Goncalves double buries Saints

Esmael Goncalves continued his wonderful start at St Mirren with a brace in their 2-0 William Hill Scottish Cup win against St Johnstone.

Last Updated: 02/02/13 at 19:29 Post Comment

Esmael Goncalves: Continued great run of form with a brace in the Scottish Cup

Esmael Goncalves: Continued great run of form with a brace in the Scottish Cup

The 21-year-old took his goal tally to four in three games as the Buddies booked their place in the last eight.

Goncalves headed home to break the deadlock six minutes after half-time and doubled the hosts' advantage eight minutes later.

Conor Newton called St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Mannus into action with an effort from the edge of the box after 18 minutes and Steven Thompson struck the side-netting after combining with Goncalves two minutes later.

The visitors passed up a wonderful chance to open the scoring when MacLean was released by Gregory Tade, however the striker blazed over the top two minutes before half-time.

St Mirren started the second half brightly and were rewarded when Goncalves headed home from Teale's cross.

Tade headed just past the post from Scobbie's delivery as St Johnstone attempted to get back on terms, but they soon found themselves 2-0 behind.

The influential Goncalves latched onto Thompson's header and coolly converted for his fourth goal in three games.

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas introduced Nigel Hasselbaink and Mehdi Abeid into the action, but it was the hosts who continued to look the more likely to add to the scoring.

Thompson blasted wide from close range after some excellent build-up play from Gary Teale and St Mirren boss Danny Lennon replaced Paul McGowan with Paul Dummett in an attempt to preserve a comfortable lead.

Goncalves missed another glorious opportunity to complete his hat-trick with six minutes remaining when he missed the target after charging through on goal.

Former St Mirren midfielder Hasselbaink brought out a point-blank stop from Samson in injury-time, but it was to be their last chance and St Mirren marked a deserved win with a clean sheet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

More Match Results

There are no results at present.

Footer 365

FA Cup final given own date

The FA Cup final has returned to its historic place at the end of the domestic season next term.

League One: Wolves and Bradford begin League One season on the road

Wolves will begin life in League One with a trip to Preston, while Bradford City open their campaign at Bristol City.

Celtic begin the defence of their tital at home to Ross County

Celtic begin the defence of their SPL title with a home match against Ross County on Saturday, August 3.

Mail Box

Twas The Worst Game I Ever Did See...

In this Mailbox it's England v Algeria in 2010 that is seen as the nadir, but there's potential for worse, surely. Plus, one man says we should praise Rooney's honesty...

Why Doesn't Suarez Request A Transfer?

The morning mailbox ponders Luis Suarez's current predicament, cool footballers, the Lion City Cup, Spurs' transfer policy, Kanu's absence and lots more...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved