DERBY WIN WOULD BRING TOP SIX FINISH THAT BIT CLOSER

After three precious points were picked up against St Mirren at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, Saints will look to build on a good run of form when we head to Tayside Rivals Dundee tonight, writes Aidan Smith.

Saturday may have not been the prettiest you’ve seen Saints this season but the most important outcome was the three points which moved us within a point of second placed Inverness. Ross County’s win in Aberdeen last night have them on the same points as Inverness who meet in-form Dundee United in the highlands, whilst Motherwell play host to Celtic at Fir Park, so there is definitely a great chance for Saints to move up to the “best of the rest” spot in the SPL with all three points at Dens.

Team wise, Murray Davidson will miss out due to suspension. It is still touch and go for Chris Millar and Dave McKay, a decision will be made on them last minute. Some positive news for Gary Miller too, as he has returned to training after his ankle roll against Motherwell.

Of course the news at Dens Park at the moment is the exit of manager Barry Smith who spent eleven years on the Dundee playing books, and captaining the side between 1997 and 2006. The man who takes the interim hot seat at Dens is John Brown who spent four years at Dundee in his playing days, back in the 1980’s. The new manager has said “St Johnstone is a big derby and we’re looking to win that game”

Dundee so far this season have only won the three games - they came against Hibs and twice against Hearts. They have drawn five games which leaves them with nineteen defeats. In total Dundee have managed to score fourteen goals, they have conceded fifty one.

Saints have picked up six out six points against Dundee this season, the previous meeting at Dens ended in a 1-3 win for Saints. The goals came from Liam Craig, Gregory Tade and Steve MacLean. The match at McDiarmid finished 1-0 to Saints, the single goal from Liam Craig.

In total there have been 147 matches between the two clubs, Dundee come out on top with 63 wins, to Saints 47. This leaves 37 draws. Its been a different story in recent years, as Dundee haven’t beaten Saints on the last six occasions.

A match to remember for Saints fans, was back on the 19th September 1999. The match finished 1-2 to Saints. An early goal by Michael Yates put Dundee ahead inside ten minutes. Saints huffed and puffed throughout the game and had to wait until 80 minutes had past for them to snatch a goal, and when one arrived another arrived straight after! A double from Nathan Lowndes on the 81st and 84th minute sent the large travelling Saints support home with a smile on their face.

The referee for the game is William Collum and the match is a 7:45 kick off.

This match is pay at the turnstile with prices as follows:

Adults £20.

Under 16s, Age 65 and over and Students with valid matriculation card £10.

Saints Fans will be in the Bob Shankly Stand