Head 'N Shoulders Above Gretna

Feb 10 2008 By Ewan Smith

NEW boy Jim Hamilton helped St Mirren move 13 points clear of Gretna then insisted they're no longer looking over their shoulders at the bottom club.

Hamilton made his first appearance for Buddies as a second-half sub. And the experienced striker proved inspirational by playing a part in Billy Mehmet's equaliser.

Gus MacPherson's side now look well on their way to safety. And birthday boy Hammy, 32 yesterday, said: "Survival is always going to be an issue until it's done and dusted but no-one in our dressing-room is looking down at the table.

"We're thinking about closing the gap on the teams above us. We've got a couple of games in hand on most sides so that could be crucial."

Gaffer MacPherson seemed to agree with his new hitman.

He said: "A point gained? I'd view it as two dropped because we want to catch the likes of Falkirk and Inverness and we've missed out on the chance to do that.

"We deserved a point. I've told the players they have been a lot better in recent weeks but we are setting high standards and must try and meet them every time.

"We're better than last year and the players have responded to criticism to prove that."

Inverness manager Craig Brewster said: "It's a good point at a difficult ground. It could have been more but for a couple of wonder saves from Chris Smith."