Jonah Ayunga admits it’s a relief to be able to look at the Premiership table again after the Buddies posted their first three points of the season.
St Mirren headed into Saturday’s clash with Ross County with both teams bottom of the league and yet to pick up a point between them.
The Saints dominated the Staggies at the SMISA Stadium and deservedly picked up a first victory of the campaign after Richard Tait curled home a delightful second-half winner from the edge of the box.
Ayunga had almost opened the scoring himself in the first half with a powerful drive that smacked the bottom of the post.
The 25-year-old was relieved that teammate Tait produced a moment of magic to give St Mirren a welcome first win.
Ayunga told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “I’m claiming the assist. It was a very good finish.
“He actually does that in training regularly, but it’s good that he did it in a game.
“I watched it go all the way into the corner. I think we deserved the win.
“I think if you have watched the game here against Motherwell we could easily have scored two or three goals, if not for their keeper.
“Then for 25 minutes at Aberdeen we were in the game, to say the least, until the red card.
“I think we could have scored more than one goal (against Ross County) but it was good to get over the line and get the
win.
“It’s early in the season, but it’s a very important win to get points on the board and to be able to look at the league table rather than avoiding it.”
Having bagged five goals so far this season, including four in the Premier Sports Cup group stage, Ayunga refused to put a specific target on how many strikes he’s targeting this season, his first in the stripes.
Far from shying away from the pressure after boss Stephen Robinson tipped him for big things, the former Brighton and Hove Albion prospect is relishing the challenge of delivering on his potential on Scottish soil.
Ayunga said: “I’ve got five goals but they are gone now.
“Every game is a new game and I’m gutted that one in the first half didn’t go in.
“I’ve not really set new targets. They will say the same. But it’s a good start to build on.
“I’m not saying what my targets are but it’s got to be double figures at least.
“The manager has given me encouragement rather than pressure. He’s given me his confidence and I’ve got to try and repay him with my performances.
“It’s difficult here. It’s physical, it’s fast but that suits me I think. I’ve enjoyed it so far.”
