If anybody needed further evidence of why the Junior level of football in Scotland, should seriously think about a change to playing in the summer then they should have been at Volunteer Park to witness the top division clash between Saints and their hosts, Armadale Thistle.

The pitch can best described as heavy prior to the kick off, with the ball bouncing no more than 18 inches during the referees inspection, however, it was passed fit by the referee and the game went ahead. The game ended in a 3-2 victory for the hosts, however, the game was devoured of skilful football. In fact the match ball spent more time in the air than on the floor.

St Andrews continued with Stevie McEwan in goal in place of Richard  Cargill, while Allan Ramsey was replaced by Jamie Mackie.

The homeside initially adapted to the conditions better and Callum Robertson was unlucky on 4 minutes when he ran on to a long ball from defence, only to see his shot soar over the bar. United settled and took the lead on 8 minutes when a long punt by Mackie found Sutherland on the right, he crossed the ball for Barry Sibanda to nod the ball past Stuart Walker. Walker was in action again on 9 minutes when he turned a Sutherland effort past the post and out for a corner. He was then called upon to save from Mackie as the ball bounced erratically in the box. The homeside were level on 19 minutes, Wedderburn was penalised for a challenge on Rarity as he misjudged the bounce of the ball and when the resultant free kick was only cleared to Brown he found Robertson who tapped the ball home. A minute later and Armadale were in front, another long ball was missed by the Saints defence and Robbie Feeney nipped in to knock the ball past the onrushing McEwan. It could have been worse on 22, when Robertson was again free, only to shoot high over the bar. United continued to struggle on the heavy pitch and went 3-1 down on 43 minutes. McInnes appeared to be harshly punished for a challenge outside the box. Feeney struck the free kick round the wall and in to McEwans bottom corner. United could have pulled one back on half time but Sutherland, unmarked at the back post fired wide, with a gaping goal in front of him.

Saints came out for the second half with a little more urgency and could have pulled a goal back on 49 minutes when a header from McInnes found Sutherland but he was harshly adjudged offside. He didn’t have to wait long though. A long free kick from Wedderburn was headed back across goal by Sibanda and Sutherland stabbed the ball home. Saints continued to press looking for an equaliser but the home side were happy to sit back and hit United on the break. McEwan was forced in to a great save from Feeney on the hour mark when he looked odds on to complete his hat-trick. St Andrews were almost level on 70 minutes when McMullan fed Sutherland, his pass in turn found Mackie who returned the pass but the strikers shot went inches wide with Walker beaten. Wedderburn made a great tackle on Brown on 84 minutes as he was just about to shoot. However, the afternoon turned sour for the big defender as he received a second booking on 85 moniutes and was sent off. Saints pushed but it was to no avail as the once more had the better of the player but couldn’t get the result.

The fact that the game was devoured of much quality football was down to the weather , however, Saints inability to adapt effectively to the conditions is down to them. Its not all over yet by a long chalk but that hill Saints have to climb is rapidly turning in to a mountain.