Magic Mika Mandron stars as St Mirren maul Motherwell to book Premier Sports Cup Final spot - 5 talking points
Stephen Robinson's side were too good as they secured a first final spot since they lifted the same trophy in 2013.
St Mirren fans called for Faith over Fear in their impressive pre-match tifo.
And on All Saints Day of all dates their heroes answered their call with a performance packed with grit and guile to book a first cup final since they lifted the League Cup in 2013.
Unplayable Mikael Mandron marked his 100th Buddies appearance with a double - and an assist for both Dan Nlundulu and Richard King - as Motherwell were blown away despite being given hope with Callum Hendry’s late goal.
Final spot booked. And on this evidence Stephen Robinson’s side will fancy going the whole hog no matter if they face Rangers or Celtic in next month’s final.
They streaked ahead in the 25th minute - but not without controversy.
Whether Alex Gogic got a touch on Declan John’s low corner was unclear but it was enough to deceive Lukas Fadinger and the ball broke kindly to Mandron who slammed home from eight yards.
Well weren’t happy though. And TV replays soon showed a free kick leading to the corner had been taken by Gogic while the ball was still moving.
Well looked for an instant response and Shamal George had to save from Apostolos Stamatelopolous.
But it was St Mirren who netted again five minutes before the break. Mandron turned midway inside the Well half and his threaded pass deflected off Elijah Just into the path of Nlundulu who took a touch to tee himself up before thrashing an unstoppable effort high past Ward.
The Steelmen were throwing everything at it. And they were rewarded with seven minutes to go when a quick free kick released Tom Sparrow and his cut back was despatched by Callum Hendry.
But King put the game to bed on 86 minutes when he latched onto Mandron’s return ball and slid under Ward.
And man of the match Mandron ensured he had the final say as he slammed home after Killian Phillips had struck the bar with a spectacular volley.
5 talking points
Buddie marvellous
The Saints march on to the final. And over the piece the Paisley men deserved the win for sheer effort and a clinical edge.
Stephen Robinson admitted he’d ditched his lucky pants ahead of this Hampden showdown. Fortune certainly favoured the Buddies before they gave Motherwell the slip though as the officials failed to spot the moving ball at the free kick leading to the opener.
Saints made the advantage count. They were stronger in the middle, won more second balls and made less unforced errors. Ultimately they were more clinical when the chances dropped.
Robinson’s Buddies have proved in recent times they know how to cause both sides of the Old Firm problems - and they will fancy their chances of an upset in next month’s final as they look to follow the Saints class of 2013 into the history books.
Magic Mika
Magnificent Mikael Mandron stuck the knife into his former club with a sensational display to mark his 100th appearance in style.
His opener was everything that you’d want in a striker, as he showed strength and awareness before burying his shot in a packed box. He then played in Nlundulu and Richard King before deservedly finishing the scoring with another clinical strike.
Nothing in his previous 99 appearances would rival this. On top of all his goal contributions he emptied the tank and never gave the Well rearguard a second’s peace.
Power play
This was billed as a collision of styles at Hampden and it was St Mirren’s tougher, more streetwise and ultimately less risky approach that won. Saints’ intention is always to waste as little time as possible in their own half and get the ball forward to play in the final third. But that doesn't mean they always miss out their excellent midfield.
Up against Motherwell’s risk and reward possession game it was a battle of the bravest. Hampden’s huge spaces certainly appeared to favour Well at times in the second half especially as they pinned the Paisley side back.
But Saints' powerful engine room trio of Killian Phillips, Mark O’Hara and Keanu Baccus were never going to settle for second best and, together with their rock solid back three led by warrior Alex Gogic, squeezed the space, defended their box expertly and took their chances when they dropped.
There's quality throughout Stephen Robinson's side. On the flanks Declan John and Jayden Richardson provided serious threats going forward all evening while the middle trio carry a real balance and purpose in their play. But the front two of Mandron and Nlundulu were standouts on an evening where the Buddies found their lethal touch.
Dane fine
Jens Berthel Askou has embraced everything Motherwell stands for just as quickly as his side has bought into his bold playing style.
The big Dane and his players even chipped in to help fund an impressive tifo which read - against the backdrop of the former Ravenscraig steelworks and the 1991 heroes lifting the Scottish Cup - ‘Hard Times Come and Go but Moments Like These Last Forever’.
Unfortunately on this occasion all the will in the world wasn’t enough to book a cup final spot. They threw everything at the Buddies after the break but, despite Hendry’s late goal, came up short.
Well angry
If Don Robertson was hoping for a quiet afternoon in a half-full Hampden then he was soon to be disappointed. Motherwell were furious after St Mirren’s opener and while it wasn’t quite clear why at first, it soon became clear when TV replays showed the free kick which led to the corner from which Mandron scored was taken in the wrong place - and with the ball still moving slightly by Gogic. With VAR unable to intervene the goal was allowed to stand.