Objectives from Dan Nlundulu and Jake Younger helped St Mirren defeat Partick Thistle 2-1 to e-book their place within the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
It’s a third look at Hampden this season for the League Cup winners, whose cup type stands in distinction to their struggles within the Premiership, the place they sit tenth.
Ben Stanway’s second-half strike gave Thistle hope however the Championship aspect couldn’t unearth a second aim that might have taken the tie to additional time.
Victory means St Mirren will face Celtic within the semi-finals in a repeat of the League Cup closing, which Stephen Robinson’s group received 3-1.
St Mirren made two modifications following their defeat at Dundee United. In got here Declan John and Younger, with Scott Tanser and Roland Idowu making method.
Thistle additionally made two modifications from their goalless draw with Arbroath. Oisin Smyth was ineligible to play towards his mum or dad membership and was changed by Stanway. Ben McPherson got here in for Luke McBeth.
Stanway nearly made an instantaneous impression. Thistle received an early nook and, from the sting of the field, the midfielder’s effort struck a submit.
St Mirren then did the identical on the different finish with Killian Phillips’ header additionally placing the body of the aim.
Thistle then threatened twice in fast succession. Alex Samuel headed straight at Shamal George earlier than Tsoanelo Letsosa’s driving run and shot additionally landed within the goalkeeper’s arms.
St Mirren’s Jake Younger (L) celebrates scoring to make it 2-0
It was Saints, although, who solid in entrance after 33 minutes. Referee David Dickinson was referred to as to the VAR display to have a look at a possible handball offence towards Robbie Crawford after the ball had ricocheted off the Thistle participant’s foot and onto his outstretched arm.
The official determined that merited a penalty and Nlundulu beat Josh Clarke from the spot.
Saints continued to press and John noticed a volley saved earlier than Clarke additionally denied Miguel Freckleton and Younger. Within the midst of that motion, the house aspect additionally misplaced Marcus Fraser, who went off with a shoulder harm.
That led to 5 minutes being added on on the finish of the primary half and St Mirren used it to plunder a second aim. Phillips received the ball from Patrick Studying earlier than choosing out Nlundulu. The striker then rolled the proper go for Younger to thrash low previous Clarke.
John shot into the aspect netting for Saints early within the second half, with Thistle replying with a Samuel effort that George did nicely to repel.
The guests decreased the deficit with a tremendous strike after 61 minutes. Studying’s nook picked out Stanway on the sting of the field and his low volley discovered the online.
Thistle continued to push for an equaliser to take the tie to additional time and Samuel flashed a late header large as Saints held on.
Celtic to face St Mirren in Scottish Cup semi-finals
Celtic will face St Mirren within the Scottish Fuel Scottish Cup semi-finals.
The draw for the final 4 additionally pitted fierce rivals Dunfermline and Falkirk collectively.
Celtic could have the prospect to avenge their Premier Sports activities Cup closing defeat by Saints 5 months on from dropping 3-1 to Stephen Robinson’s group.
The 2 video games will happen at Hampden on the weekend of April 18-19.
