St Mirren head into the international break on the back of a disappointing defeat at McDiarmid Park.

The Buddies could have no arguments about the final result as Stevie May scored the game's only goal on 72 minutes to give St Johnstone a 1-0 win this afternoon.

St Johnstone created a number of chances throughout the 90 minutes with Callum Hendry the first to fashion an opportunity on seven minutes. The forward robbed Saints defender Conor McCarthy and raced clear on goal only to be stopped by a wonderful save from Jak Alnwick. 

Six minutes later, Michael O'Halloran smashed just wide from 20 yards after Junior Morias has been denied a free-kick in the St Johnstone half.

Jim Goodwin's men couldn't get going with Craig Conway slamming over the bar from close range after meeting a cut-back before Scott Tanser passed up a glorious opportunity when he volleyed wide on 34 minutes.

The St Mirren gaffer had seen enough and decided to change shape with Cammy MacPherson coming on to replace Kyle McAllister.  But still St Johnstone would go close again just a few minutes later when Hendry headed over from 10 yards.

The home side would have one more chance before the interval with Alnwick saving well again from Jason Kerr to keep the score at 0-0.

St Mirren were forced into two quick changes with Junior Morias replaced at half-time by Dylan Connolly after picking up a knock, while Marcus Fraser had to come off on 50 minutes with a dead leg.

St Johnstone's pressure told as they opened the scoring on 72 minutes.  Substitute Stevie May, who had only been on the park five minutes, met Conway's low ball in from the left to knock home from close range. 

With 10 minutes to go the Buddies registered their first real chance as substitute Kristian Dennis slammed into the arms of Elliot Parish from the edge of the box. A minute later Jon Obika met a cross but his volley was tame and easy for Parish to gather. 

Alnwick would make a further save to deny St Johnstone a second as he tipped's Danny McNamara's shot over, but one was enough for the points to stay in Perth.

Full-Time: St Johnstone 1-0 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser (Dennis 50), McCarthy, Tait, McGrath, Sheron (Jamieson 89), Foley (c), Durmus, McAllister (MacPherson 38), Obika, Morias (Connolly 45)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Baird, Erhahon, Henderson, Jack

St Johnstone: Parish, Kerr, Gordon, McCart, McNamara, Tanser, Wotherspoon, McCann, Conway (Kane 90), Hendry (Davidson 83), O'Halloran (May 67)
Subs Not Used: Sinclair, Duffy, Robertson, Booth, Rooney, Olaofe

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: Alan Mulvanny
Assistant Referee: Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official: Kevin Graham

It's the 'battle of the Saints' on Saturday as St Mirren head to Perth to face St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

St Mirren have taken seven points from their opening four matches - the best start to a top flight campaign since 2006. 

Jim Goodwin's side have beaten both Livingston and Hamilton (1-0), while drew 1-1 with Ross County last weekend. 

Meanwhile, St Johnstone have picked up four points from their opening five matches. Callum Davidson's men opened the season with a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United and grabbed three points away to Kilmarnock match day three when Michael O'Halloran's late goal gave the Perth side a 2-1 win. 

St Johnstone come into the match having been edged out 1-0 in their previous two matches at home to Aberdeen and Hibernian.

Match Details

St Johnstone v St Mirren
Competition: Scottish Premiership
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: McDiarmid Park

Can I watch the match?

International subscribers to St Mirren TV will be able to watch the match with live commentary from Daniel Bowers and Joe Shaughnessy.

Season ticket holders and UK & Ireland based St Mirren TV subscribers will be able to listen to live audio commentary on St Mirren TV or alternatively they can watch the match on St Johnstone's PPV for £17.50. Supporters will be able to listen to St Mirren commentary as part of St Johnstone's PPV offering.

Last season

St Mirren and St Johnstone met three times last season. 

The Paisley Saints came out on top in the first meeting with Jon Obika netting his first St Mirren goal in a 2-0 win over the Perth side at St Mirren Park. 

The two sides couldn't be separated in the next two fixtures drawing 0-0 at McDiarmid and St Mirren Park.

Manager's thoughts

"I've watched St Johnstone live twice and I've been really impressed with them.

"Myself and the analyst watched the rest of their matches on Wyscout but in terms of the two games I saw live on Sky - the Aberdeen and Hibs games - I thought they were really unfortunate to lose both games. 

"Callum Davidson has them well organised, they have plenty of energy and they are a decent team.

"We've no new injuries, but Ilkay Durmus will come back into the squad after missing last week."

Who are the officials?

Kevin Clancy is referee for Saturday's match with Alan Mulvanny and Craig Ferguson as the linesmen. Kevin Graham is the fourth official.

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Isak Thorvaldsson has returned to Norwich City.

The 19-year-old Icelandic midfielder joined Saints on loan in July but has now left the club as he seeks opportunities closer to home.

The club wish Isak well in his future.

St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Irish winger Dylan Connolly on a one-year deal.

The 25 year-old has agreed a deal to #BeInThatNumber following the expiry of his contract at English League One side AFC Wimbledon.

Capped by Republic of Ireland at U21 level, Dylan joined Saints after spells with Bohemians, Shelbourne, Ipswich Town, Bray Wanderers, Dundalk and Bradford City. During his time at Dundalk, Dylan played alongside fellow Saint Jamie McGrath.

Speaking on joining the club, Dylan said: "When the gaffer rang me it was his ambitions for the club that made me want to come and be a part of it. 

"He told me about how he wanted to progress the club and do really well in the league.

"I spoke to Jamie McGrath and he sold me on the club. He's really enjoying his time here and he's only had good things to say which made the decision much easier.

"I'm quick, direct and like to get at defenders. I like to get balls into the box and hopefully I can create a lot of chances and chip in with a few goals."

Saints manager Jim Goodwin said: "Dylan is a good experienced player with out-and-out pace and I feel that is something that we lack a little of in the team.

"The Irish market is one that I am very fortunate to have some really good contacts. Before I sign anyone I make a number of calls to people who have worked with the player in the past and I spoke to Jamie McGrath and he said he was a great lad and a good character.

"I’m really looking to seeing him play and I think he will excite the fans."

Saints had to make do with a point after drawing with Ross County in an entertaining game in Paisley.

The Buddies led at the break thanks to Jon Obika's second goal in as many games, the striker showing great composure to tuck the ball away after a good run from Kyle McAllister.

Both keepers pulled off great saves in the second half before the hosts had Joe Shaughnessy sent off for a tackle on Ross Stewart, Michael Gardyne's deflected effort levelling things up soon after. Unsurprisingly, the visitors had plenty of possession after that but couldn't make it count as the sides shared the spoils.

Foley was back in midfield as Conor McCarthy was fit enough to return to defence with Cammy MacPherson dropping to the bench, where he was joined by new signing Kristian Dennis. Former County skipper Marcus Fraser lined up against his old side, with ex Buddie Stewart in attack for the visitors.

The opening quarter of an hour was scrappy with neither side carving out anything of note but the first real show of quality in the game resulted in a goal. McAllister made a fine run across the park and tried to pass to Jamie McGrath, only for Gardyne to stick a foot out to try to intercept it. The ball then broke lose and McAllister poked it forward, via a County player, to Obika, who turned and fired low into the bottom corner.

Things got worse for County when they lost Coll Donaldson to injury after Nathan Sheron's challenge, former Saints' favourite Keith Watson taking his place. Staggies goalie Ross Laidlaw needed two goes to save Junior Morias' shot after he was played in by McAllister moments before Billy Mckay headed wide from a Gardyne cross. With the game beginning to open up, Obika and McGrath combined to create an opening for Sheron but he lashed his shot into the empty stand behind the goal.

There was a scare when Josh Reid's shot took a huge deflection off Fraser and threatened to spin into the Saints goal before going behind. County went even closer from the corner, Harry Paton's delivery being met by Stewart but his header hit the bar. The Buddies almost added a second before the break, Obika nodding the ball through for Morias but Laidlaw blocked his shot.

County replaced Paton and Reid with Carl Tremarco and Regan Charles-Cook at the break and the change almost paid instant dividends as Charles-Cook picked out Stewart with a great cross but his header was superbly cleared off the line by Richard Tait. The fullback showed he could also be effective at the other end, whipping in a low ball that Obika was unable to get enough on to force home. The Buddies had a chance to add a second soon after, McAllister's shot being deflected to Morias but he was once again denied by Laidlaw.

County went back on the offensive, Gardyne trying to curl a shot into the bottom corner only for Jak Alnwick to produce a great save, the ball then bouncing off Charles-Cook and going behind before he had a chance to react. If that was a bit of luck for the hosts, what happened next would have infuriated Buddies fans watching at home. Shaughnessy and Stewart both went for the ball and the Saints defender won it but also caught Stewart with his follow through. As the County striker writhed in pain, play continued before ref Mike Roncone stopped proceedings so Stewart could receive treatment. Tempers flared between the two sides but after they had calmed down, Mr Roncone then decided that not only was it a foul after all, Shaughnessy's tackle was bad enough to merit a red card. It was a bizarre situation, aggrieved Saints boss Jim Goodwin replacing McAllister with MacPherson and dropping Foley into defence as he adjusted his side.

It took the Staggies just five minutes to make their numerical advantage count. Connor Randall headed the ball back into the mix from the byline and Gardyne's shot deflected off both Foley and Sheron before nestling in the bottom corner. The visitors could sense a winner and Saints were sitting deeper and deeper, although they did force a corner from one rare foray forward that was cleared to Foley at the edge of the box but he smashed it well over.

Goalscorer Obika was replaced by newboy Dennis for the closing stages, County sub Stephen Kelly shooting well wide as the visitors pushed for a winner. They almost got it in stoppage time as a cross found Mckay but he could only prod it wide.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-1 Ross County

WATCH JIM GOODWIN'S POST-MATCH REACTION HERE.

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Shaughnessy, Tait, Sheron, Foley (c), McGrath, McAllister (MacPherson 65), Morias, Obika (Dennis 85)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Urminsky, Baird, Erhahon, Henderson, Jamieson, Jack

Ross County: Laidlaw, Randall (Mullin 82), Donaldson (Watson 24), Iacovitti, Reid (Tremarco 45), Draper, Vigurs (Kelly 71), Stewart, Paton (Charles-Clark 45), Gardyne, McKay
Subs Not Used: Doohan, Watson, Tillson, Spittal, Shaw

Referee: Mike Roncone
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Fourth Official: William Collum

St Mirren Football Club is back in action this Saturday as we host Ross County at St Mirren Park for a Scottish Premiership match-up.

We have a limited edition run of programmes, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, for the behind closed doors Scottish Premiership fixture played on Saturday 22nd August.

This issue is a 32 pager with a £3 cover price.

This latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Jon Obika.
Jim Goodwin - The St Mirren manager looks back on the start to the new season and ahead to the visit on Ross County.
It Was 20 Years Ago Today - A look back at 20 years of competitive football between the Buddies and Staggies.
The Opposition – A look at Stuart Kettlewell's Ross County side.
Panda's Fun Page – Some puzzles to keep the youngsters entertained during the half-time break.
St Mirren Programme Archive - Derek Drennan reviews the programme for the first-ever competitive fixture between St Mirren and Ross County on 22nd August 2000.
Centre Page Poster – Jamie McGrath.
Player Kit Sponsors 2020/21 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
Marketing Matters – Campbell Kennedy updates on the latest events and happenings at the club's Commercial Department.
Yesterday's Saints – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of Bobby McKean.
Football Bloody Hell - Alan Gallacher argues that the Old Firm sides would survive and thrive comfortably in England's top tier.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2020/21 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures and results for this season.
Team Lines – The two squads and match officials for Saturday's match.

To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2020/21 season click HERE.

St Mirren are back at home on Saturday as Jim Goodwin's men host Ross County at St Mirren Park.

Saints have won two of their opening three league matches having defeated Livingston 1-0 at home on the opening day, before winning 1-0 away to Hamilton Academical last Saturday. 

Ross County, meanwhile, sit in third place in the Scottish Premiership - one point ahead of Saints having played a game more. The Staggies started their season with 1-0 wins over Motherwell (home) and Hamilton Academical (away), while drawing 2-2 with Kilmarnock at home and losing 2-1 at home to Dundee United last weekend. 

Match Details

St Mirren v Ross County
Competition: Scottish Premiership
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: St Mirren Park

Can I watch the match?

Season ticket holders and St Mirren TV international subscribers will be able to watch the match live on tv.stmirren.com. Our matchday host Ali De Foy will be joined by League Cup winning manager Danny Lennon pre-and-post-match with commentary from Daniel Bowers and David Van Zanten.

Non-season ticket holders and Ross County supporters can watch the match on pay-per-view at ppv.stmirren.com for £12.50.

Last season

St Mirren and Ross County faced off two times last season with both sides picking up a win. 

Saints defeated County 2-1 on their visit to Paisley in November with Sam Foley scoring an 89th minute winner. Brian Graham had given the Staggies the lead but Jim Goodwin's side levelled just before half-time through Sean McLoughlin. It looked like both sides would have to settle for a point before Foley rattled in his first Saints goal with a blistering strike from the edge of the box.

It was also a late goal that gave County their win when St Mirren visited Dingwall in September. Current Saint Marcus Fraser netted in stoppage time to give Stuart Kettlewell's side a 2-1 win. 

Manager's thoughts

"I thought Ross County started the season really well. I was at their game against Hamilton and I thought they were excellent on the day. 

"They are a good side and they have some really good players in Ross Stewart, Billy McKay, Lee Erwin, Harry Paton etc so we are going to have to have our wits about us at the back and defend as well as we have in recent weeks. But we've also got to believe that we can cause Ross County problems as well."

Who are the officials?

Mike Roncone is referee for Saturday's match with Dougie Potter and Gordon Crawford as the linesmen. William Collum is the fourth official.

St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Kristian Dennis on a two-year contract.

The 30-year-old forward joins Saints following the expiry of his contract at English side Notts County and subject to international clearance.

Kristian began his career at Macclesfield Town, but left the club in 2010. He would subsequently have spells at Woodley Sports, Mossley and Curzon Ashton with his impressive form at the latter, which saw him net 72 goals in two season, leading to a move to Stockport County in 2013.

He would spend three seasons at Stockport, but found himself back at Macclesfield on loan in the third season. He impressed in that spell at Macclesfield, scoring 27 goals in 44 appearances.

His form at the Silkmen lead to a return to the English Football League as he joined Chesterfield in 2016 where he played alongside ex-Saint Paul McGinn. In two seasons at Chesterfield Kristian scored 31 goals in 90 appearances.

Despite Chesterfield’s relegation to the National League, the forward remained in the football league when he signed for Notts County. Kristian would net 22 goals in 64 appearances including the first goal in a 2-0 win over Barnet in the National League play-off semi-final.

Speaking on the move, Kristian told stmirren.com: "The gaffer was very welcoming when I came up last week and just really helpful. I felt wanted and it was a no brainer to come up.

"The club seem like they really want to progress in the league and I just thought it would be a new challenge.

"I messaged Paul McGinn and he had nothing but good things to say. I’m just really looking forward to getting involved and hopefully hit the ground running and score a few goals.

"My last game was at Wembley a few weeks ago but I’ll have a few days training this week and hopefully be ready for Saturday."

Saints manager Jim Goodwin said: "Kristian is has been on the radar for three or four months.

"He was involved in the play-offs with Notts County and with that over he became available and we are delighted now to get it over the line.

"It’s been well documented that we wanted another striker. Bringing in Kristian gives us three good options and added to that we have young Lewis Jamieson who will make it four.

"His record in terms of putting the ball in the back of the net is very good. If you look at his stats over the last four or five years he’s averaging a goal every other game which is exactly what we are needing. He is a proven goalscorer, he is a great age and a natural finisher."

Thank you to SMiSA for their generous donation of £7,400 to our St Mirren Youth Academy. SMiSA members voted in favour of supporting our up-and-coming talent. 

Our Youth Academy has played a vital role in the club's operations in recent years with current first-team players Kyle Magennis, Kyle McAllister Cammy MacPherson, Jack Baird, Ethan Erhahon, Lewis Jamieson, Josh Jack and Jay Henderson all graduating from the academy.

The SMiSA donation will go a long way in helping to nurture the new generation of talent our academy currently possesses.

Head of Youth Development Allan McManus expressed his delight in receiving the gift. He said: "We thank SMiSA for their continued support of the St Mirren Youth Academy.

"In a time where the club has asked everyone to Be In That Number it's great to receive such a donation that will help us continue to the hard work we do in producing players for the first-team."

St Mirren's fixtures for the group stage of the Betfred Cup have been announced this afternoon.

Saints will start their cup campaign at home to League One side Partick Thistle on Wednesday 7th October before travelling to Queen of the South on Saturday 10th October.

Jim Goodwin's side will then face Greenock Morton at St Mirren Park on Wednesday 11th November with the match being shown live on Premier Sports. 

St Mirren then close out the group stage on Saturday 14th November away to Queen's Park.

The format sees all drawn group stage matches go straight to a penalty shoot-out with the winners earning an extra 'bonus point' in addition to the traditional point given for a draw.

The eight group winners and four best runners-up progress to the last 16 where they are joined by holders Celtic and fellow European representatives Aberdeen, Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers.