Gus: Saints Still Alive

Mar 9 2008 By Mark Guidi

GAFFER Gus MacPherson feared St Mirren were heading out the Cup - and warned that St Johnstone are still capable of winning the replay in Paisley.

Buddies fell behind to a Liam Craig penalty but equalised in the 73rd minute through Andy Dorman.

MacPherson's men have home advantage for the next clash but he is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "Credit to St Johnstone.

They dictated the tempo in the first half and looked comfortable.

"We were out of the Cup but showed character to bounce back and get the goal we needed.

"I was concerned after we scored as they threw on big Kevin James up front and we might have been vulnerable. But we got the draw."

Relieved MacPherson (right) added: "We're happy enough to get them back to Love Street but St Johnstone are still more than capable of winning the replay."

Perth gaffer Derek McInnes was disappointed his side didn't keep their lead intact.

Hesaid: "At half-time we spoke about keeping our concentration.

"From our point of view it was a soft goal, although it was a good finish from Andy Dorman.

"St Mirren changed their shape a few times and threw on strikers to get the goal they wanted. Butwe are not out of the tie yet and I believe we can go to their place and win the replay."

Saints midfielder Dorman was delighted with his goal and smiled: "We didn't play particularly well and might be a bit lucky to still be in the Cup.

"The Scottish Cup is a special competition and the people upstairs at StMirren always talk about our great history in this event.

"I hope we get to the semi-final and take it from there."

St Johnstone striker Andy Jackson hopes the Perth fans follow the example set by the Paisley supporters by travelling in numbers for the replay.

The SPL side had excellent backing and Jackson said: "We can win the replay and a big support to cheer us would help inspire us.

"We made it to the semis last season and to do it again would be an achievement.

"We have a good record away from home in the cup and knocked out Rangers, Motherwell and Falkirk in competitions last season."

Jackson came close to scoring twice and said: "I had a header cleared off the line then, with minutes to go, the keeper spilled the ball but I couldn't quite get there to make contact."