St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson has hailed his team’s “never say die” spirit as the Perth men dug out a precious point against St Mirren in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Goal of the season contenders are coming thick and fast for Saints this term and Nicky Clark’s overhead kick equaliser was certainly another one.
Clark made it 2-2 at the death after the visitors had to play for over half-an-hour with 10 men.
Davidson’s side are now four unbeaten in the Premiership, with this draw feeling every bit as good as the three victories that preceded it.
“I was getting frustrated because we’d had a few opportunities to get the ball into the box,” said the McDiarmid Park boss.
“We saw how difficult the conditions were and I’d said them at half-time, when you get into the final third, ask questions.
“We’d had a man sent-off so my blood was boiling at that point.
“But finally Ali Crawford put a great ball in and it was an unbelievable finish.
“We worked really hard and I think we got what we deserved.”
Davidson added: “We had to make four changes before the game and another four during it so that shows where the squad is.
“I thought we started the second half a little better and controlled the game until the sending off.
“But that changed it and then Mark (O’Hara) scores a wonder goal.
“We just had to take it on the chin.
“You saw that never say die attitude from the players.
“I probably over celebrated the goal a little bit too much! I don’t normally do that but I was just delighted to get a point.”
Fantastic signing
Clark has now scored four goals since arriving from Dundee United.
“So far he’s proved a fantastic signing,” said Davidson.
“We’ve been looking for that type of striker. He’s got the confidence. He knows he’ll start when he plays like that and he’s helped bring Stevie May on.
“We lost Stevie tonight because of illness so hopefully he’ll OK by Saturday.
“But Nicky’s proven to be a very good signing. Hopefully the goals will continue.”
Davidson had no issue with Alex Mitchell being sent off after a yellow card was upgraded to a red following VAR intervention.
“The young man was a little over exuberant,” he said. “He didn’t mean to. He thought the other player was going to slide in. It looks worse than it was.”
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