Good runs in the cup competitions this season have come at a heavy price for Saints as league fixture congestion looks set to finally de-rail their title charge. A physically and mentally demanding schedule of 7 matches in 16 days concluded at the weekend with fixtures against Castlemilk AFC and St. Joseph's for which Saints were unable to reach the levels necessary for victory.
On Saturday Saints put their unbeaten away record on the line against a resurgent Castlemilk at the Barlia 3G pitch. Castlemilk, who had defeated Saints title rivals Aikenhead Thistle 4 - 1 in midweek, were in no mood to do Saints any favours and soon raced into a two goal lead. Saints pulled one back before half time courtesy of Alex Craik's fourth goal of the season but were unable to make any further progress and the hosts ran out 2 - 1 winners.
Worse was to follow on Sunday as Saints slumped to a third home defeat of the season. Saints can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken at least a point from this fixture as a string of excellent saves by the St. Joseph's goalkeeper and two efforts off the woodwork prevented them from scoring. However, thanks to some slack marking at a set piece Saints conceded a killer goal and with it the initiative in the title race.
Saints must now place their faint title hopes in the hands of title rivals Aikenhead Thistle who tonight entertain Postal United in what could be the league title decider. A draw or a win for Postal will see them crowned champions for the second consecutive season. A win for Aikenhead followed by wins over Finnart and Saints will see them regain the league title which they lost to Postal last season. A win for Aikenhead would also let Saints back into the title race. Maximum points for Saints from their three remaining league fixtures, including an away win at Aikenhead, would give them a final points haul of 38 which would equal Postal's total. Saints would also require to overhaul Postal's slightly superior goal difference which currently has Postal seven goals better off than Saints. A nervous night for players and fans of all three teams is certain.
Keep the faith.
#monthesaints
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