Frustrating end to 2024 after defeat to Dundee

Frustrating end to 2024 after defeat to Dundee


Saints ended 2024 in frustrating fashion as their good run of form was brought to a halt by Dundee.

The first half was a tale of two crosses – Josh Mulligan's delivery being headed in by Simon Murray to put Dundee in front before Elvis Bwomono produced an even better cross for Toyosi Olusanya to head in the equaliser.

After the break, the visitors restored their lead from another cross. This time a free-kick found Ryan Astley and he delivered for Murray to again head home with the help of the woodwork. Saints have proven adept at conjuring up late goals in recent weeks but there was to be no late drama this time around as Dundee saw out the remainder of the game relatively comfortably.

There was one change to the Saints side which recorded a famous Boxing Day win over Rangers, Alex Iacovitti replacing Richard Taylor in defence. Simon Murray led the attack for the visitors, with former Saint Trevor Carson in goals and Curtis Main and Sean Kelly on the bench.

Roland Idowu tested Carson at his near post early on, with a fierce cause from the on-loan winger also causing problems. The visitors then had a far bigger problem to deal with as they lost Jordan McGhee and Billy Koumetio to injury at the same time, Sean Kelly and Ethan Ingram replacing them. Dundee were briefly down to nine men as they worked out how to deal with their injuries, during which time Oisin Smyth dragged a shot wide. He had another chance once the visitors were back up to their full quota of players but it was easily dealt with by Carson.

Until this stage, Ellery Balcombe in the opposite goal had had a quiet afternoon but that all changed when he failed to deal with a cross. He then rushed from his goal and blocked a shot but was miles out of position as the ball fell to Murray, who looked odds on to score only for a well-placed Alex Gogic to head his effort off the line. Balcombe then redeemed himself with a double save from Adewumi but could do nothing moments later as Josh Mulligan produced a delightful cross to the back post for the unchallenged Murray to head home.

Despite the double injury blow, Dundee looked the stronger side and pushed for a second, having a soft penalty shout for a challenge on Murray waved away. From that, Saints immediately countered and Bwomono beat his man before sending in a delicious cross for Olusanya to head past Carson for his 13th and final goal of an impressive 2024. Having drawn themselves level, the Buddies finished the half strongly, Declan John shooting at Carson with his weaker foot.

Toyosi Olusanya drew Saints level with a terrific header (Image: Allan Picken)

Toyosi Olusanya drew Saints level with a terrific header (Image: Allan Picken)

Olusanya nearly completed the turnaround early in the second-half, nice work from Idowu sending him in behind the Dundee defence but he shot into the side netting. Sebastian Palmer-Houlden then stung Balcombe's palms with a fierce drive before Idowu had another go at beating Carson at his hear post which again the Dundee goalie was equal to.

The Buddies appeared to be in the ascendancy, so it was something of a surprise when Dundee took the lead. A free-kick found Ryan Astley and he delivered another great cross for Murray, his header hitting the bar before making its way into the net.

Saints rang the changes in a bid to find another equaliser and Evan Mooney almost produced the goods when the youngster pulled down a cross at the edge of the box before firing just over. It was a rare bright spot in a disappointing second-half for the Buddies as 2024 draws to a close. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-2 Dundee

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser (c), Gogic, Iacovitti, Bwomono (Penman 82), Phillips, Smyth (Boyd-Munce 75), John, Idowu (Ayunga 63), Olusanya (Mandron 63), Kiltie (Mooney 75)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Taylor, Adeniran, Scott

Dundee: Carson (c), Mulligan, Astley, Koumetio (Ingram 22), McGhee (Kelly 22), Robertson, Sylla, Cameron, Palmer-Houlden, Murray, Adewumi (Tiffoney 90)
Subs Not Used: McCracken, Sharp, Main, Braybrooke, Vetro

Referee: Nick Walsh
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Brian Christie
Fourth Official: Ryan Lee
VAR: Alan Muir

Attendance: 6,798

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