Six games from glory for Saints

Apr 7 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes has called on his Perth players to make tonight’s game in hand count.

There’s a double header looming with cup semi-finalists Dunfermline, who are trailing in seventh place in the chase for the championship.

First up, Saints face the Pars in Perth knowing that three points will double their advantage over second placed Partick Thistle to six points.

McInnes, who has major doubts over top scorer Stevie Milne, with Peter MacDonald already ruled out, said: “We are striving to make our game in hand count.

“If we do that, the table will start to look a whole lot healthier with five games left. But we know we still have work to do.

“A win over Dunfermline will go a long way to making up for the disappointment of losing that late goal to Partick at the weekend.”

The Perth manager felt Saints would see out the game after Milne’s opener.

“There’s no getting away from it, this is a vital game for us. It’s important we don’t suffer any hangover.

“I said before Saturday, I felt it was a match Thistle had to win. And they didn’t beat us. In the cold light of day, it was another week without our closest rivals gaining ground on us. We are still firmly in the driving seat.

“But it is important we make home advantage count against Dunfermline and take maximum points. All of a sudden we would have a decent gap.

“But Dunfermline will ensure it is a competitive match. They have the semi-final to look forward to and you can’t switch your form on and off.

“Their manager, Jim McIntyre, still thinks they have a slim chance of the title so they will be motivated. I would never write them off. But we have to be determined regardless of the opposition.”

McInnes harboured no regrets over weekend substitutions, explaining: “They were pushing Twaddle on and Harkins had a free role. The goal was down to switching off on the edge of the penalty area. Steven Anderson gave us an extra presence on the right. I thought it was the right decision at the time and still do.”

The manager was delighted with Martin Hardie in his first start of the year but the midfielder will be closely assessed, given his lack of first team action.

But his biggest worry is Milne, who is rated very doubtful with a knee injury. It prompted his removal on Saturday and it flared up overnight.

On the plus side, midfielder Chris Millar returns from suspension refreshed after a three-week break.

He said: “It’s never easy watching games but the boys have defended so well at the back I didn’t see Partick getting a goal.

“Now we have a massive game against Dunfermline. It’s the one we’ve had in hand for a while. I’d have liked to have played it sooner to get the points on the board. Winning it would be a huge psychological boost. Everyone will have an eye on this match.

“Dunfermline are nearer the bottom but still have a lot to play for. And they have a better record away from home. They cuffed us here early in the season.

“But this is shaping up as our biggest game of the season after the weekend draw. Everyone knows what’s riding on it and we have to be confident and full of self-belief. We are top of the league for a reason.”

TONIGHT’S game at McDiarmid kicks-off at 7.45pm.