St Mirren Under-18s had to be “patient” against Queen’s Park in their quest to reach the semi-finals of the Scottish Youth Cup.
The young Buddies did it the hard way after going to penalties – with rising star Evan Mooney scoring their only goal during regulation when the game ended 1-1.
It was keeper Grant Tamosevicius who proved to be vital in the shoot-out with two saves before Queen’s Park missed their last penalty and seal a 3-2 success for Saints.
Mooney gave the Saints the lead at Lochinch after he converted a penalty having gone close with chances earlier in Sunday’s match. However, the advantage did not last long as the Spiders got back on level terms shortly before the break.
Stephen McGinn’s side stepped up the pace as they searched for a winner towards the end of the contest – and almost managed the breakthrough.
Mooney was once again involved in the action as he almost turned provider for Struan Thompson who had nipped in at the near post but his effort was tipped wide.
When the final whistle went, spot-kicks were required to settle affairs with Tamosevicius saving Queen’s Park’s first spot-kick but Carrick McEvoy saw his penalty saved by the Spiders keeper.
Lyle Hunter would level it at 1-1 after Queen’s Park had gone ahead in the shoot-out. Tamosevicius came up trumps as he saved another spot-kick which allowed Owen Carey to put Saints 2-1 ahead after three penalties each.
Queen’s Park netted their fourth penalty with Thompson firing home a crucial strike to keep Saints’ advantage intact. That would turn out to be the winning spot-kick after Queen’s Park’s fifth and final penalty rattled off the bar.
McGinn praised his team and admitted he “fancied” them to come out on top because he knew how good Tamosevicius was between the sticks.
“I don’t know [how to feel],” he reflected, “it was a long afternoon. Queen’s Park played really well and they caused us a lot of problems as they keep the ball well.
“We had to be really patient in the game off the ball at times but, ultimately, a cup tie is about getting through to the next round and I’m delighted for Grant in goals and the boys who stood up to take a penalty.
“I was quite confident and I thought the Queen’s Park goalie was outstanding, too, with a couple of brilliant saves. I thought that it was going to be a good battle between them…and I fancied him to save a couple.”
Saints will now face Dundee, the winner of the Livingston-Ross County tie or the winner of the Kilmarnock-Montrose match-up. The draw will take place in due course.
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