Clyde 1 St. Johnstone 1

Last updated : 22 March 2005 By Footymad Previewer
After a dismal showing last Saturday St Johnstone boss John Connolly rang the changes against Clyde and was rewarded by a much-improved performance.

Saints dominated the opening 45 minutes but despite some slick passing and enterprising running off the ball they failed to create the all-important openings in the danger zone in front of goal.

Although the Clyde defence was much the busier of the two they restricted the opposition to two shots on target before the break.

Clyde keeper Bryn Halliwell was equal to Kieran McAnespie's free-kick and a Peter McDonald drive, which he saved comfortably on both occasions.

The closest Clyde came was in the 44th minute when Alex Burns sent a free-kick just wide of the upright after Mark Gilhaney was brought down on the edge of the box.

St Johnstone went ahead after 51 minutes. David Cowan did the spade work down the right by beating two defenders before setting up Steven McManus, who scored with a low drive.

Clyde's equaliser came six minutes later when Burns sent a free-kick round the Saints wall to find the net just inside the upright.

The visitors should have taken all three points right on the final whistle, but Peter McDonald's pass towards substitute Steve Dobbie could only find the grateful arms of Halliwell.