SAINTS were sunk by Hamilton on Saturday — but it didn't matter.
The narrow defeat to Simon Mensing's goal was still enough for the Buddies to retain their top flight status, as Inverness took the fall and dropped to Division One.
It means Saints finish in 11th position, and are still without a league win at th
e new Greenhill Road ground.
Mensing put the Accies ahead in the 13th minute, and at that stage Saints were struggling to find top gear and risked losing the three goals that could have relegated them on goal-difference
But Falkirk did them a favour in the Highlands, and Saints hung on, though they should have secured at least a point through numerous chances for Stephen O'Donnell, Garry Brady, Andy Dorman and Billy Mehmet in particular.
It was an afternoon of could have beens, and on a less fortunate day – and Saints have had them this season — they could easily have conceded the three goals to relegation.
But they have Mark Howard to thank for beating away a Joel Thomas effort late on that could have set up frantic finish.
They could have been relegated, Saints could have been better, but they weren't — and they live to see another SPL campaign.
Gus MacPherson has only 66 days to go until Saints kick-start season 2009/10 in the Co-operative Insurance League Cup as an SPL side, but will now focus on finalising pre-season preparations and dealing with the club's contract situation.
Andy Dorman has had interest from the Old Firm, and could be making a move out of Greenhill Road, but MacPherson has told the club's website he's already contacted agents with a view to freshen up the playing staff at the club and earn that fist SPL win at home in August.
Meanwhile the club's training facility at Ralston is taking shape after the synthetic playing surface was laid last week.
