ST JOHNSTONE super subs Steven Milne and Derek Holmes rode to the club's rescue to prevent an early exit in the Co-op Insurance Cup and secure, in the end, an easy victory.
Derek McInnes' charges had briefly looked in danger of a surprise defeat to their plucky Third Division adversaries, before a blistering late rally spared any blushes.
Robert Love handed Stenny a deserved shock lead and they were unlucky to be
pulled level at the break after Paul Sheerin's penalty. But the late introduction of Milne and Holmes ran the part-timers ragged, with four quick-fire goals following to put an unbalanced slant on proceedings. Given St Johnstone's woeful history at Ochilview, an uncomfortable night had perhaps been expected.
Saints had last won at the ground way back in season 1957/58 in the old Second Division, while their last visit in February 1995 continues to bring Perth fans out in cold shivers – they crashed 4-0 in a Scottish Cup third round replay.
On the hosts' artificial pitch, McInnes' men were out to make amends, arriving in confident mood top of the First Division and seeking to continue their cup exploits of the last two seasons, which featured three semi-final appearances.
Despite a comfortable 3-0 win against Elgin on Saturday, Warriors manager John Coughlin chose to give youth a fling against their loftier opponents, making eight changes.
If it seemed a gamble on paper, it was one that soon spectacularly paid off as Stenhousemuir played with a freedom of expression to take St Johnstone by surprise. Initially, they were unfortunate when John Ovenstone's towering header from a Kevin Motion corner was chalked off for apparent pushing by the defender.
It was an early scare for the McDiarmid Park side, looking uneasy in defence, but they failed to heed the warning as Stenny claimed a 13th-minute lead.
A loose ball from the right was flicked on by Scott Dalziel and teenager Love was on hand to poke home right-footed beyond Euan McLean at the back post.
Saints, virtually full strength, were stunned, yet found their form to seal a comfortable win in the end, including four goals in the final 11 minutes.
Stenhousemuir: Bennett, McEwan, Motion, Thom, Ovenstone, Desmond (Brazil 66), Love (Tyrrell 16), Shirra, Dalziel (Hampshire 74), Brand, Gibson. Subs not used: Renton, Smith.
St Johnstone: McLean, Irvine, Craig, Millar, Rutkiewicz (McCaffrey 46), James, Swankie, Hardie, Jackson (Milne 66), MacDonald (Holmes 74), Sheerin. Subs not used: Kelly, Weatherston.
Referee: C Boyle Attendance: 687
The full article contains 436 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
