Airdrieonians 1-0 St Johnstone: Nikolay Todorov's stuns Premiership side in Scottish Cup
- Published
Nikolay Todorov struck in the 54th minute
Nikolay Todorov's goal stunned St Johnstone as second-tier Airdrieonians advanced to the Scottish Cup last 16.
The Bulgarian struck from close range to put the Championship side in front nine minutes into the second half.
And one goal proved to be enough to secure Airdrie a place in Sunday's fifth-round draw.
The Perth side, tournament winners in 2014 and 2021, have been knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the fourth-round stage for three seasons running.
Airdrie's composure in possession was to be admired with hasty hoofs and blood rushes rare.
Both their first-half chances were earned through well timed pressing. Adam Frizzell's low centre of gravity carried him towards the visitors' box after interceptions, only for both his one-on-one efforts at the start and end of the half to be saved by Dimitar Mitov.
St Johnstone regularly took one step forward followed by another in reverse. A turn of pace by debutant forward Benjamin Kimpioka or a drop of Max Kucheriavyi's shoulder was followed by the next pass rolling behind the cavalry or a first touch off the shins.
The lack of fluency in their attacks meant goalkeeper Josh Rae was almost entirely unworked in the first half and Craig Levein's side were suddenly on the ropes at the start of the second.
Patience was Airdrie's key to pick the St Johnstone rearguard, helped by Liam McStravick being afforded a few seconds to pick his spot. It was the back post, where Craig Watson arrived to hook the ball back towards the six-yard line, where Todorov was poised to finish.
Graham Carey's powerful drive from 20 yards was well parried by Rae and St Johnstone's Andy Considine struck over the bar as time ticked away.
A Diallang Jaiyesimi cross not beating the first man and a Liam Gordon header bouncing into the arms of Rae painted an accurate picture of the Perth side's potency.
A deserved win for the hosts, who kept their top-flight visitors at arms' length all day.
What they said
Airdrieonians player/manager Rhys McCabe: "I thought we stuck to our principles and, if we'd been cuter on the counter attack, could have created more opportunities.
"We limited them to little, looked a threat throughout the game and deserved the win. Individually and collectively, the performances were excellent."
St Johnstone manager Craig Levein: "We didn't start the game well and didn't get any better. There weren't loads of chances but we continually gave Airdrie hope. We didn't have anything that gave us the chance to gain confidence.
"Our use of the ball was abysmal. I've got to look at what we did during the winter break, because a performance like that has been unlike this group, and it's something that needs looked at."