In a storyline reminiscent of shedding a long-standing curse, St Mirren finally overturned the daunting record against Derek McInnes, a manager who seemed almost invincible against our beloved Buddies. For over 30 confrontations, spanning multiple clubs and managerial stints, McInnes, a figure raised in Morton but born in Paisley, had dominated St Mirren. His victories were a bitter pill, particularly painful during his time at Kilmarnock, where the Saints once squandered a two-goal lead to lose 5-2.
However, on a tempestuous March afternoon, charged with an electric atmosphere at the SMISA Stadium, everything changed. The team, deprived of top scorer Toyosi Olusanya due to a suspension that was nothing short of ludicrous, stepped onto the pitch not just to play, but to conquer.
Caolan Boyd-Munce was the linchpin in this watershed match, arguably delivering his best performance in a Saints shirt. Beyond his two striking goals, Boyd-Munce's overarching influence on the game's tempo and dynamism was undeniable. With Jonah Ayunga and Roland Idowu spearheading the attack, the team scripted a narrative of relentless aggression and creativity, making the most of their combined strengths.
Ayunga, exuding the same electric aura that he brought with him to Paisley on his arrival under Robinson, complemented Idowu's mercurial creativity perfectly. The duo's synergy was too much for Kilmarnock defenders like Lewis Mayo and Joe Wright, turning what could have been a tactical standoff into a one-sided exhibition.
The defense, though sturdy throughout, showed a flicker of vulnerability when conceding a late penalty. Nonetheless, the reactions from Zach Hemming and his fellow teammates underscored the high standards the team now holds itself to — a clean sheet would have been the cherry on top of a perfect performance.
This victory wasn't just about breaking a personal jinx; it was a potent demonstration of St Mirren's potential under adversity — turning tactical adjustments into a thrilling display of football. The question remains, however: is this the beginning of a new era for the Saints, or merely a pause in the struggles against McInnes' tactics?
As we look forward, it's imperative for St Mirren to harness this electrifying performance and channel it into consistent results. With key players slowly returning to fitness and a tactical blueprint that seems to disrupt even the toughest opponents, the path ahead is promising. Could this season see the Buddies not only claim the Premiership but perhaps march triumphantly into the Scottish FA Cup final too? The signs are hopeful, and belief within the camp is stronger than ever.
Here's a chuckle to end on a lighthearted note, especially for those of us who relish a good rivalry: How many Greenock Morton fans does it take to change a light bulb? Just one — but they'll spend years arguing about whether it's as bright as the old one.
