Scottish Cup: Buddies boss understands the boo boys

Published on Sunday 6 February 2011 13:56

Danny Lennon fully understood the frustration of St Mirren fans when they booed his decision to replace two-goal hero Craig Dargo in the closing stages of Saturday's Scottish Cup fifth-round win over Ayr United at Somerset Park.

The former Kilmarnock striker opened the scoring in fine style in the seventh minute when he drilled a low shot past United keeper David Crawford before doubling the visitors' lead with a well-taken breakaway goal seconds before the interval.

However, he missed a great chance just after the break to secure the match ball and finish a tie which was then brought to life in the 57th minute when Ayr skipper Mark Roberts scored a penalty. And as the Irn-Bru Second Division side took control of the game, the Buddies boss brought midfielder Kenny McLean on for Dargo but it was a substitution that met with vociferous disapproval from the travelling support.

However, Lennon explained: "I thought Dargo was terrific for us. He gave us his all but he has lacked games and he showed some fatigue..

"I totally understand the fans' reaction because he did look a threat at any given time but we also had to make sure we protected what we had.".

St Mirren will now face Aberdeen in the quarter-final.