St Johnstone 0 - 0 Ross County: Caution allows chasing pack to draw strength

Published on Saturday 7 March 2009 18:50

SAINTS extended their unbeaten league run to 21 games with this 10th draw in 13 matches and although they clearly are a difficult side to beat, the challengers must live in hope unless the leaders can start turning on the victories in the 10 games that remain.

Unbeaten since the end of August, they are a solid unit, but their caution could see them sail very close to the wind come the final day of the season and County kept them at bay yesterday with little difficulty.

In the sixth minute, Paul Sheerin delivered in a dangerous free kick and Derek Holmes laid the ball across goal for Colin Samuel, whose header from six yards out brought out a fine reaction save from Derek Soutar.

Then Craig Brewster used his experience to hold off Stuart McCaffrey before playing Steven Craig clear at the edge of the Saints box. The striker, however, stabbed his feet on the ground and the shot went harmlessly wide.

Veteran striker Brewster again caught the eye, making a dangerous run towards the back post in attempting to latch onto a Craig cross and only calm defending from Gary Irvine thwarted a goal chance.

Colin Samuel went on an adventurous 30-yard solo run that took him into the County box and despite the attention of four defenders, he managed to unleash a shot that skimmed the far post.

Sean Higgins got into a good position in the box – however, Alan Main punched Paul Lawson's cross to safety.

Saints ran out of ideas and Soutar twice saved easily from two Derek Holmes half-chances.