Match report: Saints U18s 2-1 Partick Thistle

Adam McMillan’s quick-fire second half double hauled our under-18s back from a losing position and secured another hugely important three points.

Following a first half without a goal, Saints fell behind after the break before McMillan struck twice within a couple of minutes to flip the game on its head.

The Perth youngsters would see out the game nicely at McDiarmid Park to claim a 2-1 triumph and consolidate their spot at the top of the Club Academy Scotland League.

McMillan told us: “It was a kick in the teeth when they scored but, getting the two goals, I’m buzzing with that.

“Joe [Ellison] did so well to keep the ball in and cross for our first goal, then we wanted to kick on from there. I gambled for the second one and managed to slot it by the goalkeeper.”

He added: “The character from the boys to come back was amazing. That three points could be massive for us.

“Everyone was buzzing with the result and the character we showed, but we need to focus on the next game now.”

Saints had named a strong starting squad with numerous players who are currently out on loan back available for selection.

Brodie Dair also returned from injury and his 16th minute corner was met by Joe Ellison who could only guide over the crossbar.

Ellison was again on the end of a corner not long after – this time from Ben McCrystal – but his header was straight at the visiting goalkeeper.

Saints thought they had nudged into the lead just after the half hour mark but McMillan was flagged offside after finding the back of the net.

More clear-cut opportunities started to arrive as the game ticked towards the break and striker Jackson Mylchreest was soon through on goal at the angle after a lovely pass from captain Scott Bright.

Mylchreest attempted to steer the ball in with his left foot, but the Partick goalkeeper spread himself well to block.

With 40 minutes on the clock, McMillan again had the ball in the back of the net following a terrific, lobbed effort. Again, the offside flag was up.

The referee, however, pulled play back for an earlier foul and, from the resulting free-kick, McCrystal’s effort crashed off the crossbar.

Saints would fall behind in the second half but showed character and resilience to bounce back as the game started to reach its latter stages.

McMillan, twice denied by the offside flag, would finally get his name on the scoresheet when he levelled proceedings with an impressive downwards header from six yards. Ellison was the architect with determined work and a pinpoint cross.

Almost immediately, McMillan was wheeling off in celebration again. This time he raced through on goal before keeping his composure to slot beyond the goalkeeper.

And in the end, it would prove to be the winner to add another three points to the Club Academy Scotland League total.