St Johnstone goalie Peter Enckelman is determined to make it six of the best consecutive clean sheets when he turns out against Dundee United at McDiarmid Park tonight.
The big Finn has notched shut-outs in his last five games at the Perth club’s stadium. Enckelman admitted he has even greater incentive to ensure that record continues in the local derby after the disappointment of defeat in Inverness at the weekend when Saints were distinctly below par.
“The Inverness game was just one of those unfortunate days,” he said. “It was an uncharacteristic display from us. If you look back over the last few months, we have been quite solid and very organised but that was not the case on Saturday.
“However, the good thing about having another game so soon is that you can forget about that and go out and try to correct things.
“Matches against United are the derby games for us at the moment. They are always a little bit special and I am sure there will be a few more people at the game. So hopefully there will be a great atmosphere.
“The game has everything going for it we are playing for the same position in the league and it could have a huge impact on us finishing in the top six or not.
“You could not ask anything more from a match. I will also be looking to keep another clean sheet. To be honest, I did not know I had gone five games at home without conceding. It is Doc (assistant manager Tony Docherty) who does those stats.
“We have been playing well at home recently and we have to keep that going against United and be up for it from the word go.
“Usually in derbies, the start of the game is vitally important and if you are not quick out of the blocks, then you will struggle to get back into it. United look like having a few key players out but so did Inverness on Saturday and it did not affect the result from their point of view.”Dangerous oppositionEnckelman’s boss Derek McInnes admitted that while United have a lengthy injury list, they will still be dangerous opponents.
But he is determined his players will respond positively to the disappointment of defeat in the Highlands at the weekend by securing bragging rights over their local rivals.
“I have huge respect for Dundee United,” he said. “Housty has had to contend with a lot of injuries to key players this season. If that had not been the case, I think they would have been challenging at the top end of the table like they did last season. But they still have a spirit and, even when they are not playing at their best, they can pick up results.
“However, it is a derby game and we are desperate to play and make amends for Saturday. To do that, we will have to play really, really well. It has the makings of a good game and I am looking forward to it immensely.”
Chris Millar picked up a hamstring injury during the Inverness game and he will miss tonight’s match, while Collin Samuel is rated doubtful with a similar problem.Quarter-final briefsSt Johnstone are to get 1500 tickets for the Scottish Cup quarter-final with Brechin City at Glebe Park on March 12. Saints fans will be located at the Trinity Road end with prices at £18 for adults and £8 for under-16s/over 65s.
Season ticket holders can buy two tickets on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week on production of voucher 24 from their season ticket book.
The McDiarmid Park Ticket Office will be open between 9.30am and 5pm on these days. Season ticket holders can also apply by post, submitting a cheque made payable to St Johnstone FC, a stamped address envelope and voucher 24. These applications must be with the club by Saturday.
Tickets go on general sale after the end of the midweek game against Aberdeen and then 9.30am to 5pm weekdays thereafter.