Perth | St Johnstone move closer to League Cup progression

St Johnstone 3 - 1 Raith Rovers

Saints defeated Raith Rovers 3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup thanks to goals from Jamie Gullan, Josh McPake and Makenzie Kirk.

Author | George B

Stadium | McDiarmid Park

The home side took the lead on 27 minutes as Gullan produced a brilliant touch to bring down a pass from Reece McAlear before slotting the ball beyond Josh Rae.

Simo Valakari’s side doubled their advantage on 51 minutes thanks to a close-range finish from McPake after some good work from Adama Sidibeh.

Raith got a lifeline 6 minutes later when substitute Jack Hamilton pulled a goal back with his first touch of the match.

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The away side suddenly believed they could get an equaliser and just after the hour mark Steward made a good save to deny Raith substitute Kai Montagu. The loose ball then broke to Rowe however, his effort was blocked by Morgan Boyes. St Johnstone were still leading, just about.

Kirk made sure of the points for the home side on 80 minutes as he used his pace to burst into the box before slotting a low strike under Rae.

The result leaves Saints top of Group F on 9 points and they play their final game of the group on Saturday as they welcome Elgin City to McDiarmid Park. 

Not quite a perfect performance

St Johnstone’s manager reflected positively on his side’s performance after their recent win over Raith Rovers, highlighting the quality of their goals and control for much of the contest. He felt the team were well worth their lead at the break and was pleased to see them double the advantage early in the second half.

However, he admitted concern over a spell where Raith pulled a goal back and threatened to turn the match, with St Johnstone struggling to regain composure during a nervy 10 to 15-minute period in which the visitors created several chances.

Progression now looks almost certain

With a strong chance of advancing to the next round, it would now be a massive shock if the Saints fail to secure their progress this weekend.

Raith could also help them out by winning their home match against Inverness Caley Thistle, who currently sit in second place, just three points behind with six points.