A debut goal for Curtis Main maintained St Mirren’s grip on top spot in Premier Sports Cup Group H, as it secured a 1-0 win over Dunfermline.
Jim Goodwin ’s men were given the weekend off and handed a default 3-0 victory over Dumbarton on Saturday, after a player testing positive for COVID-19 meant that the Sons couldn’t fulfill the fixture.
New signings Charles Dunne, Main, Greg Kiltie, Scott Tanser and Alan Power were all handed first starts for the Buddies.
Meanwhile, new Pars boss Peter Grant saw his side come from behind to defeat Partick Thistle 4-2 on the same day in their Cup opener, thanks in part to a debut double by new frontman Nikolay Todorov.
This was a slow burner in terms of meaningful attempts, with midfielder Jamie McGrath fizzing one over early on.
It took until 17 minutes for either keeper to be required to make a real save with Owain Fon Williams tipping a Tanser attempt over the bar.
The possession was always largely with the hosts and they found the breakthrough just before the half hour when Main headed in Kiltie’s cross.
Main had a couple of early chances in the second half to add to his first half goal but the best of which, from a corner, was saved by Fon Williams.
The visitors were a bit more attacking in the second half, getting a few corners and flashing a header close near the end.
Really Saints should have won this game by a larger margin with subs Cammy MacPherson and Kristian Dennis each going close twice.
But that will be enough for Paisley boss Goodwin on his team’s first competitive outing of the new season.
Real winners are the lucky 500 fans
Yes, St Mirren may have strengthened their grip on the Premier Sports group H, with victory over Dunfermline tonight and boss Jim Goodwin has every right to be delighted with that.
But after the COVID-19 pandemic has locked fans out of the stadiums for the last 16 months, it was refreshing to hear a 500-strong crowd back inside the SMISA Stadium.
And their team’s performance and result is sure to have sent the Buddies faithful home happy.
Pars decent in possession but unable to deal with Saints
The score line may not suggest it but with the hosts were fairly dominant tonight, particularly physically, thus allowing them to control the game.
However, Peter Grant can be pleased with some of his team’s passages of play in the middle of the park.
Dunfermline are still in a decent position in the group, thanks to that win over Partick Thistle and will probably look to add some more new faces before the start of the Championship season.
Jay Henderson catches the eye again
It may have been a debutant who would score the winner tonight but it was the young winger who stole the show again.
He was a constant threat to the Pars defence and showed great skill to escape some tight situations.
And the only thing the teenager may be disappointed with is not adding his own name to the scoresheet.
