TT and Nicky Say Goodbye

Before the game we had our chance to say goodbye to Paisley Panda and Junior P. Both are retiring after over 5 years of entertaining the fan and police warnings, and a new Panda, complete with a new suit, will be in place for next season. Best wishes to them.

To say this game was boring would be an understatement. There were just over 3,000 at Love Street and with just over 2,000 season ticket holders, that means almost 1,000 people paid. They must have been wishing they'd stayed at home than turned up at Love Street. As much as I think what happened at Somerset was a disgrace, I wish we'd had a pitch invasion (no goal posts being broken, we're skint) or a mass brawl to liven things up. Sadly, all we got was some shocking refereeing decisions.

In the first half Saints had few chances. Goalie John Hillcoat either had a knock or realised he can't kick a ball for toffee as he was rolling it out or playing short passes as much as possible. Falkirk put in some shocking tackles, yet no one was booked. Brian McGinty was looking good up front, alongside a poor Steven McGarry. Jose Quitongo missed only his second game of the season, the other one also being against Falkirk. Falkirk's number 11 was lucky not to be sent off for diving and then shocking challenges, and it was sheer fortune someone didn't turn round and deck him for being an annoying wee player.

At half time McGinty was replaced with Simon Lappin, making his debut. Minutes in some Falkirk sub got booked for a blatant dive. 10 minutes later Tommy Turner was booked for nothing, compared to some of the other tackles. From what I can remember, that was it bookings wise, referee Willie Young obviously not keen to book people in the final game.

The best Saints chance came via Ricky Gillies, who tried an overhead kick which Myles Hogarth palmed round the post. Back in defence, David Lowing was having another good game after his debut against Clyde.

With 10 minutes remaining, Iain Nicolson made his Love Street exit, being replaced by Paul Rudden. He received a standing ovation from the fans after his fine performances for St. Mirren in his four years with the club, especially during the title season. Since the winter break last season, and his sending off in Marbella, Nicky has never been given a fair go and it seems, despite what he and Hendrie say, something is not right between them. The fact he didn't talk to Hendrie after being subbed, and is being released, will only help to increase the conspiracies surrounding him.

5 minutes later it was Tommy Turner's turn to be subbed, having being made captain for the day. He was replaced by Graham Guy, making his debut, and TT received an even bigger ovation than Nicky. Turner captained the club to the title a few years ago, and had recovered well after almost being shown a few years ago under Tony Fitzpatrick for an incident with a fan. Turner has been with us for over 6 years, this season being used sparingly as he was also the club's under 21 coach. Mirren Mad wishes both Turner and Nicolson, and the other released players, all the best.

All that was then left was to play out an extremely boring end to the season, then go home. Here's to next season.