivered a deep cross into the box which was met by ex-Saint KALVIN ORSI who made no mistake, stooping to power a header past Craig Samson at the back post.

The home side sparked into the life following the equaliser and almost went back in front immediately. Full back Stelios Demetriou made a good run down the left and supplied a pass for Lewis Morgan whose shot was deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Jack Baird climbed highest but could only guide his header over the bar.

The opening period of the second half was fairly uneventful with only a couple of half chances for both sides. After 55 minutes Liam Smith headed over from a corner whilst at the other end, Sean Crighton headed down a corner for Connor McLennan, but his shot was deflected into the grateful arms of Samson.

City were evidently growing in confidence as the half wore on and looked the most likely to grab a goal. Substitute Ally Love had a couple of efforts wide of the goal whilst the impressive McLennan was unlucky to see his effort blocked after some superb footwork in the box.

Graeme Smith was called into action for the first time in the second half after 79 minutes. Highly rated winger Lewis Morgan – celebrating his 21st birthday – received a loose ball on the left side side of the box and his powerful drive was palmed away by ‘Buzz’for a corner.

Just as it was beginning to look as if City were closing in on a deserved point, St Mirren grabbed the winner nine minutes from time and interestingly it was made by all three substitutes. Ross Stewart raced to the touchline before supplying a cross which was flicked on by John Sutton into the path of DALE HILSON who fired home from close range.

There is no league action next weekend due to the international break. Next up for City is Morton at Glebe Park in a fortnights time.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dunfermline Athletic 1 Dundee United 3

An excellent win at East End for the Tangerines.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0 Queen of the South 0

Stalemate in Inverness.

Livingston 2 Dumbarton 1

Livi continue their fine start to the season.

Morton 0 Falkirk 1

Falkirk get their first win of the season at Cappielow.