Super Sub Carey secures Saints ticket to Hampden

Venue: The Home of The Set Fare Arena Time: 19:45 Date: 10/03/25 St Johnstone grabbed a late winner to advance them to the semi-finals in what was a game of two halves.  After a slight delay to kick-off due to the travelling fans’ firework display, the game was underway. After a cross into the box found him unmarked, Jason Holt had an early chance at the far post. Holt was unable to make any real contact on it, though, leaving the game 0-0. The first card came just four minutes in as Duke-McKenna was second to the ball when challenging Jamie Brandon. As a result, Livingston had a free kick and their first chance. A well-delivered set piece found Robbie Muirhead, but his header was well saved by Andrew Fisher. Another chance came Livingstons’ way as Andrew Shinnie got onto the end of a loose ball. He took his touch to compose himself at the edge of the box but fired his shot just wide of the post. After an impressive start, Livingston had yet another chance. A long throw was met by Danny Wilson, whose header was once again saved by Fisher. 20 minutes in, Adama Sidibeh had the ball in the back of the net. A cross from the right found him alone at the penalty spot. However, his goal was chopped off due to an offside. In the 25th minute, Muirhead had the biggest chance of the game. Tete Yengi laid the ball to him just outside the six-yard box. However, he fired his shot way over the bar. The second booking came 33 minutes into the game, as Ryan McGowan fouled Sidibeh on the halfway line. Preventing a St Johnstone counterattack. As halftime approached, the home side looked far more comfortable in the game. They created more chances and prevented the away side from having any real time on the ball. St Johnstone lacked possession and were second to most balls, stopping them from having any real threat. It was the away team with the first chance in the second half. After a free kick, the ball found its way to MaKenzie Kirk, who had his effort at goal saved. Ten minutes into the second half, St Johnstone looked the better team. They got the ball down more and controlled the game. Livingstons first chance of the second half came courtesy of Yengi. His run and pass to Stephen Kelly gave him the chance of a shot. However, the finish lacked compusure and was put over the bar. Graham Carey opened the scoring just minutes after being subbed on. The left-footed shot from way outside the box sailed into the top right corner, leaving Jerome Prior watching as the ball flew in. In the 84th minute, St Johnstone had a huge chance to put the game to bed. Jason Holt made his way to the by-line, cutting it back to Drey Wright. However, his shot was hit with too much power and finished far over the bar. For a moment, Livingston had 12 players on the field. It took Don Roberston a short time to realise, and the mistake was quickly rectified with play resuming. Livingston failed to capitalise on their first-half dominance, allowing St Johnstone to take control in the second-half. St Johnstone came out in the second half the better team, taking their chance and winning the game. Graham Carey wonder strike It took until the 73rd minute of the game for a team to score. It was the away team who managed to gain the advantage. After the ball found its way to Carey, he took his touch and thundered his effort into the top corner, clipping the bar on its way in. The St Johnstone fans erupted as it looked to secure their ticket to Hampden. Graham Carey was not long on the pitch, and his goal will certainly be one to remember. Managers Comments: David Martindale: “We had more than enough chances to win the game. Two big saves from Fisher and poor executions from us with other chances” Simo Valakari: “We needed some Magic; we needed some heroics. Andy Fisher kept us in the game…We changed our defensive shape at half time, and I think that made the second half much, much easier for us. Then again, we need some magic, a hero, and Graham Carey gave us that.” Referee: D.Robertson Attendance:2,503 Lineups: Livingston: J.Prior, R.McGowan, S.Pittman(R.Fraser), T.Yengi, S.Kelly, J.Brandon(M. Clarke), A.Shinnie(M.Ubochnioma), R.Muirhead(D.Finlayson), M.Tait, C.Montano(R.McAleer), D.Wilson Subs: J.Hamilton, M.Clarke, R.McAlear, R.Fraser, L.Smith, D.Finlayson, M.Ubochioma, M.Nottingham. Manager: D.Martindale St Johnstone: A. Fisher, D.Balodis, Z.Mitchell, J.Holt, O.Svedberg(G.Carey), A.Sidibeh, S.Duke-McKenna(D.Wright), S.Sprangler, M.Kirk, B.Douglas, S.Curtis Subs: R.Sinclair, N.Clark, G.Carey, D.Wright, T. Steven, J. McPake, B.Kimpioka, E.Watt Manager: S.Valakari