St Mirren secured a seeded Premier Sports Cup round of 16 tie with Livingston after a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle.
Joe Shaughnessy’s last-minute goal sealed Saints’ place in the seeded section, but they still landed a tricky tie away to fellow cinch Premiership club Livingston, who St Mirren were defeated by in last season’s League Cup semi-final. Jamie McGrath put the Paisley side ahead against Thistle from the penalty spot in the first half.
McGrath netted. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Jim Goodwin’s team finished top of Group H with maximum points after wins over Dunfermline Athletic, Stenhousemuir and Thistle. Their opening Premier Sports Cup group stage match with Dumbarton was cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the League One side. Saints were awarded a 3-0 win. Here are three things we learned.
Leaving it late
Had Shaughnessy not knocked in his goal with seconds remaining, St Mirren would have faced a potentially daunting trip to somewhere like Celtic or Rangers in the last 16. But it was a crucial contribution that increased St Mirren’s chances of a favorable draw – but Goodwin will know his team still face a stern test in West Lothian.
Little gulf
Thistle more than matched St Mirren throughout this tie. They had opportunities of their own and only conceded from the spot and as a result of Saints throwing 10 men forward in search of a vital goal. Ian McCall’s team may compete at the top end of the Championship this season.
Keeping calm
Another penalty, another McGrath goal. The Irishman is subject of interest from south of the border, with Wigan Athletic having one bid rejected for the St Mirren midfielder who netted 17 times last season. Seven of those were from the spot and he showed composure again to score from the spot once more.
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