BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
JACK ROSS watched his St Mirren complete their Great Escape on an unforgettable afternoon at Easter Road – before immediately turning his attention to following Hibernian into the promised land of the Premiership.
Rory Loy wrote his name in Buddies folklore in the second period, swivelling in the box before smashing a low drive beyond Ofir Marciano to cancel out Grant Holt’s opening goal.
It ensured the Paisley side retained their Championship status by the skin of their teeth, staying up by virtue of a superior goal difference to Raith Rovers, who held up their end of the bargain on a fraught final day by defeating Ayr United 2-1.
Ross described the achievement as “remarkable”, but he has no intention of resting on his laurels ahead of next term.
“You have to want to challenge [for promotion] next season,” said Ross. “I’m not satisfied with seventh in the Championship, I will only be satisfied if I take the club back to the Premiership and I feel we can do that.
“We have proven over the second half of the season that we can compete with every team in this division, including the champions.
“What we have managed to do is create a feel good factor and momentum.
Magnificent
“We need to carry into next season and make sure we never find ourselves in this position again – and can achieve what Hibs are celebrating in the future.
“They have played a high number of high-pressure games in that manner, playing some brilliant football. Our reaction to the goal for Hibs was magnificent, the football we played and the chances we created showed great belief.
“I’m so happy for them and the players’ emotions on the pitch showed that.”
