Managers post St Mirren

Link to audio of both managers. AJ - "I thought we passed the ball better and it was probably just our decision making that let us down."

Allan Johnston felt that the match was exciting because St Mirren had to try and get an important win to attempt to get out of the automatic relegation spot. He told the media post match:-

"I thought we had the better chances. They put us under a lot of pressure, got the ball forward and obviously Sutton is really good in the air. It was second balls and a bit scrappy but we had to defend setpieces very well. I thought we did that despite the height they have got.

"After that I thought that we were the better team. I thought we passed the ball better and it was probably just our decision making that let us down.

"Their goalkeeper has made a couple of good saves and it was probably a penalty was well when Paul McMullan was caught from the back. These are big calls but we had other opportunities and you have got to take your chances.

"As a team I thought we played well today and defended well as well because St Mirren did go for it and put us under pressure at times."

Asked to say more about the penalty claim that referee Stephen Finnie dismissed, the Pars gaffer said:-

"He was really close but it looked like a challenge from behind. Paul got in front of him and he was only two or three yards from goal. It does look a penalty from where we are."

Kallum Higginbotham collected a third minute caution, so did the manager fear that his player might collect a second the longer the game went on?

"That was our concern. He plays on the edge all the time. It was a wee bit strange him getting booked after the first challenge. It puts him under pressure. There were a lot of boys getting booked early on and it puts the referee under pressure as well because he has to make big calls and big decisions so we took him off near the end just to make sure."

Michael Paton replaced Kallum with sixteen minutes to go but did the manager feel that no other fresh legs were required?

"Who do you take off? I thought Paul McMullan was causing all sorts of problems with his pace and he looked a real goal threat. Michael Moffat and Nicky (Clark) had opportunities so it is difficult when the boys are playing so well.

"I know that it is another draw. We have said it so many times, we have to turn these draws into wins. I thought it was a really good game, I thought we probably did enough to win it but we have to find that final pass or decision making just to kill teams off."

AJ agreed that he was happier than St Mirren with the one point but felt it reward for the travelling support:-

"We took a good support today and they got right behind us. It was a really good atmosphere to play in. We just have to continue the run that we are on and try and get some more wins."

St Mirren manager Jack Ross said:-

"When you look at other results it`s a point gained. The performance reflected a team that was trying to win the game.

"It`s a point in the right direction and given where we were a little while ago - almost written off - I think we`re back in contention to avoid finishing in bottom place."

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