Francisco Sandaza may not be able to sing as well as Leona Lewis, Matt Cardle or even Chris Millar.
“It was not easy to win this game. When we scored the first goal we dropped a bit. We were afraid they would score against us.
“But in the second half we all were patient and the other goals came.”
It was a hugely encouraging win for Saints as they build up to tomorrow night’s Scottish Communities League Cup tie at home to St Mirren and manager McInnes was suitably satisfied.
“It’s a fantastic result for us and I couldn’t be more pleased,” he said. “Not to lose a goal in four away games, you have to give real credit to the players.
“You need that discipline first and foremost but there was some good play as well we had a real cutting edge.
“I have a huge regard for Motherwell. They have caused us problems in the past and have got some good attacking players.
“We had to make sure we kept them quiet and nullified that and stopped the supply, which we did.
“To do that we needed a real collective team unit, that was the bedrock of the performance and result.
“We were delighted to get the first goal, it gives you an element of control and brings anxiety on to the home team at times. It wasn’t really until the second goal that we really exerted that assurance.
“But our keeper has not had much to do, we defended really diligently and with real concentration.
“We stopped a lot of good players taking part in the game and we had to do that because Motherwell have been a real tough team for us in the past.”
Fir Park manager Stuart McCall conceded his side were well beaten. “I am probably more angry than disappointed,” he added.
However, there is little doubt that, as St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes has claimed, the Spanish striker has the X Factor.
Lewis and Cardle have gone on to international stardom, while Saints midfielder Millar, a former boyband member, has thrilled audiences the length and breadth of McDiarmid Park.
Sandaza himself has certainly hit the right note, adding spark and invention to the attack.
He earned top marks from the judges on Saturday as the Perth men produced a fantastic display in triumphing 3-0 at Fir Park.
After Jamie Adams’ header had been helped into his own net by Motherwell’s Tim Clancy harshly given as an own goal on 20 minutes Sandaza put Saints further ahead when he pounced on a loose pass by Stevie Hammell, composed himself then slotted home with 15 minutes to go.
Sandaza was also on song for the third on 85 minutes, creating time and space inside the box before finding sub Sean Higgins, who played the ball back for Liam Craig to smash into the net.
Talking of the former Dundee United man, McInnes said: “He gives us a bit of the X Factor. He has a confidence and a swagger and he led the line really well.”
Sandaza smiled when told of the compliment from his boss and he is just determined to keep contributing to the cause. “I said when I came to St Johnstone that I felt like I was a better player with more experience,” he said.
“This season I have been bought to score goals and that is what I want to do. If I can keep scoring then everyone will be happy.
“I will try to do my best and at the moment I am pleased with my performances for the team. I am also delighted with the manager and the other players.
“They make me feel comfortable on the pitch and hopefully we can keep winning.
“I think this country and this league has treated me really well and I am delighted to be here.”
It seems strange to say it, given the margin of victory over a strangely disjointed home team, but the win was founded on a rock-solid defensive display.
The likes of Alan Maybury and Frazer Wright were outstanding at the back and a fourth consecutive clean sheet away from home was thoroughly deserved.
“We know we are not the best quality team in the league but if we can concentrate and do the basics in defence then we will have a chance to score at the other end,” added Sandaza.
Continued…