St Mirren's seven match unbeaten run in the league came to an end as Dundee United snatched a last gasp win at Tannadice.

Goals from Gary MacKenzie and Josh Todd pulled Saints level on two occasions after United had taken the lead through Thomas Mikkelsen and Tony Andreu. Blair Spittal fired home from the edge of the box in the final minute to give the hosts all three points.

The Tangerines took the lead early on in controversial circumstances when Mikkelsen fired home with just seven minutes on the clock. Andreu flicked the ball over the top searching for the Danish striker who caught Gary MacKenzie with a high boot before running through and slamming the ball into the back of the net. The Saints players and supporters were furious that official Craig Charleston allowed the goal to stand after what looked like a clear foul. And despite being on the receiving end of the foul, MacKenzie ended up in the referee's book for his protests. 

Saints grew into the game and were almost level when Stevie Mallan curled a free kick just by Cammy Bell's left hand post.

St Mirren deservedly equalised with a little over five minutes to go in what was a quiet first half. It felt like justice was served as MacKenzie was the one to get the Buddies back on level terms. Lewis Morgan was halved on the right hand side by Jamie Robson who went into the book for the challenge. Mallan went across to whip the ball into the middle where it met the head of MacKenzie who pulled away from his marker to power home.

Half Time: Dundee United 1-1 St Mirren

The hosts had a glorious opportunity to retake the lead in the second half when Simon Murray hit the woodwork. A Saints corner was cleared to the half way line where Gary Irvine was penalised for bringing down a United player. The free kick was played quickly to Murray on the edge of the box who smashed it off the bar. The ball then fell invitingly for Mikkelesen whose first touch was poor allowing Billy O'Brien to smother.

They did go back in front when the referee awarded United an indirect free kick in the box. A loose ball played into the Saints box from 40 yards out was gathered by O'Brien who was under pressure by Murray. The referee adjudged it to be a pass-back from Stephen McGinn and despite some disagreement with the decision in the press box, it proved to be the correct call. Spittal rolled the ball to Frenchman Andreu who blasted it low into the net to restore the home side's advantage, scoring his fifth goal against the Buddies this season. 

Saints almost made it 2-2 soon after with Mallan forcing Bell to push a free kick wide. The 21 year-old got it up and over the wall but the goalkeeper did well as he got both hands to it to force it away from goal. MacKenzie went close to getting his second from the resultant corner as he rose above the United defence again sending a header just over. 

Josh Todd was brought as a late substitute for the Buddies and his introduction had the desired affect when he scored his first St Mirren goal to square the game. McGinn was on the end of a loose ball in the box and crashed a shot goalward. It took a deflection and landed at the feet of Todd who showed great composure to open up room in the box before firing it high into the United net.

It looked like St Mirren were going to take what would have been a deserved point but there was late heartbreak as Spittal scored in the dying embers of the match. Mikkelsen found the midfielder on the edge of the box and he struck it low beyond O'Brien into the net to seal three points for the home side.

Full Time: Dundee Utd 3-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine (Stelios 77), Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Magennis, Mallan, McGinn, Morgan, Smith (Sutton 69), Loy (Todd 79)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Webster, Quinn, Storie, Stelios, Todd, Sutton

Dundee Utd: Bell, Robson, Durnan, Edjenguele, Allardice (Kuate 45), Murdoch, Flood, Spittal (Donaldson 90+2), Murray, Andreu, Mikkelsen
Subs Not Used: Zwick, Dixon, Coote, Telfer, Nicholls

Referee: Craig Charleston
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: Garry Farmer

Attendance: 6,225

Lewis Morgan returns to the starting eleven as he replaces John Sutton in the only change to the side that drew with Falkirk.

The winger's season looked to be over after an injury against Ayr United three weeks, but he made a substitute appearance last week and comes in from the start today.

Stelios Demetriou returns to the squad after missing out last week due to illness, while Andy Webster replaces Ben Gordon on the bench.

We'll have all the action covered on our Facebook and Twitter pages with kick-off at 3pm.

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine, Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Magennis, Mallan, McGinn, Morgan, Smith, Loy
Subs: Langfield, Webster, Quinn, Storie, Stelios, Todd, Sutton

Rory Loy says there is a confidence within the side that they can stay away from the relegation zone ahead of tomorrow's trip to Tannadice.

The Buddies sit in eighth place in the Ladbrokes Championship, level on points with Dumbarton who occupy the relegation play-off spot.

A win over Dundee United tomorrow would move them up to seventh with just two matches remaining.

And the striker admits that the team is on a high at the moment on the back of a good run of form in the league which sees St Mirren unbeaten in seven.

I think winning breeds confidence," he said. "And if you can add not losing when you are not playing particularly well that breeds confidence too. To have gone to Morton and Falkirk in the last two games and had four points is a good return.

"It's a bit of a cliche to say we are taking it each game at a time, but it is very true at the moment. We're not looking at the Dundee United and Raith games and saying we need to get this or we need to get that. WE are fully concentrated on Dundee United and seeing what we can take from there.

"We caught Morton at a good time and we matched their work-rate which is a massive part of what they are about. When we matched their work-rate our quality shone through. Falkirk was a bit different. It's always a different dynamic going there on the astro so it was credit to us that we went ahead twice, it was just unfortunate we couldn't hold on.

"I think it's paramount for both teams to pick up three points," he continued. "That second place is massive for whoever can nick it, having to play two games less in the play-offs. I don't have to remind anyone how important the three points are for us at the other end of the table.

"We are more than confident if we can look after ourselves then the league table will take care of itself."

Loy, who is on loan from Dundee United's city rivals, feels it took him a while to get going in terms of match sharpness. But with six goals, including one in the IRN-BRU Cup final against United, the 29 year-old is enjoying his football and believes he is now demonstrating why he deserves a spot in the team.

I think it took me a couple of weeks to get up to speed and I was ill for a couple of weeks which set me back. But I think the last 10 games or so I have got up to speed. I think I have shown what I can give and I'm thoroughly enjoying being part of a successful team. 

"I'm a St Mirren player for now but I'm sure their supporters will let me know that I've been a Dundee player."

The striker told stmirren.com in January that one of his reasons for choosing to join the Buddies in the transfer window was the chance to work with Jack Ross. He praised the manager and says that the performances from the team say it all.

Having not managed in the game for that long he had a big reputation and to be fair he's really produced in terms of that. Even when I wasn't in the team I was able to speak to him and tell him what was going on in my head which helps a lot as a player.

"I got another opportunity and I've taken it and been in the team for a while now. The big thing about the gaffer here is that he's got the best out of the team and the squad and I think that is speaking volumes now on the pitch."

St Mirren visit the City of Discovery tomorrow in the hope of finding three points in their quest for survival in the Ladbrokes Championship.

The Buddies fine league form continued last weekend away to Falkirk as goals from Rory Loy and Stephen McGinn helped the Saints to a 2-2 draw – extending the unbeaten run in the league to seven matches.

Jack Ross’ side have won six of their last 10 league matches, making them the form side in the division. Three of those six wins have come on the road with Saints seeing off Ayr United, Queen of the South and Morton. 

Dundee United come into tomorrow's match unbeaten in their last three - picking up a win against Dunfermline and draws with Falkirk and Ayr United. 

Jack's first match in charge of St Mirren came back in October when United visited the Paisley 2021 Stadium. It wasn't to be a winning start for the manager though as goals from Scott Fraser and Tony Andreu saw the Tangerines run out 2-0 winners.

The two teams met again on Christmas Eve with Saints at Tannadice for the first time since November 2014. United came out on top again despite John Sutton firing the Buddies into a first half lead. Fraser equalised for the home side just a minute after the Englishman’s goal before Simon Murray grabbed the winner on the stroke of half time.

St Mirren came out on top by the odd goal in five when United visited Paisley in March. Harry Davis gave Saints an early lead, before Andreu equalised. Stevie Mallan put the hosts back in front when he caught out Cammy Bell at the near post with a well taken free kick. Lewis Morgan gave the Buddies a two goal cushion when he slammed the ball home in the second half. United cut the deficit when Andreu scored his third in three games against St Mirren, but it couldn't stop the Buddies deservedly picking up a valuable three points.

The two would face off against each other in the IRN-BRU Cup final last month. Andreu was at it again for United when he scored a stunning volley, only for Loy to put Saints level less than a minute later when he swept home a Gary Irvine cross. However, it proved to be United's day as Thomas Mikkelsen grabbed the winner with 15 minutes to go.

Only three matches remain in the Ladbrokes Championship with St Mirren sitting in eighth, level on points with Dumbarton who occupy the relegation play-off spot. With Raith Rovers not in action tomorrow, a win for the Saints would see them move up into seventh. For United, their aim will be to amass as many points as they can in their last three games in the hope of overtaking Falkirk to reach second place.

Tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 22nd April), St Mirren make the journey through to Tannadice Park to face Ray McKinnon's Dundee United side.

The latest info we have on Travel Clubs heading to Tannadice Park for the match is as follows:

Tile Bar Supporters Bus

The bus for Dundee will leave Abercorn Street at 12:30pm.

Bus tickets are now available in the bar.

Chivas Travel Club

The buses for the Dundee United game will leave from The Court Bar at 12:30pm.

We are running two buses for this game.

Tickets for bus one are sold out but a limited amount of tickets for bus two are still available at The Court Bar.

North End Travel Club

The bus to Dundee will leave the Sneddon at 12:45pm.

There are some bus tickets still available in the Brewer's Tap, £6 each.

Cockles Wilson Supporters Bus

The bus for the Dundee United game will leave at 12:30pm.

Our buses for this match are now sold out.

 * Anyone wishing to book a wheelchair place should contact the St Mirren Ticket Office by no later than midday on Friday 21st April

The St Mirren Ticket Office hours for the remainder of this week are as follows:

21/04/2017 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
22/04/2017 - CLOSED

St Mirren Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130.
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com

Additional Information

Tomorrow, Saturday 22nd April, St Mirren head to Dundee to face Dundee United in the Ladbrokes Championship.

The gate prices have now been confirmed for the fixture at Tannadice Park and these are shown above.

The referee tomorrow is Craig Charleston and he will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and Garry Farmer.

St Mirren travel to the capital on Saturday 6th May to face Ladbrokes Championship winners Hibernian in the final match of the regular league season.

Saints will face a Hibernian side that have already been crowned as Champions at Easter Road in a match that could be the Buddies last of the season - if they avoid the relegation play-off spot. 

Tickets for this match are now on-sale at the St Mirren Ticket Office.

The match details and prices for the match is as follows:

Hibernian v St Mirren
Ladbrokes Championship
Venue: Easter Road, Edinburgh
Date: Saturday 6th May 2017
Kick-off: 3:00pm

Ticket Prices

Anyone wishing to book a wheelchair place should contact the St Mirren Ticket Office.

*Must be in receipt of the higher rate of DLA/PIP. If a carer is needed and proof can be provided then the carer ticket will be free of charge. 
**Over 65/Under 18/Full-time students with valid ID

The St Mirren Ticket Office opening hours for the rest of this week are as follows:

20/04/2017 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
21/04/2017 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
22/04/2017 - CLOSED
23/04/2017 - CLOSED

Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130.
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of St Mirren defeating Dundee United to win the Scottish Cup, the club has commissioned a new A4 sized book of around 70 pages which can now be pre-ordered on our estore.

The book is set to be published on 12 May 2017 – the day of the Celebration Dinner and tells the story of the entire season. It documents the highs and lows as Saints coped with inconsistent league form, a change of manager, one of our worst ever League Cup results, injuries to a number of key players and how we emerged victorious on the biggest stage in domestic football.

There will be a one time print run of the book based purely on demand, with a very limited number also for sale in the club shop.

Each guest at the end of season Celebration Dinner will receive a complimentary copy but this is your chance to guarantee you don't miss out and secure yours!

The book is priced at £5 per copy plus Post & Packing PER COPY, which varies depending on your location*. If you live locally you can choose to collect from the stadium reception and avoid the delivery costs.

Order now and your book(s) will be despatched as soon as the print run is complete.

*Scotland, Wales, England and N Ireland is £2.50 per copy. European is £7.50 per copy. Rest of the World is £10 per copy.

St Mirren supporters still have time to bid for a place in the 'Saint for a Day' teams with the auction dates being extended.

Buddies fans now have until 5pm on Thursday 20th April to get their bids in if they wish to take part.

Two teams – one home and one away – made up of St Mirren fans will kick-off our annual fixture that will be played on the pitch at The Paisley 2021 Stadium on Sunday 30th April with a 12:00pm kick off.

There will be two teams with 15 players per team (1-11 and four substitutes).

Each shirt will be available to bid on in a blind auction with all proceeds going to the St Mirren Youth Development Programme.

Jack Ross and James Fowler have been announced as the managers of the two sides while supporters can bid to become their assistant manager. While ex-players, David Van Zanten and Lee Mair will also be taking part.

Come and be part of this exciting day which will include:-

*The St Mirren Match Day Experience – Playing the game on the pitch at The Paisley 2021 stadium.

*Wearing an official team strip that you will also get to keep after the game.

*Medal presentation to all players from a special guest.

*Food and refreshments post match.

The rules are as follows:

*Bidding for all home and away shirts plus assistant manager positions will close at 5:00pm on Thursday, 20th April. 

*You must be 18 years of age or over to both bid and take part in 'Saint for a Day'.

*By bidding on the auction you are declaring that you (or the person you are bidding for) are fit and well to take part in the event.

*In the instance of getting two identical bids for the same shirt number in the same team, the email that has the earliest date and time stamp will be accepted as the leading bidder.

*Payment must be made immediately if you have been the successful bidder.

To have a chance to take part on the day please send your blind auction bid by e-mail to claire.coventry@stmirren.com (Minimum bid is £100). In the e-mail you must state which team you are bidding to play in (home or away) and which shirt number for that team you are bidding on. Good Luck!!