Alan Stubbs gives his thoughts as he picks up his first win as St Mirren manager with an emphatic 6-0 win over Dumbarton that sees Saints qualify for the next round of the Betfred Cup.
A second half goal spree saw Saints through to the next phase of the Betfred Cup as they thumped Dumbarton.
The scoring started after less than 60 seconds as Hayden Coulson shot past Grant Adam with Cammy Smith nodding in the second 10 minutes before the break. When Ross Stewart headed in the third just after half-time it was game over but a further three goals followed to ensure the Buddies finished as one of the best second placed teams.
Skipper Stephen McGinn scored a spectacular fourth with a fantastic shot from 25 yards and late on Jim Kellerman came off the bench to force home his first goal for the club. Moments later Smith rounded things off with a sensational strike from 35 yards to cap a tremendous afternoon for Alan Stubbs' side.
The Buddies have struggled in front of goal in their League Cup campaign but you wouldn't have known it as they took the lead inside the first minute. Stephen McGinn released Coulson down the left and the fullback charged into the box before smashing past Adam for his first senior goal. Having made such an early breakthrough, Saints were keen to extend their advantage quickly as Adam saved Smith's long range effort before Willie Dyer hacked the ball off the line as Danny Mullen tried to divert a Josh Maggenis corner home.
New boy Matty Willock gave a glimpse of what he is capable of as he beat one man before he surged forward and attempted to chip Adam, who plucked the ball out of the air. The Sons keeper was in action again moments later as he denied Smith, the visitors then being forced into a change as they lost Ross Perry to injury, Andy Little taking his place.
The stoppage seemed to disrupt Saints' flow a little bit and it took them a wee while to get it back, a Magennis drive flashing past Adam's far post. Coulson went even closer to getting Saints' second soon after, exchanging passes with Smith as he burst forward again before rattling a shot off the post. The lead was finally doubled 10 minutes before the break, Mullen finding Paul McGinn down the right and his tremendous cross was head in by Smith.
Any doubts that Saints were heading for their first win of the season were wiped out early in second half as a cross from the byline was deflected up in the air and Stewart outjumped everyone to head past Adam. It could have been four soon after, Willock going on another run only to drag his shot wide of the far post before Mullen curled an effort wide.
It was merely delaying the inevitable and when the fourth arrived it was a screamer. Coulson found McGinn around 25 yards out and the skipper composed himself before launching a shot that flew into the top corner despite Adam getting something on it. There was little to get excited about after that, Saints having plenty of the ball but creating nothing of note with Craig Samson a virtual spectator at the other end.
Late on there were two more things to cheer. First Jim Kellermann, who had replaced Magennis, bagged his first Saints goal when he scrambled the ball home from a corner. A couple of minutes later Smith got his second and the Buddies' sixth as the ball broke to him midway inside the Dumbarton half and he sent it sailing over Adam's head from 35 yards to finish the scoring in spectacular style.
The two late goals meant Saints had secured one of the last 16 spots on offer to the best performing second placed sides – the first time the Buddies have made it that far since the group stage was introduced in 2016.
Full Time: St Mirren 6-0 Dumbarton
St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Kpekawa, Baird, Coulson, S.McGinn, Magennis (Kellermann 62), Willock (Flynn 56) Smith, Stewart, Mullen (King 70)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Heaton, Erhahon, King, Cooke
Dumbarton: Adam, Dyer, Dowie, Perry (Little 15), C.Barr, Carswell (Russell 75), Hutton, Forbes, Barr, Paton, Loy (Gallagher 68)
Subs Not Used: McGowan, Ballantyne
Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: Ralph Gordon
Assistant Referee: Ivan Stankovic
Attendance: 1,610
Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography.
St Mirren take on Dumbarton in the final match of Group H in the Betfred Cup this afternoon.
Both sides are looking to keep their qualification hopes alive and only a win will do that for either side.
PERMUTATIONS
The Buddies are currently unbeaten in the group having drawn with Kilmarnock, Spartans and Queen's Park. Three penalty shoot-out wins in these matches has given Saints a total of six points heading in to today's match with the Sons. A win would see St Mirren finish on nine points which could be enough for Alan Stubbs' side to qualify.
Saints could top the group if we beat Dumbarton and Kilmarnock lose to Queen's Park at Rugby Park or draw and fail to pick up the bonus point.
However, if Kilmarnock win it will take a big effort for Saints to finish as one of the four best runners up and there are a number of different permutations that could see the Buddies qualify.
Nine points would be enough for Saints to go through IF Motherwell and Hearts lose their matches to Clyde and Inverness respectively. Saints could, however, still qualify if Motherwell and Hearts were to win. For that to happen Airdrieonians and Dundee would need to lose to Hamilton and Brechin City respectively.
Dumbarton will be looking for three points that could also see them qualify. A win for Sons and defeat for Kilmarnock would see them top Group H and qualify for the last 16. The chances of Dumbarton qualifying as runners-up should they beat Saints and Killie top the group would be slim at best.
PREVIOUS
There were drastically different fortunes for both of today's sides last season. Both were in the Championship with the Buddies ending as the season as champions and Dumbarton relegated to League One through the play-offs.
In our four meetings with Dumbarton last season, Saints came out on top in three of them winning 2-0 twice at the Your Radio 103FM stadium and defeating Sons 5-0 at the Simple Digital Arena in March.
Dumbarton were one of only two sides to beat Saints in league action at Paisley last season when Tom Walsh's 80th minute strike gave Stevie Aitken's side a 1-0 win in December.
FAMILIAR FACES
Saints could come up against a number of former players this afternoon with no fewer than four ex-Buddies in the Sons squad.
Stuart Carswell, Kyle Hutton and Calum Gallagher have all spent the last year or so with Dumbarton, while Rory Loy joined up with Aitken's men in the summer.
All four have spent varying periods of time, along with varying success, at Saints over the last three years.
SQUAD NEWS
The Buddies are still without Jordan Kirkpatrick, Gary MacKenzie and Adam Eckersley due to injury. New signing Matty Willock could feature if international clearance is received.
Kyle Magennis made his return to the first team as a second half substitute in Tuesday's draw with Queen's Park at Hampden. The midfielder could make his first start of the season this afternoon.
ENTRY INFO
Tickets for today's match will be on-sale right until kick-off priced at just £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.
The Main Stand and West Stand will be open to St Mirren fans for this match with the Dumbarton fans getting access to sections M8 and M9 in the Main Stand.
If you are thinking about coming to The Simple Digital Arena for the first time on Saturday please click HERE for all the info you will need to make sure your match day experience runs as smoothly as possible.
St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce that Matty Willock has joined St Mirren on a season-long loan from Manchester United subject to international clearance.
The 21 year-old midfielder has experience of SPFL Premiership football having spent the second half of last season on loan at St Johnstone.
He now joins Alan Stubbs' side ahead of our Premiership campaign kicking off next week.
Speaking on the move, Matty told stmirren.com: "I'm really delighted. I spoke to the gaffer and he really sold me on the way he wants the team to progress this season.
"I know what I am coming into. I know the tempo of the game is really quick so hopefully my experience last season stands me in good stead.
"I'm a midfielder, I work hard, I try and drive forward with the ball and will hopefully chip in with some goals and assists."
Manager, Alan Stubbs, said: "He certainly brings a physicality to the midfield. Most importantly, he brings competition for places.
"He is a big lad, six foot one or two, powerful, aggressive, he will get around the pitch.
"He is a threat in terms of scoring, which is what I want to add to the midfield area, and he certainly gives us a lot of options in there."
Our match day programme, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, will be available from the Club Shop ahead of Saturday’s game.
This issue, for the BetFred Cup, Group H fixture against Dumbarton, is a 24 pager with a £2 cover price.
This latest edition includes the following:
Front Cover – Ryan Flynn.
The Boss - St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs looks ahead to the match against The Sons and delivers his pre-match message for the fans.
Last Time Out – A gallery of pictures from the recent BetFred Cup match against Spartans.
The Opposition – Brian Corry runs the rule over Stephen Aitken's Dumbarton side.
Paisley Panda's Fun Corner – Some puzzles to keep the youngsters entertained during the half-time break.
Street Stuff - A look at the ever-popular summer programme of community events.
Action Shot & Q&A (Centre Pages) – Forward Cammy Smith. Cammy also shoots back answers for our quick-fire questionnaire.
St Mirren Greats – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of Cammy Murray.
Football, Bloody Hell – Alan Gallacher asks why some Scotland fans didn't want to see England fare well in the World Cup.
Kit Sponsors 2018/19 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2018/19 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures and results for this season.
Team Lines – The two squads and match officials for Saturday’s match.
To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2018/19 season click HERE.
If you live outside the UK & Ireland, St Mirren TV is your way to watch Paisley’s Premiership club live in action each and every home match day.
This service, which is delivered by media students from the University of the West of Scotland, will cover all of St Mirren’s home games.
As usual the St Mirren TV team will be presenting all the action from The Simple Digital Arena when League One side Dumbarton are the visitors for Saturday afternoon's BetFred Cup, Group H fixture.
If you want to tune in here is the info you will need:
St Mirren vs Dumbarton
BetFred Cup, Group H
Venue: The Simple Digital Arena, Paisley
Date: Saturday 28th July 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm BST
To access this match day service:
1 Day Pass – €6.99 EUR
Season Pass – €69.99 EUR
To view Terms & Conditions and get started with St Mirren TV please click HERE.
For technical support with St Mirren TV please e-mail tvsupport@stmirren.com
St Mirren vs Dumbarton
BetFred Cup, Group H
Venue: The Simple Digital Arena, Paisley
Date: Saturday 28th July 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm
The match day officials for the BetFred Cup Group H match are as follows:
Referee: Euan Anderson.
Assistant Referee: Ralph Gordon.
Assistant Referee: Ivan Stankovic.
If you are thinking about coming to The Simple Digital Arena for the first time on Saturday please click HERE for all the info you will need to make sure your match day experience runs as smoothly as possible.
Match Details
The game kicks-off at 3:00pm.
Season Tickets ARE NOT valid for this game.
Match is all ticket – tickets will be on sale (subject to availability) UNTIL KICK OFF.
On the match day St Mirren fans can purchase their tickets (subject to availability) at the St Mirren Ticket Office from 10:00am to kick-off time (3:00pm).
The Dumbarton fans can purchase their tickets (subject to availability) from the window at the away end of the ground (North Stand) from 1:30pm to kick-off time (3:00pm).
Tickets can also be purchased from the Online Ticket Shop.
The St Mirren Ticket Office (Main Stand) opening hours in the build up to this match are as follows:
Fri, 27th Jul: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Sat, 28th Jul: 10:00am to 3:00pm (kick-off)
Ticket Prices
Adult - £12
Concessions - £6
The Main Stand and West Stand will be open to St Mirren fans for this match with the Dumbarton fans getting access to sections M8 and M9 in the Main Stand.
Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130.
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com.
Matchday Club Policies (click links for more info)
At the SMiSA Stadium we have an electronic ticketing system in place at the turnstiles.
The process of using the system is fairly straight-forward and easy to use:
The whole process will only take a few seconds.
Please note that there will be stewards in attendance to help where required.
The Club has been made aware of problems occasioned by inconsiderate parking in the area of Tannahill Road.
Seemingly supporters are parking despite the presence of double yellow lines and as a consequence local bus routes are also being blocked because streets in this area are narrow and fans are parking on both sides. People, many of whom are elderly, are having to walk from Greenhill Road to their homes because buses can’t get access.
Residents who have cars parked in driveways are experiencing similar difficulties getting their vehicles in and out. On being approached by local residents some supporters have been somewhat aggressive which could lead to confrontation.
St Mirren Football Club strives to be a good neighbour and we would ask that ALL supporters attending the stadium not only park in accordance with local parking restrictions but also give consideration to the needs of local residents by parking sensibly so as not to occasion an unnecessary obstruction.
We are also aware of problems with patrons parking at the front of the Main Stand to pick up disabled supporters at the end of the game. This area is a 'no parking' zone on match days (with cones on the road) and has to be kept clear for emergency access. It is an inappropriate location for disabled spectator uplifts, as not only does it cause an obstruction on the road, it also causes a danger to pedestrians leaving the stadium.
Please note that the designated pick-up/drop off points are either in Drums Avenue or the two lay-byes on Ferguslie Park Avenue.
BY ROAD
Follow signs for Paisley & Glasgow Airport. Exit the M8 at Junction 29 (St James’ Interchange) which is just after Glasgow Airport turn off if travelling east to west. Be careful not to exit on to the A737 which is signposted for Irvine. It is best to stay in the middle lane when passing the Airport as this leads naturally to the St James’ Interchange exit.
At the interchange take the first left onto a dual carriageway with some football parks on the left hand side. Follow this road and after a sharp right hand bend you should now be in Greenock Road. Then take your first right on to Clark Street and drive to the end of the street which is the junction with Greenhill Road, turn left and you will see the stadium on the opposite side of the road.
BY RAIL
Get train from Paisley Gilmour Street to Paisley St James – exit from the station is straight onto Greenhill Road where the stadium is facing you. To plan your journey by rail with Scotrail please click HERE.
BY BUS
Most buses will stop at Paisley Cross or Mill Street, from both you will see the Paisley Town Hall. From the Town Hall cross the High Street towards the Piazza Shopping Centre, when acoss walk towards the town centre until you come to Gilmour Street. Turn right on to Gilmour Street and walk towards the railway station which is about 150 yards away. From there you can get train to Paisley St James or if you prefer to walk the following routes are advised by the police:
Home fans: cross road to the left on to St James Street – follow through up Underwood Road then turn right at Greenhill Road where stadium is 200 yards further along the road. Access to the Main Stand is from Greenhill Road and the South and West Stands will be accessed from Drums Avenue.
Away fans: cross road to Love Street continue up the street till you come to Albion Street where you will turn left. Follow Albion Street until you come to the junction with Greenock Road where you will turn right. Cross the road then walk about 200 yards before taking your first left on to Clark Street. Walk straight up Clark Street to the end of the street which is the junction with Greenhill Road, turn left and you will see the the stadium on the opposite side of the road. Access to the North Stand will be from Ferguslie Park Avenue.
St Mirren's home game against Celtic has now been moved from Saturday 15th September to Friday 14th September.
The game will be shown live on BT Sports with a 7.45pm kick-off.
St Mirren youngster Kyle Magennis has asked fans to remain calm and be patient with the squad, as they are about to embark on this season's Premiership campaign.
The Buddies have failed to win a game in the group stage of the Betfred Cup so far, but have yet to lose also. Three draws have resulted in three penalty shoot-out wins for Alan Stubbs' side, which has gained them three extra bonus points. The Paisley side currently sit second in Group H on six points.
Saturday's game against Dumbarton at The Simple Digital Arena will be the final group game, but Magennis knows the team have to up their game if they want to progress further in the tournament.
He said: "The fans come to see us perform and they want to see us win.
"It is disappointing that we have not won a game in the group yet but we have won the penalty shootouts and have six points, so I’m sure they are happy with that.
"I just ask that they stay patient in the Premiership – it is not going to be as smooth sailing as it was last year.
"I’m pretty sure we can hold our own and get some good results."
It's not been the smoothest of starts for Alan Stubbs since he took over in June, but the squad remain optimistic than they can turn their fortunes around in time for the start of the league.
He continued: "I think it was always going to be tough but the manager has come in and he has been brilliant.
"He has got a good team spirit going, training has been good, so I don’t see why we can’t go and do well like last year.
"He was disappointed just like everybody else, but we go on to the next game.
"Results don’t go your way but qualifying is the main thing so we have to bounce back on Saturday."
Tuesday's game against Queens Park at Hampden was the first run out the Academy graduate has had in pre-season, due to an ankle injury he picked up on the team's first day back at training after the summer.
He added: "I have had a hard pre-season – again. I had an injury this time last year but thankfully it wasn’t as bad as that.
"They were just minor injuries so it is good to be back at it.
"I had a groin problem and then my first day back training I rolled my ankle.
"I’ve had ankle problems for the past four years so I’m lucky that it wasn’t too bad.
"The result wasn’t great but it was good for me to get minutes and I’m hoping that I can get more game-time on Saturday in preparation for the league games starting."
Alan Stubbs gives his thoughts on St Mirren's 0-0 draw with Queens Park in the Betfred Cup.
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