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St Mirren Dominates Motherwell 4-1, Securing Premier Sports Cup Final Spot!

Published 7 hours ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
St Mirren Dominates Motherwell 4-1, Securing Premier Sports Cup Final Spot!

St Mirren secured their place in the Scottish League Cup Final for the first time in twelve years, with Mikael Mandron delivering a star performance on "All Saints Day." Marking his 100th appearance for the Buddies, the French-born forward scored a crucial double as Stephen Robinson’s side defeated former club Motherwell with a commanding 4-1 victory at Hampden, setting up a showdown with either Celtic or Rangers next month.

The match began with an inspiring atmosphere, as both sets of fans showcased impressive tifo displays. St Mirren's supporters, in particular, conveyed the message 'All Saints Day – Faith Over Fear.' Motherwell, despite a stronger start dominating possession and territory with early chances from Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ibrahim Said, failed to convert. These missed opportunities proved costly when, in the 25th minute, a low corner from Declan John was back-flicked by Alex Gogic into Mandron's path, who clinically slammed home the opener.

Motherwell attempted a swift response, with keeper Shamal George making a save from Stamatelopoulos's powerful shot. However, St Mirren's clinical finishing made the difference. Just before half-time, Miguel Freckleton fed Mandron, whose ball forward ricocheted kindly off Elliot Watt to Dan Nlundulu. The 26-year-old striker powerfully struck the ball into the far corner of the net past keeper Calum Ward’s despairing dive, scoring his third goal in as many games and sending St Mirren into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Entering the second half with a dream lead, St Mirren drew upon their reservoir of experience to manage the game. Motherwell, making multiple changes and pushing for a comeback, saw a Callum Slattery curler beaten away by George and Tawanda Maswanhise unable to connect with an Elliot Just cross. St Mirren also had great chances to extend their lead, with Jonah Ayunga setting up Mandron who struck the post from close range, and Killian Phillips somehow skewing wide from a clean-through position.

These spurned opportunities kept the door ajar for Motherwell, who capitalized in the 83rd minute. A miscue by substitute Richard King allowed Regan Charles-Cook to press the accelerator and feed Tom Sparrow, whose low cross into the box was converted by Callum Hendry, halving the deficit. However, St Mirren quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback. King, whose Jamaican homeland was battered by Hurricane Melissa, dispossessed Emmanuel Longelo, played a one-two with Mandron and fired in a low shot which spun up off Ward and bounced into the net. Moments later, Mandron book-ended the fabulous win with a crisp finish after Killian Phillips had rattled the bar, with VAR unable to sour the moment.

The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 triumph for St Mirren, culminating in an outpouring of joy and a well-deserved place in the League Cup Final. Mandron's double, alongside goals from Nlundulu and King, showcased a formidable performance that resonated with the 'All Saints Day – Faith Over Fear' message from their supporters, promising a memorable silverware showdown next month.

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