U18s semi-final preview

Match information

The match will take place this Friday the 3rd of March at 7pm, on the main pitch.

Free entry (Gates open at 6pm)

Donation buckets on site for youth academy

Kiosk's open

Free parking 

Muirton Bar opens at 5.30pm

Home fans - Turnstiles 1/2/3/4

Away fans - Turnstiles 6/7 

Last time out 

Saints

Saints faced Tayside rivals Dundee United in the quarter final, eventually running out 2-1 winners with a dramatic last minute goal. 

Goals from Jackson Mylchreest and Brodie Dair cancelled out a first half United penalty, and were enough to get Liam Craig’s side into the next round of the cup. Saints are now into the last 4 of the competition, only one game away from a showpiece final at Hampden Park.

Read full match report 

Watch the highlights here 

Road to the Semi-Finals

1st Round - Partick Thistle 2-3 St. Johnstone 

The young Saints began their Scottish Youth Cup journey on the road, taking on Partick Thistle away from home. They came out on top in a hotly contested match, edging out their opponents 3-2. Joe Ellison, Bailey Pert and Jackson Mylchreest bagged the goals as Liam Craig and Alec Clelland got their side off to a victorious start in the cup.

2nd Round - Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-2 St. Johnstone 

Saints continued their journey with yet another tricky away tie, this time being drawn to face Inverness Caledonian thistle on the road. It was another tight game for the youngsters, but they showed their determination and quality when it mattered, once again. Once again, Ellison and Pert were on the scoresheet as the visitors won the match 2-1.  

3rd Round - St. Johnstone 6-1 Falkirk 

Going into the third round of the competition, the young Saintees finally had a home draw to look forward to. This time around, they would be hosting Falkirk. Saints went into this one with confidence flowing throughout the squad, backed up with a 12 game unbeaten run in all competitions. 

The home side were unstoppable on the day, dominating the match and this resulted in a demonstration of free flowing attacking football. Ben McCrystal bagged a brace, whilst Pert, Mylchreest, Lewis Bennet and Fran Franczak all also got on the scoresheet. The visitors netted a consolation goal too, which resulted in a final score of 6-1. 

On the day Saints ran riot and proved their credentials as a potential challenger for this season’s youth cup. They were fairly comfortable throughout the match and this excellent home performance earned them a deserved place in the quarter finals. 

4th Round - St. Johnstone 2-1 Dundee United

Saints were drawn to play tayside rivals Dundee United at home in the quarter final, with both sides battling it out to get to the next round, with the aim of being a part of that final 4.

Dundee United provided the toughest test yet for the young Saintees, with the visitors taking the lead from the penalty spot just on the verge of half-time. Despite controlling most of the game, Saints had failed to convert their chances and went into the break behind. 

They remained a goal down until top goalscorer Mylchreest does what he does best, turning his marker and firing home to pull his side level. Saints then kept pushing and eventually got a late, late, winner in the 90th minute. 15 year old super sub Brodie Dair nudged home from close range to bag the winner, earning Saints youth their place in the Semi-finals. 

The under-18s were drawn against Celtic in the Semi-final, which will be played on home soil on Friday the 3rd of March. If they can find their way past the visitors on Friday night, they will play either Rangers or Hamilton at Hampden Park in pursuit of the elusive Scottish Youth Cup.