A Win Gives A Different Perspective On Things

Last updated : 20 September 2014 By Ed_ScottishFitba

C:WindowsTempphpFC65.tmpSt Mirren finally managed to secure three points after a last minute penalty allowed them to secure a 2-1 win over Partick Thistle last night. Manager Tommy Craig felt that his team's performance dispelled any suggestion of unrest in the Paisley camp. The visitors looked to be heading for their sixth straight Scottish Premiership loss of the campaign after Kris Doolan's 22nd minute header gave Thistle a half-time lead. But St Mirren rallied after the break to equalise through substitute Callum Ball after an hour and Kenny McLean secured all three points for the Paisley side. The midfielder calmly converted a penalty in the final minute of stoppage time after Abdul Osman was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball in the area and Craig was in upbeat mood after the game.

He said: "Everyone came together. I thought the vocal support was terrific and I feel in the second half the fans urged the players on and the players responded. That actually puts paid to any rumours - and I have seen one or two – of a split in the dressing room. You always get them in this kind of situation, the manager and players and coaching team not getting on and all that rubbish. I think the fans and players came together as one. We managed to summon up extra energy to go and get a really good three points. The players have been terrific, they come to training and apply themselves. It shows me they believe in what we're doing and they went the extra yard for one another. There's a great camaraderie amongst the players and long may that continue."

Thistle manager Alan Archibald was unhappy with the decision by referee Willie Collum to award a free-kick to St Mirren in the run-up to the goal, although he conceded he was probably right to award the subsequent penalty. He said: "I think it probably was a penalty. He is two yards away and the ball has smashed him when his hands are up. You would need to ask the ref what the rules are on that. I was more frustrated with the free-kick, which wasn't a foul. Willie Collum gave it but it's one of those things you can't do much about."