St Johnstone 0 Hibernian 1

12 May 2002
Scottish Premier League
Attendance:

Scorers:
Hibernian: Townsley.

This is a copy of a report of the game as it appeared in the Scotsman on Monday 13 May 2002

Saints are forced to suffer to the bitter end

THE well-documented demise of St Johnstone’s Premier League adventure has been more merciless than merciful. If disillusioned and depressed, the boys in blue have been forced to endure a long drawn-out bludgeoning, confined to the drop as they were over a month ago.

This was their last stand in the top league, and relief would have swept over them at the final whistle that despite defeat, there would be no more pointless games.

"There’s no way we deserved to lose that game," claimed manager Billy Stark afterwards. "We made good chances in the second half, half a good penalty shout as well as one cleared off the line. I’m glad we’ve made opportunities today because we’ll need to do that next season in order to score the goals we’ll need for promotion."

Few would have scampered along to McDiarmid Park in anticipation of a dramatic encounter. Fourteen home league defeats would explain the embarrassingly record low attendances Saints have registered this term, creating a vicious circle as criticism rather than inspiration drifted towards those on the pitch desperate for support and confidence.

Predictably, Hibs boss Bobby Williamson felt his side merited the victory. "I felt we edged it over the piece. I’ve got to be pleased with the performance and the result. It was important to win because if we’d lost I’m sure people would have said we should be going down rather than St Johnstone. It’s not a meaningless game when those Hibs fans travel, spending money to watch their side."

The hosts, as usual, persevered with battling, aggressive, wholehearted application. Useless though it was, as it has been all season, what the home fans wouldn’t do for a player with enough spark or creativity to partially concern the visiting dug-out. Tommy Lovenkrands was not that person, having been a disappointment all season.

If only he was the twin of brother Ranger Peter he would undoubtedly get the transfer he must now crave. Most likely, though, he will be fortunate to maintain a burst in this struggling side as they fight for the First Division title. Over 90 minutes yesterday he was invisible.

Hibs did most of the pressing, the players no doubt desperate to impress manager Williamson before he takes his black marker pen to the existing pay sheet. One certain of security would be young Garry O’Connor, the 20-year-old striker with eight goals in eight games, an astonishing record for his age and experience. During the warm-up he happily signed autographs with the same energy he applies in the final third.

Hibs fans could do with another Franck Sauzee, though: a cultured creative defender able to inspire all around him. Paul Fenwick and Gary Smith were solid at the back but never ventured past the halfway line. Numerous Hibs strips with "Sauzee" imprinted on the back said plenty. A terrible period as manager forgiven, they wear them with pride. He probably deserved more time, but more than Kenny Miller, Didier Agathe or even John Collins, Sauzee was and is a Hibee.

Young Saint Kevin Cuthbert also stood out. In between the sticks for his seventh consecutive game, his confidence has grown considerably. Twice in the opening half he prevented the visitors from leading, with fine saves from Freddie Dacquin and Derek Townsley. The latter, though, would not be denied two minutes from the break, firing home after fine build-up work from young O’Connor.

After the restart the hosts produced considerably more fight, desperate, it seemed, to leave the SPL with a goal, points, anything positive at all. They had their chances. Paddy Connolly was denied by an outstanding tackle from Gary Smith as he was about to level.

Then Stuart McCluskey’s header was belted off the line before Keigan Parker was allowed two bites to grab a point but Tony Caig admirably blocked both, ensuring that losing feeling stayed with Saints to the end. It is a routine they will have to change next season in the First Division.

St Johnstone: Cuthbert, Dods, McCluskey, McCulloch, McClune, Murray (Ferry 70mins), Panther, Hartley, Lovenkrands (Fotheringham 79), Macdonald (Parker 57), Connolly. Subs not used: Devlin, Maher.

Hibernian: Caig, Alan Dempsie, Fenwick, Smith, Orman, Townsley, Wiss (Nicol 61), Jack, Daquin (Whittaker 79), Brewster (Reid 61), O’Connor. Subs not used: Colgan, Doumbe.

HOME