BIG MATCH FOR ST. JOHNSTONE AS INVERNESS COME TO PERTH
26th July 2016
PHOTO: Chris Millar (centre) trains on Friday morning alongside Steven MacLean and Simon Lappin.
Following a hard-earned victory at Dens Park last weekend, St. Johnstone welcome Inverness Caledonian Thistle to McDiarmid Park on Saturday.
Inverness deserve a huge amount of credit for another impressive league season, currently sitting in 3rd place. John Hughes has not only guided his team to a lofty position in the table, he has also ensured that they remain in contention for their first ever Scottish Cup victory. Having recently booked their place in the final, Hughes has unsurprisingly been named on the shortlist for PFA Scotland's Manager of the Year award.
After that 2-0 away win against Dundee, Saints have moved above Dundee United in the league table. We now sit in 4th place. Despite the obvious disappointment of our failure to retain the Scottish Cup trophy, a silver lining remains. If Inverness win the cup, 4th place would almost definitely be good enough to secure European qualification for next season.
Having said that, this weekend's league encounter presents St. Johnstone with a rather remarkable opportunity to edge closer to 3rd place. A victory would lift Saints to within one point of Inverness Caley Thistle. Of course, a 3rd place finish would result in automatic European qualification. Tommy Wright and his players will be more than aware that they have a chance to take matters into their own hands. In order to do so, they must continue their positive momentum with a home win this weekend.
Securing a victory against Inverness, however, is easier said than done. Saints have only defeated Caley once in the last six meetings between the two sides. On the other hand, McDiarmid Park has proved itself to be something of a fortress during recent seasons. Inverness have only managed one single victory in Perth since 2011. In the last meeting between Saints and Inverness at McDiarmid Park (in December), a Brian Graham penalty settled the match. Saints won 1-0.
St. Johnstone supporters will undoubtedly be hoping for a repeat of 2013's 4-0 home victory. Stevie May and captain Dave Mackay scored the first-half goals before a Steven MacLean second-half double ensured that the Saints faithful would return home in jubilant spirits.
Another important game awaits us! Make sure you get along to McDiarmid Park and show your support for Tommy and the lads as they continue their quest for European football. Kick-off is at 3pm.
With a number of players returning from injury and suspension, Tommy Wright should have a full squad to choose from.
Admission:
WEST STAND (Home support)
Adult - £23
Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £14
13 - 16 year olds - £13
Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
EAST STAND (Home support)
Adult - £22
Senior Citizens (65 and over) - £12
17 – 18 year olds - £11
13 - 16 year olds - £8
Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
ORMOND FAMILY STAND (Home & Away support)
This is a mixed family stand. One adult and up to two children aged 12 or under can gain admission at a cost of £15. Unaccompanied adults or children aged 12 or under will not be admitted. Children aged 13-16 can gain admission at a cost of £8. Additional adults within a'family group' are admitted at a cost of £15.
AWAY SUPPORT (West Stand)
Adult - £22
over 65s - £12
13-18 year olds - £11
Kids aged 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) - Free of charge
match preview by Ollie Wale