St Mirren supporters have issued a rallying call to stay-away fans in a bid to give the Buddies plenty of backing at this weekend’s Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final clash with Celtic.
So far, only 3,500 tickets have been snapped up by Paisley punters for the glamour game at the National Stadium, meaning the Saints faithful will be seriously outnumbered by those cheering on the Hoops.
However, the opening hours at the St Mirren ticket office are being extended today and tomorrow in the hope that more fans will decided to hit the road to Hampden to support Danny Lennon and his men.
Regular Buddie Banter contributor William Livingstone, of Ralston, Paisley, e-mailed to say: “A little birdie at St Mirren has told me that tickets for the semi-final haven’t exactly been selling like hot-cakes, which is disappointing to hear.
“I know the game is being shown live on telly and Saints are massive underdogs but Danny and the boys need our support.
“Kilmarnock beat Celtic in the League Cup at Hampden last season, so who’s to say Saints can’t get a win this weekend?
“I would ask my fellow fans to think about how they would feel if they give this game a miss and the Buddies go on to beat Celtic and make the final. I’m sure they’d be gutted, so my message to them is simple – be there or be square.”
Fellow Saints fan Holly McCormack (@Hollz2012) took to Twitter with a similar message.
She said: “St Mirren don’t make semi-finals often, so let’s make it count. The team needs our support.”
And a tweet from Black & White Army (@bawarmy) read: “Back your club!
“Get down to St Mirren Park tomorrow and buy your tickets for Hampden. Support your local team.”
Meanwhile, it’s been a busy week at Saints, with Lennon preparing for his Hampden date with destiny and also finding time to clinch the loan signing of Esmael Goncalves from Portuguese club Rio Ave.
The 21-year-old striker could make his Buddies’ debut at Hampden on Sunday and the Saints fans are hoping he’ll have a big impact.
Jordan Duffy (@jordan_duffy) tweeted: “Isma Goncalves, welcome to St Mirren. Wouldn’t mind a goal against Celtic. #smfcbelieve.”
Sticking with the cup clash, Jordan Byrne (@Jordan_1877) has taken a gander at the latest bookies’ odds and reckons it’s worth taking a punt on Steven Thompson to hit the net.
He said: “For St Mirren to beat Celtic 2-1 and Thompson to score anytime is 45/1! Cheeky wee tenner on that, thanking you.”
Fraser Orr (@frazzz23) reckons he has the game-plan to beat Celtic this weekend ... but isn’t convinced the St Mirren management team will be thinking along the same lines.
He tweeted: “I think St Mirren should just come out and attack Celtic. We won’t, though.”
If you have something to say about Saints, send your comments to Buddie Banter, Paisley Daily Express, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA. Alternatively, you can e-mail the sports desk direct at paul.behan@trinitymirror.com or follow us on Twitter by searching @PDESports
