Bell's Challenge Cup semi-finals

Published on Sunday 25 September 2005 00:22

ST JOHNSTONE v HAMILTON

These sides met in the second week of the league back in the middle of August and it was St Johnstone who left New Douglas Park with all three points after a Stephen Dobbie goal was enough for a 1-0 win. For much of their run to the last four St Johnstone have been pretty comfortable, beating Alloa 2-0 in the first round and trashing Raith 5-1 in the quarter-finals. However, it was their second-round clash with Partick which stands out, the Saints eventually prevailing 4-3 on penalties after a 4-4 draw at Firhill.

Hamilton's progress has seen them keep clean sheets in their three games to date. After opening with a 3-0 win at Queen's Park, their 1-0 win away to Ross County in the second round was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. They then beat Dundee 2-0 at home in the quarter-finals.

ST MIRREN v MORTON

There has only been one Renfrewshire derby in the last five years, St Mirren running out 3-2 winners in the first round of the League Cup in September 2002.

All St Mirren's ties so far have been decided by the odd goal, 1-0 against Forfar, 2-1 at Queen of the South and 3-2 against Stenhousemuir in the last eight. Morton, meanwhile, started off with a 3-2 over Gretna, beat Brechin 2-0 in the second round and triumphed 2-1 away to Stirling to get to the semi-finals.

Despite being a division apart, their league form suggests a close game, as both were sitting second in their respective leagues going into the weekend. And that's before they consider that local bragging rights are at stake.