Saints singing in the rain after Flynn strike
St Mirren manager Oran Kearney admitted his players have given themselves something he couldn’t give them.
Grabbing an ugly victory against Livingston made it a beautiful day for the Paisley fans.
Ryan Flynn’s dramatic lastminute winner will have sent confidence levels soaring amongst the Buddies’ players.
They now look like they’ve a genuine chance of escaping the drop after closing the gap at the bottom of the table to just one point.
Kearney’s men never stopped fighting for a win despite horrendous weather conditions and got their reward right at the death.
He said: “The players must go forward with extra belief now.
“I don’t care how good a manager you are or how inspirational you think you are, there’s nothing that enthuses players more or gives them more confidence than a result on the pitch.
“There’s nothing I can say that would be as powerful as what they’ve achieved in this game.
“That’s why it’s so important to grab this and push on.
“I told the players it wasn’t pretty, it was ugly, but we got three points and they should get ready for another 10 games like this.
“It’s a long time since I’ve experienced a last-minute goal – too long, probably – and you tend to forget the joy they can bring.
“Some of the players have been here longer than me, but others have been here for only five or six weeks and don’t have the baggage or scars from earlier.
“They are out to win games and that’s refreshed the group and energised everybody.”
We often hear playing conditions used as an excuse for a poor game, but it was impossible not to feel some sympathy for the players on this occasion.
Periods of swirling wind and rain saw the ball sailing about like a balloon at times.
Livingston edged the possession in the first half and tried to capitalise on that by moving to a two-man attack shortly after the break.
Ryan Hardie joined Chris Erskine up front but clear-cut chances didn’t come their way. But the two players would combine right at the death and create a goal that had the home fans singing in the rain.
Jackson took advantage of Erskine losing possession and jinked his way into the penalty area. His shot was pushed out by Kelly, and Flynn managed to prod the ball home.
The Buddies are now just one point behind Dundee and look like they’re on an upward curve after draws at Hearts and Aberdeen.
Dens Park boss manager Jim Mcintyre was there to watch the game, alongside St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright, Hamilton’s Brian Rice and former Livi gaffer David Hopkin. Matchwinner Flynn, who got his first goal in 13 months, hopes the result is a sign of things changing.
He said: “It’s a massive result and means we’re back in the mix.
“Livingston have made it difficult for everyone throughout the season and to beat them is very pleasing.
“My last goal came against them but that was in a defeat.
“I don’t care if we’re known as an ugly side. Points are points and we need to use this and kick on.”