St Mirren Starting XI: IRN-BRU Cup Final Team

Jack Ross makes one change to the side that defeated Queen of the South last Saturday.

Cammy Smith is cup-tied and John Sutton comes in in his place. The striker has scored four goals for Saints in the run to the final and partners Rory Loy up front. 

Stevie Mallan also starts for the Buddied on his 21st birthday.

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine, Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, McGinn, Mallan, Magennis, Morgan, Sutton, Loy
Subs: Langfield, Webster, Fjelde, Stelios, O'Keefe, Whyte, Watters 

 

Limited number of tickets available

A limited number of tickets for the Phil O'Donnell stand will be on sale to St Mirren supporters at the Motherwell Ticket Office from 11am onwards tomorrow. 

Tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £10 for concessions (juveniles aged 12 to 18 & over 65s & students) and U12s £5. Please note that those with a concession ticket must bring proof of ID.

All fans attending the IRN-BRU Cup Final on Saturday should that enhanced search arrangements will be in place. This additional safety measure has the potential to delay entry into the ground so fans are strongly encouraged to get to the stadium as early as possible. Turnstiles will open at 11am.

Mallan targeting perfect birthday present

Tomorrow's IRN-BRU Cup final will be a special occasion for Stephen Mallan. 

Not only will the midfielder being taking to the field in his first ever cup final, he also turns 21 years-old. 

And if that wasn't enough Mallan, alongside team-mate Lewis Morgan, will be joining up with the Scotland U21 squad on Saturday night as he targets his first national team cap. 

It's all geared up to be a whirlwind 24 hours for the St Mirren Youth Academy graduate. But he admits he can't wait for it to get underway.

It's going to be a very hectic weekend for myself," he confessed to stmirren.com. "I'm going to the hotel with the boys to prepare for the cup final, hopefully win the cup final and then Morgy and I have to shoot away and meet the 21s.

"I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully will be involved in the U21s on Tuesday. It's a big weekend for myself and I'm buzzing for it.

"After the cup final we're going for a meal with the boys. We'll go to the meal and then all the boys will probably shoot out after that and Morgy and I will shoot away up to Edinburgh to meet the squad. I've always wanted to play for the 21s so hopefully I'll go and get my first cap. 

"It'll be my first cup final and hopefully I can go out and get a win. We've got a lot of confidence from the last time we played Dundee United. We put a good display in and it was a great match so hopefully the cup final will be a good game for both teams. Hopefully there will be a lot of fans there and I'm pretty sure that the St Mirren fans will be out in their numbers."

Mallan believes that the mood in the camp has been great this week and said that the manager has urged them to enjoy the build up to it.

Everyone is going to be buzzing for it," he said. "We won't have to lift each other as everyone knows the importance of a cup final. No matter what cup it is you want to win it. 

"The gaffer said we've just to come in and make it as fun as possible. That's what it has felt like it has been. It's been a very good week for the boys and we're really looking forward to Saturday. 

"Every time we've come into a cup game the gaffer has always said to just relax. We've managed to do very well. Recently we've started to breed that into our league form. The boys have got a lot more confidence. 

"When you get to a final - no matter what final - it's going to be a good team you're playing. Dundee United are competing for promotion. It's going to be a hard and a very close cup final but I'm sure it'll be very good for everyone to watch."

The midfielder knows what a win in the cup could mean for Saints hopes of staying in the Ladbrokes Championship this season, but believes that recent wins in the league has given the belief that the team can avoid relegation.

"Well it would bring a lot more confidence I'd say. We've already beaten Hibs and Dundee United already. If we know we can go and beat teams like that then you can go and beat anybody in the league."

 

Stadium Closed on Monday

Please note that the Stadium, Ticket Office and Club Shop will all be closed this coming Monday (27th March).

 

Match Preview: Dundee United (25th March)

It's the IRN-BRU Cup final tomorrow as St Mirren take on Dundee United at Fir Park for the chance to win domestic silverware for the first time since the League Cup triumph in 2013.

It's been a tricky road to the final for Saints this season, with the Buddies having to come from behind in all four ties they've played. It started back in September when a trip to Coatbridge to face Albion Rovers saw the side 2-0 down after just 13 minutes. But goals from Lewis Morgan, Stevie Mallan and John Sutton saw the Buddies go 3-2 up. They were, however, pegged back mere moments after making it 3-2 when Ross Dunlop scored his second of the match for the hosts. Saints scored the winner in extra time with Lawrence Shankland getting on the end of Sutton's cross to send Saints through.

St Mirren, having just announced the appointment of Jack Ross, travelled to Easter Road to face Hibernian in October. Caretaker manager Allan McManus was in charge of the team for the final time ahead of Jack's arrival and guided the side to a 2-1 win in Edinburgh with goals from Mallan and David Clarkson sealing Saints place in the quarter-final. 

Indeed, Jack's first win as St Mirren manager came in the IRN-BRU Cup quarter-final tie against Ayr United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. Again the Buddies had to come from behind with Andy O'Connell firing the visitors into the lead on 68 minutes. But Sutton was at the double, scoring two goals in as many minutes in the last 10 minutes of the game to seal a remarkable comeback. 

All that stood in Saints way of a potential cup final was Welsh side, The New Saints. It was never going to be that simple though with TNS on a remarkable run of form this season. And the visitors proved they were up for the challenge when Ryan Brobbel put them 1-0 up with a great strike just before the half time interval. The Buddies came roaring back in the second half, aided by a real captain's performance from Stephen McGinn. The midfielder got Saints level with a magnificent goal on the hour mark. Mallan got his third goal in the competition less than ten minutes later to put St Mirren ahead. Sutton had the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot, but saw his effort saved by TNS goalkeeper Harrison. He'd make no mistake a minute later though as he crashed home an effort after being laid off by Kyle Magennis. Rory Loy wrapped up the win in injury time when he knocked home from Mallan's free kick. 

United's IRN-BRU Cup journey began with a hard-fought 3-2 win after extra-time against Peterhead. Tony Andreu's 116th minute goal finally saw off the stubborn League One side to set up an away trip to Stranraer. Again Andreu was the hero as he scored the game's only goal to give the Tangerines a 1-0 win. Championship side Dunfermline were overcome in the quarter-finals by the same scoreline thanks to Mark Durnan's early goal. 

Their place in the final was secured with a 3-2 triumph over Queen of the South at Palmerston. United raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Charlie Telfer, Scott Fraser and Andreu. Stephen Dobbie pulled one back for Queens before Derek Lyle scored in injury time to make United sweat, but they held on to make their second Challenge Cup final. 

For Saints this will be their third Challenge Cup final after having lost 3-0 to Falkirk back in 1993 and defeating Hamilton Accies 2-1 to clinch the cup in 2005. 

United have played in the final once before, losing on penalties to Stenhousemuir in 1995 following a goalless 90 minutes and extra time. 

The only time the St Mirren have faced Dundee United in a cup final came 30 years ago in May when Ian Ferguson's injury time saw the Buddies defeat United 1-0 to win their third Scottish Cup.

Saints come in to tomorrow's final in their best form all season. The Buddies have won four of their last six league matches including a 3-2 win over Dundee United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium just over a week ago. Whereas Ray McKinnon's side have failed to win since their 3-2 victory over Queen of the South in the semi-final last month. However, as is the old cliche, the form book goes out the window for both sides in this one-off match.

A win for St Mirren could help boost the players confidence ahead of the run-in to avoid relegation. For United, they will be desperate to use the cup final as the catalyst to kick-start their promotion hopes. With Saints tickets almost sold out, tomorrow promises to be a great occasion for players and supporters alike.

Match Ticket Offers: Ayr United (1st Apr) & Dumbarton (8th Apr)

The club are offering special ticket pricing for the Family Stand for the upcoming home game against Ayr United and an offer for Season Ticket holders for the match against Dumbarton a week later.

For the game against Ayr United on 1st April adults can purchase a ticket for £10 for the Family Stand as well as get up to two free tickets for under 12s. There will be no online option for the uptake of this offer, tickets will need to be purchased either direct at the St Mirren Ticket Office or on the phone. The offer will also be available on the day of the match (subject to availability).

The following week (Saturday 8th April) when Saints face Dumbarton, Season Ticket holders can bring along a friend for £10 and up to two children free of charge. This offer will also be available on match day.

For more details on these offers you can contact the St Mirren Ticket Office by phone on (0141) 840-6130 or by e-mail:  tickets@stmirren.com.

Travel Clubs: IRN-BRU Cup Final (25th Mar)

Tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 25th March) St Mirren head to Motherwell to face Ray McKinnon's Dundee United side in the IRN-BRU Cup Final at Fir Park.

The latest info we have on Travel Clubs heading to Fir Park for the final is as follows::

North End Travel Club

Last we heard tickets for this bus were still on sale but you would be best to contact The Brewer's Tap to confirm availability.


Cockles Wilson Supporters Bus

Our buses for this match are now sold out.


Chivas Travel Club

Our buses for this match are now sold out.


Tile Bar Supporters Bus

Both of our buses for the final are now sold out.

 

Entry Info: IRN-BRU Cup Final (Fir Park) 25th Mar

Match vs Dundee United
Competition IRN-BRU Cup Final
Venue Fir Park, Motherwell
Date Sat 25th March 2017
Kick Off 12:30pm
Entry By All Ticket
   
Adult £20
Over 65 £10
FT Student £10
Juvenile (age 12 to 18) £10
Under 12 £5

Please note that the St Mirren Ticket Office now have just under 250 tickets remaining from the club's allocation for tomorrow's final.

Subject to availability, fans have till 2:00pm today to get a ticket for tomorrow's final as there will be no sale of tickets on the day of the match.

St Mirren fans have been allocated the Davie Cooper Stand and the Phil O'Donnell Stand at Fir Park for tomorrow's final. Tickets for the Davie Cooper Stand are now sold out but there are still just under 250 available for the Phil O'Donnell Stand, but the tickets are selling fast.

The St Mirren Ticket Office (Main Stand) opening hours in the build up to this match are as follows:

Fri, 24th Mar: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Sat, 25th Mar: CLOSED

Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130.
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com.

Please note that the Club Shop is also open the same hours as the Ticket Office.

Additional Information

Tomorrow afternoon, Saturday 25th March, St Mirren head to Fir Park to face Dundee United in the IRN-BRU Cup Final.

The ticket prices have now been confirmed for the cup tie at Fir Park and these are shown above.

The referee for tomorrow's match is Nick Walsh and he will be assisted by Sean Carr and Gary Hilland. The fourth official will be Steven Kirkland

Fans attending the IRN-BRU Cup Final, should note that enhanced search arrangements will be in place at this fixture. This additional safety measure has the potential to delay entry into the ground so fans are strongly encouraged to get to the Stadium as early as possible. Turnstiles will be open at 11:00am, 90 minutes before kick-off.

All supporters with a concession ticket must bring proof of ID such as a valid student card. Failure to do so will result in supporters being unable to gain access to the stadium.

For directions to Fir Park click here

Van Zanten: Don't Leave Anything Behind

David Van Zanten is a rare breed of player that has passed through St Mirren.

The Irishman can boast that he's won more silverware at the Buddies than almost anyone else who has played in the black and white. 

Alongside winning the League Cup with Saints in 2013, Vanzy was part of the last St Mirren side to triumph in the Challenge Cup. 

He knows what it takes to win it and has urged the current crop of players to make the most of Saturday's occasion when they go head-to-head with Dundee United in the IRN-BRU Cup final. 

For some of the players there it could be their first final and could very well be their last as well," he told stmirren.com. "You just don't know.

"They have to take advantage of the situation that they are in and the only way they can do that is by going and giving everything they can and trying to win the game. 

"Leave nothing behind at all, go and give absolutely everything you've got. Run yourself into the ground and just make the most of it. Don't leave anything behind in the dressing room."

Van Zanten set up John Sutton's winning goal in the 2005 final, crossing in to the Englishman who nodded beyond Hamilton goalkeeper Dave McEwan to seal the Saints victory. He believes that Sutton will appreciate the final more this time around and expects the 33 year-old to have been a pivotal part in the dressing room ahead of the big day. 

He'll know how we all felt after that final and how much it meant winning it. His experience will be vital in that team and that squad. I'm sure he'll be telling them all about it, how good a night we had after it and how we kicked on after it.

"I'm sure he'll be drumming that into the players. Go and win this and then kick on in the league and get safe. 

"If they win the final Jack will not let them get too carried away," he continued. "Let them know that there is still plenty of work to be done. He's done a brilliant job since he came in.

"Obviously it's taken a while to get going but he's managed to get a few players in in January that have really help the squad. Fingers crossed they can go and win the final and stay up and what a magnificent achievement it would be for Jack. 

Reflecting on his own experience winning the cup, Van Zanten admits it was a great day in his career and hopes that Jack Ross' side can use this weekend's final as the catalyst to stay in the Ladbrokes Championship the same way the 2005 team used it to push themselves to promotion.

He said: "It was absolutely brilliant. I know a lot of people kind of rubbish the cup competition because the Premier League teams aren't in it.

"But when you get to the final it means everything. It doesn't happen that often, getting to finals so it meant everything for us.

"It is one of the big memories I have of my career - winning that game and that final. That season we were obviously trying to get promoted and it gave us a taste of success and what it felt like. Winning that final helped motivate us to go on and win the league that year. 

"There's no feeling like it. The euphoria of it is second to none, it's amazing. It gave us that taste to go on and win the league which we knew was a much bigger achievement.

"It gave us the taste for it but also the confidence to go on and win the league and hopefully it will do similar to the players that are in there now. If you go and win this cup final, it will hopefully give them the confidence and belief that they can stay up this year. 

"It's a great feeling knowing that I'll always be a part of that history. Everyone who has been at the club knows how great a club it is and how close the fans are to the club and what it means to everyone in the area. I didn't know too much about St Mirren when I came across to Scotland. But now I consider myself a big fan of the club and knowing that I'll always be remembered in the history means so much to me."

 

 

Cup final ticket information

With just two days left until the final, tickets for the Davie Cooper stand are now completely sold out. 

There are still a limited amount of tickets remaining for the Phil O'Donnell stand but tickets are selling fast.

For those still wishing to purchase a ticket, the ticket office will be open tonight (Thursday 23 March) between 5pm & 7pm and tomorrow (Friday 24 March) between 10am & 2pm.

Fans attending the IRN-BRU Cup Final, should note that enhanced search arrangements will be in place at this fixture. This additional safety measure has the potential to delay entry into the ground so fans are strongly encouraged to get to the Stadium as early as possible. Turnstiles will be open at 11am, 1.5 hours before kick-off.

All supporters with a concession ticket must bring proof of ID such as a valid student card. Failure to do so will result in supporters being unable to gain access to the stadium.

St Mirren Football Club would like to thank all the supporters who will turn out in great numbers to back the team on Saturday. 

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