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A touch over the top

We thoroughly deserved to win as we were the better team and tried to let St Johnstone play football, but that was neither appreciated nor reciprocated. In truth we should have scored more and been out of sight by half time but we still lack that killer touch in front of goal. We were also a bit unlucky. Credit to SK & SF though. They almost lost us the game but in the event they won it for us. Against the backgrouind of a huge injury list and new players bedding in, I don't think the starting line up is right. Defence wise I thought our 3 central men had an excellent game, such a change from last season. That was crucial in achieving a win today. Up front, Robinson is not a lone striker, despite some deft touches. A lack of support from midfield and the close attention of a hulking 6-4 centre back made life difficult for him. Tony Watt also is never a lone striker. I was disappointed in midfield and we lack an attacking midfielder. Lennon Miller was played too far forward and his normal game was therefore constrained and to be fair Saints do have some combative and abrasive midfielders. Still his contribution from set pieces really is proving an asset and shone through today. Craig Levein will be sticking pins in his effigy this evening (only joking as he's genuinely a hell of a nice chap). I thought Halliday and Davor struggled a bit to compete and weren't really effective defensively at all. That said, Saints do have a very competitive and combative engine room, although lacking in creativity. I felt sorry for both wing backs. Young Wilson made some telling interventions but I thought he and SOD were left out to dry a bit by our formation as Saints caused us a few problems down the flanks. On the plus side, Manwanhise looked quick and lively and we should have brought him into the game more quickly. Jack Vale too added some much need pace, when he entered the fray. We did ok for most of the first half but took our foot off the gas a bit latterly and inexplicably. Overly cautious instructions from the technical area. For 10 minutes before they equalised, Saints began to dominate the game in midfield as we goaded them into attacking us and invited them onto us. Levein then made some inspired changes and not surprisingly they scored. We then wobbled. However, late on SK made some equally telling changes that proved instrumental in setting up a great late finish. Saints still managed to rain down 3 decent attempts on goal and the Ox wasn't best pleased with those in front of him, as they left him exposed. Then came the great finish. A series of attacks and vicious corners from Lennon Miller had Saints on the ropes and Ross Sinclair did well. Then up popped Moses to strike the killer blow and instigate scenes in the stand. Ye cannae beat a late winner! A lively crowd responded and the players appreciated that. The team showed great durability and character to win today and thats all I ask.

I really dont know what this team and manager need to do to please some folk. We were far from perfect today, but we dominated the game for 60 minutes, shoulda been outta sight before Levein spun the wheel with his subs, scored and goal and gave us a nervous 10 - 15 minutes. After that we dug in, got ourselves back in the game and deservedly scored the winner. For all our faults (and the managers) this team has something. Previous Motherwell teams would have found a way to lose that game. This one found a way to win it. If you cant be happy with that you need to find a different hobby. Given our injury list and fixture schedule, I would have bitten your hand off for 7 points at this stage. We now have a couple of weeks to rest and recuperate. Hopefully one or two will be closer to a return and the manager can get some fitness into the legs of those that need it (looking at you Tony!) Overall, it was a pretty decent day out.

Loved today. Went with my 12 year old son and 13 year old son. 13 year old was not that into football but that last 5 mins got him hooked. From the injustice of the denied penalty. The way well played. The last minute goal. He even didn't criticise lack of hotdogs in cafe. Thank you mangers and players. Loved end applause to fans. Great day out. Even dropped mother in law and wife off for a day in Perth.

Turn the volume up 🤣 https://x.com/camer0n_mcd/status/1830170046586360042

I'm still unconvinced about some of Casey's defending, but he was definitely a top performer yesterday and put the fear into St Johnstone's defence every time he came up the park for a free kick or corner.

A rolling contract makes sense. Means no one can come poach SK or Frail without paying us a fee, and if we need to get rid, its never more than 12 months to pay up. Gives us stability and is a good message to send out to this squad, who all clearly buy into what SK is preaching. I also read that its something Brian Caldwell has done at previous clubs, so maybe just the CEO taking care of business......

The 'Union' Bears aren't political? Gie me peace