Miguel Freckleton reflected on his game-winner at Paisley over Hearts and declared: “That was a big three points for us.”
St Mirren have been on a poor run and struggling to score goals but the 88th minute header could prove a massive lift for the Premier Sports Cup winners as they bid to move away from the basement area in the William Hill Premiership.
English-born Freckleton admitted to Sky Sports that it was about keeping a clean sheet as Hearts carry a goal threat, but the spotlight fell on him for his bullet header.
He added: “We’re looking up and taking positives.”
Jacob Devaney, on loan from Manchester United, said he enjoyed his debut, taking it in his stride, and loved the atmosphere.
He also felt he fitted into the St Mirren team well and was pleased with his performance, even if the game was a lot different to what his is used to.
Stephen Robinson, Saints’ manager, felt his men started well and missed some clear-cut chances, but they were patient and were rewarded against the league leaders.
He added: “That was more like ourselves and we can start to build momentum. We worked hard to get it and deserved it. That’s four games unbeaten.”
Derek McInnes, Hearts’ head coach, said his men were responsible for going down to ten men and added that Hearts got caught under the ball at the late goal which arrived from a set-piece where numerical advantage should not matter.
He added: “We knew St Mirren would come after us but we refused to play in behind them. What the game did need was for us to play in behind them a lot more.”
Overall, he said: “Credit to St Mirren, they kept going and asking us questions, but it was difficult to take. We caused our own problems, down to ten. After that there are no complaints about the effort of the team.”
McInnes had no complaints about the red card but said that the players “refusal” to pay forward got them into a fankle and Craig Halkett having to make a last-gasp challenge, no blame on him.
He added: “You can’t keep putting yourself at risk losing a man. We need to learn from this.”
DIFFICULT TO TAKE: That’s the verdict of Derek McInnes over the narrow defeat at St Mirren. Picture Nigel Duncan
