Last gasp Saints

 Built like a heavyweight boxer, Uche Ikpeazu used his strength to turn and poke his shot behind Ross Munro to win this tie that was on a knife edge as we approached full time, just when we were all getting ready for a penalty kick shoot-out. St Johnstone had dominated possession in the opening 45' without threatening to run away with the game. Billy Mckay, looking suspiciously offside spurned an early chance for the hosts as the flag stayed down with keeper Toby Steward blocking the strikers effort from inside the box as he bore down on goal after slack defensive work by the visitors. Thereafter, the first half mainly belonged to St Johnstone's possession game but clear cut chances were at a premium. Best moment was Ross Munro acrobatically clawing away a header from Adama Sibideh and Jamie Gullan might have done better than blasting an effort over the bar as Saint's enjoyed the majority of the ball. After the break we looked more positive going forward, especially after the hour when Jordan Alonge and Liam Sole replaced Wotherspoon and Billy Mckay. Liam Sole is a bag of tricks with plenty of pace and he troubled the Perth defence, something we were unable to do often enough in the first half. Alfie Stewart saw his free kick from 25 yards tipped over the bar as we pressed for the opener. Desperate defending kept Sole at bay and just when penalties looked inevitable came the sucker punch from the big man. Sickener after we looked in control of the second half. Joe Chalmers almost sprung a surprise direct from the subsequent restart, the keeper back tracking to tip his on target shot from the halfway spot over the bar and Sole produced another dazzling run past dozens of players before his shot was deflected just wide. Alas, we just came up short in what turned into an entertaining game after a drab first half.

Full Time: 0-1

A tough one to take after competing well for long spells in the game. The introduction of Sole and Alonge gave us more energy and flair and we were unfortunate not to take advantage of that injection they gave us. St Johnstone did what they needed to do and got their reward right at the end.

The other game in our group saw East Kilbride beat Elgin City 1-4

Our two final games are both away ties at East Kilbride & Raith Rovers

Nobody said it would be easy.

Video highlights from Premier Sports TV

No, Listen... he went that way

Match reaction from CTO

tm4tj: Much livelier second half, especially when Sole and Alonge came on. Sole has been the most exciting player I have seen up here for a loooong time. He has plenty tricks in his bag and almost scored a sensational goal after beating abput nine players before his strike was deflected just wide. Strength was what got Perth their goal, nothing else. Excited for the season ahead with Sole ready to rip up League1. Alonge looks quality as well.

Hiro: Not much between the teams. I think we played some decent stuff, unlike under our previous manager it looks like there's a point to what we're doing. Shocking goal to give away, Danny will be really disappointed with that defending, fell for Ikpeazu's only trick.

Huisdean: As for the game, we were good in parts and probably deserved a draw. Still tend to overplay too much around the box though, please just shoot if the opportunity presents its self. Today was also a good workout in terms of fitness.

Doofers Dad: In general, I think we played pretty well today. Judging by the numbers of supporters who were standing in the main stand to applaud the team off the pitch at the end of the game, I would say most would agree with me.

Date:  19/07/2025  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1585 Referee: Graham Grainger 

 Inverness CT: 0

• Manager: Scott Kellacher

• Lineup:  Munro; MacLeod, Devine, Savage, Strachan, Allan, Wotherspoon (Alogne 60), Chalmers

• Longstaff (Corner 69), Stewart (Kerr 92), B Mckay (Sole)

• Subs (not used):  Ross; R Thompson, S Thompson, Nixon, Keogh,

• Scorers: none

• Booked: none

• Sent Off: none

St Johnstone: 1

• Manager: Simo Valakari

• Lineup:  Stewart; Tumilty, Diabate, Foulds, Boyes, Gullan (Svedberg 64), Sprangler (McAlear 65),

• Holt, McPake (Steven 80), Kirk (Ikpeazu 80), Sibideh (Mallan (46))

• Subs (not used): Baird; Bright, Franczak, Thomson

• Scorers: Ikpeazu (90)

• Booked: McAlear (73), Foulds (74)

• Sent Off: none