Dunne starts as 10 man St Johnstone narrowly defeated
St Johnstone under 20’s were back in action this evening, lining up against Celtic at the Excelsior stadium, home of Airdrieonians. New Saints loan signing James Dunne was in from the start and would be looking to impress ahead of the league cup semi final clash with Aberdeen, on Saturday.
But it was Celtic’s new capture that caught the eye in the early stages of the match. Stefan Johansen broke the deadlock with just twelve minutes on the clock, notching his first goal for the club. However, it wasn’t a classic. A deep corner from the left eventually found its way to Johansen, who, through a mass of bodies, prodded the ball beyond Bunting. They all count.
The Perth side battled their way back into the contest and threatened on a couple of occasions. Firstly, Gray’s attempted delivery into the area came back off the crossbar; much to the delight of Celtic stopper Fasan. Moments later, Coultress found space on the edge of the box but his vicious drive failed to find the target. Up the other end, Chalmers flashed the ball across the face of the goal for the onrushing Herron. With the goal gaping, he somehow sent the ball wide.
Into the second half and the first chance fell to the feet of Fortnam-Tomlinson. His effort, however, went harmlessly over the bar, after being played through by an intelligent Easton pass. That was to be Easton’s last influence on the game. Already on a yellow card, he was shown a second for dissent, after a heated discussion with the referee.
A minute later, Celtic almost benefited. A low cross from the left hand side was spilled by Bunting, but Fridjonsson failed to capitalize, instead smashing past the post.
Although a man short, St Johnstone pushed forward for the equaliser. Dunne drove powerfully through the middle of the park, before laying off MacKenzie who proceeded to send the ball flying high and wide. A chance for Celtic quickly followed, this time Lindsay taking his turn to send the ball over the bar.
The Perth side continued to hold off Celtic. Strong play from Fridjonsson was followed by a quick turn and shot, which was comfortably saved by Bunting. A tiring St Johnstone side felt aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty in the 85th minute. Eyes were focused on the referee as he waved away claims for a pull on Gilchrist, much to the annoyance of the Saints youngsters.
St Johnstone did have the ball in the back of the net with three minutes remaining, however, MacKenzie was deemed to have used an arm to bring the ball down. Celtic passed the ball around confidently for the remainder of the game to secure a hard fought, but deserved victory.
St Johnstone team: Bunting, Gray, Stewart, Gilchrist, MacKenzie, Joyce, Brown, Dunne (Steeves), D. Easton, F-Tomlinson, Coultress.
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