By Ben McNicol
St Mirren progressed to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup after winning an all-Premiership affair against Hamilton 3-0.
The two sides recently met in the last game prior to the post-split fixtures where a late Kyle Munro header saw the Buddies devastatingly miss out on an historic top-six finish. Jim Goodwin’s team made a very bright start to make amends and took the lead after just four minutes on the clock when Jamie McGrath lobbed Ryan Fulton at an angle.
McGrath netted. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
It should have been 2-0 after 20 minutes when a wonderful defence-splitting pass from Ethan Erhahon found Jon Obika inside the box but Fulton made a fine block to deny the forward. Up the other end, Hamilton put together their first attacking move of the afternoon, which resulted in Jak Alnwick tipping over a Lee Hodson drive from range.
Hamilton started the better of the two sides as the second-half got underway and they should’ve been level shortly after the break. Bruce Anderson released Ross Callachan down the right-hand side and his inch-perfect cross towards the back-post was headed over by David Moyo from six yards out.
Following a quiet period in the match, St Mirren doubled their advantage through substitute Kristian Dennis. who tremendously curled into the top corner from 25-yards out. Initially thought to be out for the season after a torn achilles, the substitute was inspiring for Goodwin’s side and his introduction spurred them on to victory.
Dennis was excellent for St Mirren v Hamilton. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It was 3-0 shortly after as the Buddies were awarded a penalty when Fulton brought down Obika inside the box. McGrath stepped up, kept his cool, and slotted home from 12-yards. Here are three things we learned as the Buddies banked a Scottish Cup last 16 spot.
St Mirren progress
The Buddies deservedly book their place in the fourth round draw after a good performance against Hamilton. The Paisley side will be looking to a similar cup run to the one they recently had in the League Cup, which saw them make the semi-finals at the national stadium.
League focus for Hamilton
Hamilton’s focus will now turn to securing another season of Scottish Premiership football as the final five season-defining games begin next weekend when they face Dundee United at home.
League duty calls. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Henderson debut
There was a debut for St Mirren academy graduate Jay Henderson as he came on to replace Ilkay Durmus with five minutes remaining. The Buddies have been recognised for giving some younger players a chance recently, with the likes of 16-year-old Dylan Reid catching the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
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