St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin says his players deserve credit for what they have given up this Christmas – and it’s not gone unrewarded.
The Buddies faced a long trip up to Dingwall on Boxing Day and got a good result too, winning 2-0. Ross County were reduced to nine men before Marcus Fraser and Kristian Dennis goals earned the Saints three points.
Goodwin’s men got the win. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
After giving up Christmas traditions to prepare for this game, Goodwin hailed his men, Jak Alnwick in particular for his display in goals: “The result was the most important thing, especially after the defeat midweek to Hibs.
“Given the run we’ve been on, it was important we didn’t lose. We’re delighted to win – it was a really difficult game. In the opening 15 minutes Ross County had us pegged back in. The conditions weren’t ideal and we just couldn’t seem to get out.
“If it wasn’t for a fantastic double save by Jak Alnwick, we would have fallen behind – and deservedly so if I’m honest. We weathered that storm and I felt we grew into the game.
A professional job. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“There wasn’t a lot between the teams at 11 v 11 but once young Josh Reid gets sent off that changes the whole game in our favour. The preparations for this game weren’t ideal, it was a difficult afternoon.
“We had pre-match cancelled at the last minute so the boys have had to have a packed lunch on the bus which isn’t professional. But we asked them not to use that as an excuse, not to talk about the heavy pitch or the rain.
“We asked them to show what good characters they are and they are a good bunch. We will play better but at this time of the year, not that we are looking for sympathy, but professional footballers make huge sacrifices.
Hailing his St Mirren men. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“Other people are enjoying their Christmas dinner and a couple of beers but we asked our boys to be professional. They did that and now we head back down the road with three points.”
NTOF now offers a YouTube channel featuring exclusive interviews, post-match discussion, in-depth debate, and much more – LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and don’t miss any of our videos.