Saints’ search for victory continues

The visitors struck in the 13th minute from a ball over the top which James Conington misjudged allowing Ross Skalley to run in behind unchallenged. 

Craig Maitland looked to have Skalley’s shot covered, however, the bounce deceived him and the ball nestled in the bottom corner to give Glenvale the lead.

Saints were slow to recover and didn’t threaten again until the 21st minute when David Beaton broke on the left before sending a low cross to the far post which Connor Moore couldn’t direct on target.
Moore was in again four minutes later, however, after timing his run well to reach Gavin Forgrieve’s through ball, he shot tamely into the arms of Ryan Kerrse. 

The Glenvale keeper faced a sterner test ten minutes before the interval, extending himself well at the feet of David Beaton after Drew Murray, Fraser MacFarlane and Connor Moore had combined well on the left.

Murray’s 38th minute free-kick from the left corner of the 18-yard box after Gavin Forgrieve had been upended was headed into the path of Alec McInroy whose cushioned volley was easily gathered by keeper Kerrse.

Glenvale’s Lewis Quinn made a vital interception to prevent a Drew Murray cross from the left reaching Connor Moore, before Alec McInroy and Fraser MacFarlane linked up well to play in Moore for a 44th minute effort inches wide of target.

Scott Maitland’s curled shot past the junction of post and crossbar from 22 yards brought to an end the first 45 minutes with manager Ross Maitland demanding an increase in application from his troops for the second half.

It was an encouraging start to the second half from the home side with Fraser MacFarlane meeting David Beaton’s right wing cross with a flying diving header which narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Saints passed up a glorious chance to get back on level terms when David Beaton’s 49th minute free-kick came back off Ryan Kerrse’s right-hand post into the path of young Alec McInroy who steered the rebound off target.
James Conington and Fraser MacFarlane made way for Shaye Black and Rhys Millar after 52 minutes. 

Saints were still adjusting to the changes when Derek McIntyre found Ross Skalley on the left and Craig Maitland in the Saints goal produced an excellent save low to his left to keep the deficit at one.

The Glenvale back line were defending manfully, making vital interceptions to block cutbacks from David Beaton and Rhys Millar before Saints made their third change of the afternoon, sending on Matty Pollock to replace Alec McInroy.

Pollock released Connor Moore through the inside right channel but his run was cut short in the Glenvale 18-yard box when he was brought down by Ryan Kerrse. 

Referee Pat O’Donnell had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot from where David Beaton dispatched a 66th minute equaliser.

Pollock had a 74th minute shot from the edge of the box saved by Ryan Kerrse before the referee was called to make another penalty decision. 

Connor Moore was poised to pull the trigger on the corner of the six-yard box when he was unceremoniously bundled over by Barry Mills. 

This time, however, Mr O’Donnell saw no infringement and allowed play to continue.

Saints hit the woodwork for a second time when Connor Moore climbed well against Craig Hazley to head Drew Murray’s delivery from the left back across the face of goal, shaving a couple of coats of paint off the outside of the post on its way wide.

With six minutes remaining on Mr O’Donnell’s watch,  Ruaridh Horne made way for Keiran Griffin as Saints switched to a back three.

In the three minutes of stoppage time allowed by Mr O’Donnell, there was still no way through for the goal shy Saints with the hard-working visitors well worthy of their point.

This Saturday, Saints travel to North Lanarkshire to face Scottish Premier AFA Premiership highflyers AFC Chryston. 

The game is at Carrick Park, Glenboig, with a 1.30pm kick-off.