St Johnstone defeated 3-2 by Kilmarnock

Feb 16 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PERTH fans travelling home from Kilmarnock often talk about the length of the journey, the pies, and – for various reasons – the Rugby Park cheerleaders, reports Johnathon Menzies.

But, after St Johnstone surrendered the lead twice and conceded a late winner to Jimmy Calderwood’s rejuvenated side, football was the only topic of conversation this time around.

Manager Derek McInnes freshened things up following last week’s draw with St Mirren, making four changes.

Graham Gartland returned to marshal the defence after his ban, Murray Davidson and Paul Sheerin were handed starts in midfield, and Cillian Sheridan was given the nod up-front.

The McDiarmid men took the lead when full-back Dave Mackay was given time to advance down the right flank, rolling a perfectly-weighted pass into the feet of Peter MacDonald.

With his back to goal, the 29-year-old held off marker Simon Ford and – after getting the break of the ball following an attempted Jamie Hamill tackle – fired expertly past Cammy Bell in the Killie goal.

The former Rangers striker’s celebrations were cut short as he was forced off after twisting his knee whilst netting his fifth goal of an injury-hit campaign.

Fans’ favourite MacDonald was replaced by Kenny Deuchar and left the ground on crutches.

With thoughts drifting towards the venue’s renowned catering, on-loan Chris Maguire levelled just over a minute before referee Stephen Finnie blew for the interval.

A deep Hamill free-kick fell at the feet of recent Perth signing Michael Duberry, who could only prod the ball across the Saints six-yard box – on a plate for the impressive Maguire.

The 21-year-old fired into the roof of the net and gave the sparse crowd a glimpse of what was to come.

McInnes’ men have deservedly earned rave reviews for their attacking exploits and regained the lead with their 32nd goal of an entertaining SPL campaign.

Danny Grainger whipped-in a terrific free-kick which was glanced into the net by Gartland.

The well-timed header made up for the fact the stopper almost embarrassed his own keeper with a looping goal-bound back-pass earlier in the half.

It brought out the best in former Killie man Graeme Smith, but he could do nothing about the home side’s second equaliser.

A clever dead ball routine between Maguire and veteran former skipper Gary Hay resulted in the full-back’s cross curling past the helpless stopper and into the far side of the net.

The Saints boss described the rare goal for the experienced left-back as a “freak” during the post-match interviews.

And he was equally unhappy about the build-up to Kevin Kyle’s seventh league goal of the season, his third against the Perth side.

Moroccan substitute Mehdi Taouil waltzed past Grainger and chipped a curling cross onto the former Sunderland hitman’s forehead.

The McDiarmid management felt the disputed throw-in which gave the home side the impetus for the move was taken from the wrong position.

Ever-industrious, Kenny Deuchar clashed with opposition keeper Bell and prompted frantic appeals for a penalty, which were waved away by ref Finnie.

Late sub Liam Craig replaced Paul Sheerin and was joined by the returning Collin Samuel – brought-on for Sheridan with 80 minutes on the clock.

The former Falkirk man came close at the death with a curling free-kick.

The Rugby Park PA system piped Status Quo’s 1977 hit Rockin’ All Over The World as the 4605 fans exited.

Veteran band members Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt were presented OBEs by the Queen the previous day.

After slipping to ninth in the table, supporters will be hoping St Johnstone’s newly-found habit of letting winning positions slip doesn’t become a stuck record.

KILMARNOCK: Bell, Clancy (Sammon 58), Hay, Ford, Bryson, Invincibile (Taouil 64), Kelly, Hamill, Severin, Kyle (Old 80), Maguire. Subs not used: Combe, Fowler, Kiernan, Fernandez.

ST JOHNSTONE: Smith, Grainger, Mackay, Gartland, Duberry, Morris, Millar, Sheerin (Craig 73), Davidson, MacDonald (Deuchar 38), Sheridan (Samuel 80). Subs not used: McLean, Anderson, Connolly, Swankie.

Referee: Stephen Finnie.