After a “frustrating” draw away to Dumbarton on Saturday, Buddies striker David Clarkson admitted that the side need to do better in these kind of matches to help battle against the relegation dog-fight.
It was the 31 year-old, who put the Saints ahead at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium, after a quality cross from Cammy Smith. It was not to be however, after half time the Buddies failed to keep the lead, and were pegged back twice. St Mirren had to leave Dumbarton with one point despite an encouraging performance.
Clarkson said: “We have come here wanting to win the game. To go ahead twice and scoring two goals usually wins you those games.
We are disappointed. That is probably the word, considering how much effort and desire we put in to the game.”
The old cliché, one goal is never enough, speaks volumes about the result on Saturday and Clarkson did have a point to make when it comes to keeping the lead.
He said: “The way we conceded the goals is frustrating as we probably should have won.
“We went ahead twice and we need to get better at seeing games out as it is the only way we are going to move up the table and be where we want to be in the league.”
The striker did admit that despite encouraging signs, hard work will only see the saints get any rewards.
The 31 year-old added: “We keep saying it but we have to produce it now. We haven’t come away with the three points but the important thing is we work hard.
“Nothing is easy. Results wont just happen, we have to be prepared for it. There is nothing else we can do. It is up to us individually to make sure we prepare properly and keep the spirits up.
“It is not going to be an easy task so as a group and individually we need to make sure we are up for it.”
Charged with the task of avoiding relegation, players and fans will be looking to the experienced players to help guide the team up the Championship table and clear of automatic relegation.
Clarkson knows how it feels as a young pro at a club at the wrong side of the league but admits it takes more than an experienced head or two.
He said: “Any experienced professional will tell you the same. I am always trying to encourage the boys at training, during games and trying to help in any way I can.
“The gaffer has brought in some experienced boys hopefully that will help. It does not need to come from the experienced boys. The younger ones have been great too. Everyone has a part to play whether they are experienced or they are young boys. We have to be ready for that.”
