Millennium Champions: After the lord mayor's show

Last updated : 04 May 2010 By Stuart Gillespie

Although we'd won the two home games against Steve Paterson's side, we'd lost there twice in cups and only managed a draw in the league. In fact, it wouldn't be until the early part of the 2001/02 season we finally won there - and we then had to wait another five years for another success there!

No one was really too bothered about this game, but the Saints fans once again travelled in good numbers as they looked to enjoy a big day out. Saints rested players near suspension or suffering from injury, meaning starts for Joe McLaughlin - the final one of his career - Barry Lavety and Paul Rudden. Stephen Donnachie made the bench and came on for Lavety for what would be his only Saints appearance.

The game was a none event for the travelling support. Davide Xausa put Caley Thistle in front before Mark McCulloch and Barry Wilson scored about a minute apart to leave us 3-0 down at the break. with six minutes left Martin Bavidge added the fourth, prompting cries of "We want five" from the visiting fans. McCulloch duly obliged, with some of the Saints support cheering the goal.

At full time, the far travelled Buddies charged on to the field to celebrate the end of an unbelievable season. Eventually the players reappeared in the stand and manager Tom Hendrie addressed them. Some people seem to think this game is where the rot set in that ultimately led to relegation the following season, but that's utter nonsense. However, it might have been behind the numerous thrashings we seemed to suffer at Caley Thistle's hands over the next few years!

There was still one treat in store for the players and the fans. The day after the final game against Inverness, the Saints support lined the streets of Paisley as the players travelled through the town on an open top bus before showing off the trophy from the balcony of the town hall. The place was packed, bringing back memories of the glorious Scottish Cup win of 1987.

And so came to an end an unbelievable, unforgettable and incredible season. Big wins, last minute winners, drama and excitement - it really had it all. Will there ever be another season like it for Saints?