“Marcus Fraser was booked for a foul, setting an early combative tone that would define much of the afternoon's play.”
“Jamie Gullan was shown a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct, compounding St. Johnstone's miserable second half and further swinging momentum toward the hosts.”
“Killian Phillips stepped up and coolly converted a penalty to give St. Mirren the lead, punishing St. Johnstone from the spot just as the visitors had failed to do themselves earlier in the half.”
Pivotal
St. Mirren
St. Johnstone
St. Mirren edged a scrappy and largely forgettable Premiership opener, with Killian Phillips converting from twelve yards in the 73rd minute to settle a contest that had threatened to end goalless. The hosts shaded possession at 52-48 and mustered 13 shots to St. Johnstone's nine, but with only four on target across the afternoon, neither side showed a great deal of cutting edge. The real drama of the second half arrived in a frantic opening spell — Liam Smith and Jamie Gullan were both involved in action around the 47th and 49th minutes, with Gullan's penalty attempt saved, before St. Mirren turned the tables from the spot themselves twenty-four minutes later through Phillips. St. Johnstone, who had the ball in dangerous areas 48 times to St. Mirren's 42, will feel they gifted their opponents the points through indiscipline — Gullan's yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct and the concession of a penalty proving costly — while the hosts showed just enough composure to take advantage and open their league campaign with three points.
How entertaining was this match?
Penalty saved! James Gullan's attempt is stopped.
Corner awarded.
The first half ends with a score of 0-0.
Cheick Tidiane Diabate attempts a header but misses the shot.
Ryan CarrYellow CardRyan Carr receives a yellow card.
Ryan Carr takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Declan John takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Ryan Carr receives a yellow card.
Offside.
Samuel Ramos takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Marcus FraserYellow CardMarcus Fraser receives a yellow card.
Kick-off has occurred!
Two sides with maximum points from their opening Premiership fixtures collide at The Smisa Stadium in a tasty early-season Saints derby. St. Mirren's home comfort meets St. Johnstone's stunning 4-3 opening-day win, promising an entertaining afternoon in Paisley.
