St. Mirren0–0Inverness CT

A disappointing end to a traumatic week. Efforts to meet the SPL’s ever-changing criteria dominated but all would be academic if Clyde could not be caught. This was not a great game but chances were created to win it. Saints’ ‘keeper Craig Hinchcliffe was in fine form and performed heroics to keep the scoreline blank. In only two minutes he tipped over from Barry Wilson then saved from Russell Duncan. A Simon Lappin shot was blocked by the visitors’ defence as was David Van Zanten’s follow-up. Darran Thomson limped off in 16 minutes and Richie Hart replaced him. Hart was soon in action and his corner in 21 minutes was headed just over by Grant Munro. Close to the break another Hart corner was headed goalwards by Ross Tokely and scrambled clear – amidst claims that it had crossed the line. Saints produced very little and Mark Brown had a quiet afternoon. Just after the interval he easily collected from Ricky Gillies then at the other end a Paul Ritchie shot scraped past the post. Steve Hislop headed over on the hour mark then a Bobby Mann free kick curled round the wall but wide of goal. With 15 minutes left Hinchcliffe made the save of the game when a dipping 20 yard ball from Wilson seemed destined for the back of the net – Hinchcliffe tipped it over in spectacular style. In 82 minutes he made another great stop to deny Ritchie then Eddie Annand shot wide at the visitors’ end. No goals and a point apiece – good for Saints and their relegation fears but poor for Caley Thistle. Clyde’s lead was extended to six points with St Johnstone a mere one point behind in third place.