10/05/2025 – DUNDEE UTD (A)

So on the season goes, to the penultimate match, as European football becomes an actual possibility following the very impressive defeat of Dundee Utd at Tannadice on Saturday.

On the pitch, it was one of the best performances of the season so far by Saints, the main ingredient in what was one of the great away days for a fan, the brilliant sunshine along with the all white clobber of the travelling support making the day feel a bit different.

However, it can only be a great day if we play well and win, and boy did we do this.

Any doubts about how the unavailability of injured captain Mark O’Hara would have on the day were quickly dispelled as his replacement Roland Idowu bobbed and weaved past anything in Tangerine with ease in the opening half.

The Irishman hit the side netting following one of these runs, and Mikael Mandron curled a beautiful shot inches wide in the early exchanges, giving notice of Saints intentions. And we were unrelenting throughout, crushing the spirit and belief out of Jim Goodwin’s side.

The opener came from the left boot of Mandron, in a similar effort to the one he put wide some 15 minutes earlier. This time though, Saints worked the ball into box with some neat play, before brilliant interchanging between Ayunga and Alebiousu allowed Mandron to curl home beautifully low into the net from the edge of the box.

One in the eye for the “hoofball” believers!

This of course was our first goal against the Tannadice side this season, and in the league we had lost 3 matches as United hit us each time with late set pieces. This goal however meant the home side couldn’t sit in and do this again, and the longer the game went on, the more dominant Saints were as we took them apart time and time again on the counter attack.

Critical to this were the front two, Ayunga and Mandron, who built on their impressive showing last week with an absolute masterclass at Tannadice.

It was Ayunga who doubled the lead midway through the second half when he ran onto an Idowu through ball and slotted home with his left boot to effectively finish the match.

Already by this point however, it had turned into a shooting exercise as we accumulated 21 efforts on goal, and that doesn’t count the multiple situations we should have done better in and didn’t manage to fashion a shot. It was thrilling to watch, though, Saints in full flight.

Although it was a great team effort, Ryan Alebiosu on Saints right hand side deserves a special mention. All afternoon he was causing utter chaos, setting up the opener and even went on a 60 yard run skinning three players before bringing out a fine save from Walton in the home goal.

We can’t be the only fans praying we can keep the Englishman after his loan ends, as he has made a huge difference to the balance of our team. Of course he is a bit raw, but Stephen Robinson will only improve the rapid wing back and make him an even better player.

After this Ayunga goal, it was like an onslaught towards the home end. How we never scored more is pretty incredible, however we didn’t need to such was the gulf between the two sides on the day, and another very welcome win puts us just 2 points behind United with 2 games to play.

The next match comes quickly, with the visit of in-from third place Hibernian on Wednesday night to Paisley.

We haven’t lost to the Hibees this season, having taken 7 out of 9 points, and the only goal we have conceded was a penalty kick. However, Hibs have improved massively since the first of these 2 fixtures and are strong favourites for 3rd place, so in no way can be underestimated.

If they beat us, that 3rd place feat is almost confirmed so they have just as much to play for as we do. However if we win, and Dundee Utd visiting Rangers, there is a pretty strong chance we will go 5th, which is extraordinary to be honest, but it all gives a very appealing look to the fixture.

It is likely the match will sell out, so if you don’t have a ticket, act very fast and don’t miss out on our biggest match of the season so far.

COYS!

Dundee Utd Players of the Match:

5 points – Ryan Alebiosu

3 points – Mikael Mandron

1 point – Jonah Ayunga

Check our the Player of the Season race here –

PLAYER OF THE SEASON