Christmas high fives for the super Saints

Dec 27 2007

WITH Christmas looming, Saints delivered a sackful of goals for fans giving an insight to the attacking philosophy new manager Derek McInnes intends nurturing at McDiarmid Park.

While a protective blanket and diligent ground staff ensured the game proceeded despite overnight temperatures plunging way below zero, the Perth side rewarded fans who found an excuse to give the shops and icy pavements a miss - opening the management's win account with the biggest tally for more than a year.

McInnes has already set about adding his own imprint to the Perth squad, with preparations for the January sales being mapped out quietly and unobtrusively from the moment his job description changed at McDiarmid Park.

This five star performance emulated the more impressive attacking adventures logged under his predecessor, with a three-pronged frontline cutting a swathe through a Livi defence offering as much resistance as Festive wrapping paper. While they scored the first and last of the seven goals, the Almondvale side got off lightly as Saints sensed their vulnerability and swept forward at will for much of the second half.

On the downside, losing a 14th minute goal to a dead ball move wasn't designed to warm the hearts of frozen home fans and without a win in their last half dozen league games it tested patience in the stands and resolve out on the park.

But Andy Jackson and Liam Craig, with his first for the club, overturned the deficit before half-time and from the moment Rocco Quinn grabbed the third 11 minutes after the resumption of hostilities, it was a case of how many. Jackson, proving he can find the net without guidance from departed target man Kenny Deuchar, and Peter MacDonald provided the answer. The only surprise was that outclassed Livi narrowed the gap with almost the last kick of the match courtesy of sub Tomas Pesir.

Sceptics have questioned the decision to upgrade McInnes, recalling the ill-fated McClelland era, but, crucially,this player turned manager, while still learning his trade, commands the respect of the dressing room. Why else would Steven Milne pledge his future to the club, with Quinn ready to see out the season at Perth when the paperwork is finally sorted out in Glasgow's East End?