Rewind to Boxing Day. St Mirren had just lost 2-0 to Rangers. It was their 11th game without a win.
After early-season optimism, Buddies fans were looking over their shoulders concerned about a relegation battle. Three points above the play-off spot, five ahead of bottom-of-the-table St Johnstone. Manager Jim Goodwin’s lack of tactical flexibility was a discussion point amongst supporters.
A new year, however, has brought a new look St Mirren. The 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 has been ditched for a back four. Their latest win, a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at The SMiSA Stadium courtesy of Connor Ronan’s brilliant second-half strike, has lifted them 11 clear of the bottom spot. But more optimistically, just three points behind sixth-place Dons.
On Tuesday night’s evidence, that top six spot they missed out on last season by the skin of their teeth is a realistic target.
Dundee United are on their own poor run of league form, while Aberdeen are still very much a work in progress. The smattering of boos from the travelling contingent during the second half was a reflection on the error-strewn and frustrating nature of the performance from Stephen Glass’ men.
Their desire to play out from the back and build through midfield is admirable but on this occasion it wasn’t slick or quick enough, especially with the energy and intensity of St Mirren.
That was best exemplified by the returning Jamie McGrath. The midfielder had been left out by Goodwin for the previous two matches due to transfer uncertainty. Back in against the team who withdrew their pre-contract offer, he tracked Calvin Ramsay diligently from a wide left position.
Off the back of consecutive wins since returning from the winter break, the Buddies started brighter. Greg Kiltie
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