St Mirren were dealt more VAR frustration and ended the game with 10 men for the second week in a row as we lost 3-1 to Dundee United at Tannadice.

Dan Nlundulu scored his first goal for St Mirren to give the Buddies a deserved lead. But the home side levelled late in the half through Zach Sapsford after a dubious free-kick call. Saints looked the more likely to re-take the lead, but found themselves behind when a VAR intervention saw referee John Beaton award United a penalty with less than 10 to play and show a red card to Alex Gogic. Substitute Amar Fatah made no mistake from the spot before Craig Sibbald added a third in the final minute of normal time. 

Manager Stephen Robinson made two changes with Conor McMenamin in for the suspended Jayden Richardson, while Jonah Ayunga replaced Mikael Mandron who was only fit enough for a place on the bench.

The Buddies started brightly and would be awarded with the breakthrough on 18 minutes. Declan John's wicked cross was touched onto the bar by United goalkeeper Yevhenni Kucherenko and Nlundulu was quickest to react to rebound, nodding into the net from close-range to score his first for Saints.

Dan Nlundulu celebrates his first St Mirren goal with Mark O'Hara and Jonah Ayunga (Image: Andy Barr)

The forward had a big opportunity to double his tally with five minutes of the first-half remaining. He was first on to a brilliant corner kick delivery from captain Mark O'Hara, but he bulleted wide of target.

Frustratingly, United drew level two minutes later. Shamal George was penalised for seemingly picking the ball up outside the area which saw the goalkeeper cautioned and the hosts awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. Sapsford struck low into the bottom corner to make it 1-1. It was a bitterly disappointing moment as the Buddies had looked well in control, limiting United to very little. 

Saints almost reacted in the perfect manner with Nlundulu forcing an important save from Kucherenko on 44 minutes as the half drew to a close. 

United almost got themselves in front quickly after the restart when a Sibbald pass cut open the Saints defence which saw Panutche Camara run through on goal. George was out quickly to narrow the angle and that saw Camara slide the ball by the far post.

Killian Phillips could have put St Mirren back ahead just after the hour mark but failed to hit the target. Miguel Freckleton's ball into the box was brought down on the chest of Gogic and sat nicely for Phillips to get on to it though the Irishman struck high over the bar.

Most of the game was being played deep in the United half with Saints trying to force the issue in search of a second goal. A number of corners and crosses caused the hosts pressure. Keanu Baccus dragged an effort wide from 20 yards on 64 minutes before Ayunga couldn't get enough curl from a similar position three minutes later. Baccus came close again when he let fly from 25 yards with a strike that flew just wide of the post on 72 minutes. 

With less than 10 minutes to go, Dundee United were awarded a penalty after a VAR call. John Beaton was sent to the monitor and subsequently pointed to the spot and showed Gogic a red card for a foul on Nikolaj Moller. Substitute Amar Fatah rolled it home to give the hosts the lead. They wrapped up the points in the final minute of time with Sibbald curling high into the net from the edge of the box.

Full-Time: Dundee United 3-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, Fraser, Gogic, Freckleton, McMenamin (King 85), Phillips, Baccus, O'Hara (c) (Taylor 85), John, Ayunga (Mandron 70), Nlundulu (Calvin 85)
Subs: Mullen, Tanser, Donnelly, Idowu, Dijksteel

Dundee United: Kucherenko, Esselink, Iovu (Naamo 73), Sevelj, Camara, Sapsford (Amar Fatah 77), Ferry, Sibbald, Stephenson (Trapanovski 67), Keresztes, Moller (Stirton 90)
Subs: Richards, Eskesen, Dolcek, Cleall-Harding, Beattie

Referee: John Beaton
AR1: David McGeachie
AR2: Alastair Mather
Fourth Official: Duncan Williams
VAR: Gavin Duncan

A dramatic day in Paisley saw Saints suffer late agony as they were beaten 1-0 by Aberdeen.

Saints threatened in the opening seconds, Keanu Baccus' shot being blocked by the legs of Dons keeper Dimitar Mitov, Killian Phillips heading over towards the end of the half.

As the hour mark approached, Alex Gogic thought he'd marked his 150th Saints appearance with a goal only for VAR to eventually rule his header out for a foul in the build-up. The visitors should have been in front soon after but Shamal George saved Stuart Armstrong's effort and Alexander Jensen couldn't find the net from the rebound.

VAR was involved gain late on, with Saints' Jayden Richardson being sent off against his old club for violent conduct after being initially booked in the aftermath of being fouled by Ante Palaversa. It looked as if Saints would hold on for a point but deep into the seven minutes of added time, Marko Lazetic produced a moment of magic to fire Aberdeen to their first league win in Paisley since 2018.

It was a much changed Saints side, with Mark O'Hara and Marcus Fraser returning from injury and Keanu Baccus also back in the team, Dan Nlundulu making his first start up front. Shamal George had recovered enough from illness to start in goal with Richard King, Liam Donnelly, Roland Idowu and Jonah Ayunga dropping to the bench. Aberdeen made just one change to the side which hammered Dundee before the international break, Gavin Molloy replacing the injured Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Saints made a flying start and could have been ahead after a couple of minutes, Mikael Mandron heading Mark O'Hara's cross down for Keanu Baccus but Dimitar Mitov blocked the shot with his legs. Aberdeen responded quickly, Ail Aouchiche firing just over, as the game began at a frantic pace.

It was end to end stuff but chances were at a premium - Mitov saving easily from Mandron as Saints tried to hit the visitors on the break before Shamal George gathered Nicky Devlin's effort. As half-time neared, a well worked free-kick routine from Saints ended with the unchallenged Phillips heading over against his former club.

Jesper Karlsson should have done better than curl a shot over the bar at the end of some nice Aberdeen play early in the second half. A few minutes later Saints thought they'd taken the lead, some tremendous skill from Baccus winning him the space to float in a cross for Alex Gogic to nod home. However, no goal is ever certain these days and, after a delay, ref Lloyd Wilson was called to the monitor and ruled the goal out. It initially seemed to have been ruled out for offside although the suggestion later was Mitov had been fouled by Dan Nlundulu.

Alex Gogic's goal was disallowed (Image: Allan Picken)

That decision seemed to fire Saints up but Aberdeen should have taken the lead soon after, George producing a great save to deny Stuart Armstrong before Alexander Jensen somehow failed to hit the target with the rebound. As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Jayden Richardson tried to burst down the right and was pulled back by Ante Palaversa. Like a cartoon fight, limbs seemed to go everywhere after that as both players went flying and were booked for their troubles, Armstrong also cautioned for his involvement in the scuffle that followed. For the second time in the afternoon, VAR intervened and Richardson got the worst kind of upgrade as his yellow become a red for violent conduct, George being booked for dissent into the bargain.

The man advantage and seven minutes of added time created the perfect scenario for Aberdeen to end their Paisley hoodoo. Saints were able to see out the first six minutes of stoppage time before Marko Lazetic got the better of his man at the byline and fired a shot across George into the far corner to give the visitors all three points.

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-1 Aberdeen

St Mirren: George, Fraser, Gogic, Freckleton, Richardson, Phillips, Baccus, O'Hara (c) (Idowu 67), John (Tanser 90), Nlundulu (Ayunga 68), Mandron (McMenamin 88)
Subs Not Used: Mullen, King, Donnelly, Dijksteel, Calvin

Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Devlin, Knoester, Milne, Molloy (Dorrington 78), Shinnie (c) (Polvara 69), Armstrong, Aouchiche (Palaversa 69), Karlsson (Keskinen 69), Nisbet (Lazetic 63)
Subs Not Used: Suman, Clarkson, Milanovic, Kjartansson

Referee: Lloyd Wilson
AR1: Frank Connor
AR2: Sean Duff
VAR: Kevin Clancy

Attendance: 7,333

St Mirren B fell to a late defeat away to Kelty Hearts in the KDM Evolution Trophy on Saturday.

Having picked up four points from their opening four fixtures, a win would have put the young Saints in a strong position to reach the last 32 with only one match remaining in the league phase. 

And the Buddies would get off to a bright start with Carrick Mcevoy stealing possession in the middle of the park and sliding the ball through to Luke Douglas. The forward drove forward, making his way into the box, before twisting and turning the Kelty defence and slotting beyond goalkeeper Corey Armour to give Saints the lead on 15 minutes. 

The hosts struck back nine minutes later with loanee Ricco Diack levelling the scores. The striker turned home from close range to make it 1-1. Diack would score the winner for the hosts with 13 minutes remaining. His initial header came off the cross bar, but he was in the right place at the right time to home the rebound and ensure the points remained with the Fifers. 

The young Buddies close out the league phase away to Stranraer on Tuesday 11th November. A win against the League Two side could still be enough for St Mirren B to secure their place in the round of 32. 

Full-Time: Kelty Hearts 2-1 St Mirren B

St Mirren B: Mullen, Hutchison, Clark, Hunter, Penman (Lavery 46), Hodgkiss (Stoddart 72), Mcevoy (c), Thompson, Falconer (Farquhar 78), Calvin, Douglas
Subs Not Used: Innes, Barr, Kiely, Rehman, Morrow

Kelty Hearts: Armour, Scott, Clay, Brydon, Thomas, Leitch (Snoddy 87), Ferguson, McInally (Murray 46), McCarvel (Moore 64), Diack (Winiarski 87), Bexfield (Campbell 79)
Subs Not Used: Adamson, Brown, McHale

St Mirren suffered just a second defeat of the season as we fell to a 2-0 loss away to Kilmarnock in the William Hill Premiership.

First-half goals from David Watson and Marcus Dackers were enough to see Saints leave Rugby Park empty handed on a blustery Ayrshire day. The Buddies had plenty of the ball as they tried to find a way to take something back to Paisley, but failed to make Kilmarnock goalkeeper Max Stryjek work on a disappointing afternoon.  

Manager Stephen Robinson named the same starting 11 as the side that defeated Dundee at The SMiSA Stadium last Saturday. That meant Alex Gogic one again skippered the side in the absence of the injured pair of Mark O'Hara and Marcus Fraser. Keanu Baccus shook off an injury to take a place on the bench, while Killian Phillips made his 50th appearance for the Saints.

Saints started the better of the two sides, seeing more of the ball and forcing a half chance on five minutes. Gogic got his head on a Declan John corner, but glanced wide of the far post. Jonah Ayunga was presented an opportunity when a Shamal George goal kick carried all the way to the Kenyan forward who managed to make his way into the box. He eventually got it under control before seeing his strike blocked by George Stanger. 

The hosts took the lead from nowhere with Watson breaking the deadlock on 27 minutes. The home side hadn't looked much of a threat but won the ball in the midfield with Greg Kiltie lifting a ball over the top for Bruce Anderson. The striker raced away from Richard King before forcing a strong one-handed save from George. But Watson was quickest to react to the loose ball, slamming into the net.

Kilmarnock added a second nine minutes later when Dackers found himself unmarked in the area to bullet home a header from James Brown cross.

Saints' day would almost be summed up by a VAR check for a penalty coming to nothing just before the interval. King's header looked like it may have come off Robbie Deas' arm and the game was briefly halted for a check. No penalty was given. 

The manager reacted to the first-half showing with a triple substitution at the interval with Baccus, Conor McMenamin and Dan Nlundulu replacing King, Roland Idowu and Mikael Mandron. 

But it was Kilmarnock who threatened to extend their lead after the restart with Dackers forcing a good save from the feet of George. Anderson's follow up was blocked before Dackers eventually fired wide.

Saints would make another two changes with Malik Dijksteel and Evan Mooney being introduced in place of Liam Donnelly and Ayunga. The Buddies continued to have the bulk of possession, but failed to create anything that would give them a route into the match. Kilmarnock substitute Djenairo Daniels passed up a big opportunity to add a third heading into the final 10 minutes of the match when he was found in plenty of space inside the area, but he fired well over. 

Full-Time: Kilmarnock 2-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, King (Baccus 46), Gogic (c), Freckleton, Richardson, Phillips, Donnelly (Dijksteel 64), Idowu (McMenamin 46), John, Ayunga (Mooney 64), Mandron (Nlundulu 46)
Subs: Mullen, Tanser, Taylor, Calvin

Kilmarnock: Stryjek, Brown (Brannan 90), Mayo, Stanger, Deas, Thompson, Polworth (Lyons 65), Watson (Magennis 90), Kiltie (McKenzie 81), Dackers, Anderson (Daniels 65)
Subs: Beach, Williams, Tiffoney, Schilte-Brown

Referee: Nick Walsh
AR1: Ross Macleod
AR2: Brian Christie
Fourth Official: Daniel graves
VAR: Andrew Dallas

Attendance: 5,399 (861 St Mirren supporters)

St Mirren made it two wins from two in the William Hill Premiership and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches.

Killian Phillips' first-half goal was the difference as Stephen Robinson's men moved into third place in the William Hill Premiership.

The manager was forced into two changes from the side that defeated Kilmarnock on penalties in the Premier Sports Cup last week. Captain Mark O'Hara and Keanu Baccus missed out with injury so Liam Donnelly came in for his first Saints start, while Roland Idowu was in from the beginning. 

The day started with a minute's applause to pay our respects to Saints legend Jimmy Bone who sadly passed away at the age of 75 earlier this month. 

A scrappy start at the rain-soaked SMiSA Stadium saw the Buddies with the majority of possession in the opening stages but they only had a long-range strike from Idowu that flew over to show for it. 

Drey Wright forced a good save from Shamal George on 18 minutes with a fierce strike from the edge of the area that was pushed wide by the Saints stopper. 

Alex Gogic, who had taken the captain's armband, had the Buddies' best early opportunity on 22 minutes. Killian Phillips' throw-in bobbed about before falling to Idowu who forced it back to Gogic on the edge of the area. The Cypriot defender got a lot of power behind the effort, but Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken was able to hold the low shot.

Saints started to take more of a grip on the match and came close to finding the opener twice inside the space of a minute. Jonah Ayunga forced a good save from McCracken who was at full-stretch to turn away the forward's shot from 20 yards. A minute later, Ayunga again got in behind the Dee defence. This time he rolled it back to Idowu who curled agonisingly wide of the far post from the edge of the box.

The deadlock was broken six minutes before the break with Killian Phillips netting his fifth goal of the season. The Irishman was on hand to turn home from six yards as he got the final touch on Mandron's strike to score his first league goal of 2025/26.

There was little to report in the opening 15 minutes after the restart. Ethan Hamilton's vicious strike was  However, Saints could have added a second just after the hour mark when a good switch from Freckleton found Richardson down the right-hand side. The wing-back played a dangerous low ball across the face, but no one in black and white could get on the end of it. 

The manager made his first change of the game on 68 minutes when Saints youth academy graduate Fraser Taylor was introduced in place of Donnelly. That was followed by the double substitution of Conor McMenamin and Dan Nlundulu who replaced Idowu and Ayunga on 75 minutes. 

The game was fizzling out, but with 1-0 a precarious lead Saints were searching for a second to kill it off and nearly did so heading into stoppage time. Phillips stole the ball off a Dundee defender deep in the Dee half and drove forward before cracking a shot just wide of the mark from 20 yards. Dundee would try to force pressure with some late corners, but the Saints defence stood strong to ensure a clean sheet and three points.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-0 Dundee

St Mirren: George, King, Gogic (c), Freckleton, Richardson, Phillips, Donnelly (Taylor 68), Idowu (McMenamin 75), John (Tanser 86), Ayunga (Nlundulu 75), Mandron
Subs Not Used: Mullen, Calvin, Dijksteel, Sobowale, Mooney

Dundee: McCracken, Wright (Yogane 83), Astley, C. Robertson (c), Graham (Koumetio 83), Congreve, F.Robertson (Jones 89), Hamilton, Samuels, Hay (Acquah 75), Westley
Subs Not Used: O'Hara, Ingram, Donnelly, Galabov, Reilly

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
AR1: Gordon Crawford
AR2: Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official: Alastair Grieve
VAR: Calum Scott

Attendance: 6,382

St Mirren B were beaten by Hamilton Academical in the KDM Evolution Trophy with a spirited second-half performance not enough to rescue anything after falling 3-0 behind in the first-half.

Kevin O'Hara's 17th minute goal was followed up by a quickfire Oli Shaw double to put the hosts into a commanding lead in the opening half. Jack Lavery pulled one back as the Young Saints gave a good account of themselves second-half. 

O'Hara had the first opportunity for Hamilton Accies when he intercepted goalkeeper Charlie Innes' pass on 11 minutes and tried to force home at the near post, but shot into the side net. The forward would give the hosts the lead after a neat interchange with Shaw saw him fire home from 15 yards. 

Evan Mooney forced a good save from Accies goalkeeper Michael Marks 10 minutes after the opener with a powerful strike from the edge of the area as Saints searched for an equaliser. 

Accies would take complete control of the game with just under 10 minutes of the first-half remaining when Shaw netted twice in the space of a minute. The forward first tucked home Alexander Hutton's cross from close-range on 34 minutes. He added his second and Accies' third less than 60 seconds later when he got in behind the Saints defence to race on to a ball over the top. Saints goalkeeper Innes raced off his line with Shaw lifting the ball over him around 25 yards from goal before running on to the ball and knocking into the empty net. 

The Buddies were much stronger in the second 45 and managed to pull a goal back on 63 minutes. Jack Lavery's powerful strike managed to find its way over the line despite a strong hand from Marks as he attempted to keep the ball out of the net. 

Shaw had the ball in the net for the hosts on 69 minutes when he turned home a low cross from O'Hara, but the linesman's flag denied the striker his hat-trick

Luke Douglas twice forced saves from Marks in the final stages as Saints looked to reduce the deficit further, but the Accies stopper saved well to ensure his side saw the match out to pick up three points. 

Full-Time: Hamilton 3-1 St Mirren B

St Mirren B: Innes, Hutchison, Falconer, Hunter, Mcevoy, Clark (Farquhar 63), Hodgkiss, Taylor (c) (Thompson 71), Douglas, Mooney (Rehman 71), Lavery
Subs Not Used: McEwan, Morrow, Barr, Stoddart

Hamilton: Mark, Hutton (Eadie 62), O'Hara (C.Smith 83), Shaw, Rathie (Shiels 62), MacDonald (c), Loughrey, Gallacher, Syme, MacKinnon (Aitken 56), Herd (McKinstry 83)
Subs Not Used: J. Smith, Carson

Referee: Josh Hay
Assistant Referee: David Dunne
Assistant Referee: Callum Haswell

St Mirren are heading to Hampden after a penalty shoot-out win over Kilmarnock.

The match went the distance after the sides couldn't be separated after 120 minutes of pulsating action at Rugby Park. Mikael Mandron and Jayden Richardson twice had Saints ahead with a pair of fine finishes, but Killie equalised twice through Robbie Deas and Bruce Anderson to take the game to extra-time. 

Saints were perfect from the spot with Richard King, Roland Idowu, Liam Donnelly, on his debut, Dan Nlundulu and Malik Dijksteel all netting, while Shamal George saved from Kyle Magennis to send the Buddies into the last four. 

Both sides made one change to their previous fixture with King coming in from the start in place of the injured Marcus Fraser for Saints. Ex-Buddie Greg Kiltie started for the hosts with Rory McKenzie dropping to the bench.

In what would prove to be a cup classic, a frantic start to the match saw Jonah Ayunga reach a cross from Killian Phillips at the far post and fire into the side net with only a minute played, while Kiltie stung the palms of Shamal George a little over 30 seconds later with a low shot from 20 yards. 

Saints looked bright in the opening stages with Richardson sending a low ball across the face of the box which was begging for anyone in black and red to get on the end of. On eight minutes, Mandron forced a brilliant save from Kilmarnock goalkeeper Max Stryjek. The forward's low drive looked destined for the bottom corner but for the Killie stopper to push wide at full stretch. Mandron did well two minutes later to get his head on the end of a Richardson cross but he flashed the header wide. 

Kilmarnock should have taken the lead on 12 minutes when Marcus Dackers robbed the ball from King near the Saints box. The forward played the ball to his strike partner Djenairo Daniels who teed up Kiltie who had arrived in area. He looked primed to fire the hosts ahead though curled the effort by the post. 

Kiltie was Killie's out ball and his running down the left saw him draw fouls from both Phillips and Richardson with the Saints pair both shown yellows. 

Mandron, who netted in last weekend's win over Falkirk and registered six goal contributions in the Premier Sports Cup prior to tonight, gave Saints the lead on 25 minutes. The forward brilliantly took down a pass from Richardson before lifting the ball over Lewis Mayo and running on to the ball. Mandron worked his way into the box and lashed beyond Stryjek to the delight of the 2,200 plus travelling support.

Mikael Mandron opens the scoring against Kilmarnock (Image: Allan Picken)

Robbie Deas drew Kilmarnock level heading into the final minutes of the half. A free-kick from Dominic Thompson was met by the Killie captain and he thumped home to make it 1-1. 

Saints came agonisingly close to taking the lead less than 10 minutes after the restart. It was excellent work from Miguel Freckleton down the left with the ball across falling to Phillips. The Irishman struck it well but an unbelievable reaction stop from Stryjek denied what looked destined to be a second for Saints.

The Buddies would, however, hit the front again with Richardson scoring a goal of the season contender just before the hour mark. Keanu Baccus' cross was headed out by Deas only as far as Richardson who, 20 yards from goal, brought it down on his chest and volleyed into the top left-hand corner. A truly stunning strike that gave Saints a well deserved lead for the second time. 

Stephen Robinson's men had the bit between their teeth and almost added a third just a minute after going ahead when Ayunga robbed the ball in the middle of the park and drove forward. The striker teed up Baccus on the overlap but the Australian's shot was blocked. It would spin to Mandron who found Ayunga and the Kenyan was denied by Stryjek as the Killie 'keeper tipped over. 

Freckleton made a brilliant defensive block on 64 minutes as Kilmarnock chased an equaliser, while Declan John came close to scoring in the second game in a row when he clipped a free-kick inches over the bar from the edge of the area. 

Saints looked the more likely to score again and put the game out of sight. Mandron brilliantly fashioned some space to work his way into the box and get a strike away on goal. But he shot straight at Stryjek. 

Kilmarnock would get themselves back on terms with five minutes of normal time remaining. King was judged by referee David Dickinson to have felled substitute Marley Watkins and that allowed Anderson to fire home from 12 yards to take the game to extra-time. 

30 minutes of tentative extra-time couldn't separate the sides and that meant the game would be decided by spot kicks. King, Idowu, Donnelly and Nlundulu netted and when George saved Magennis' penalty that allowed Dijksteel to score the winning penalty as he did against Hearts in the previous round.

The Buddies become the first side to book their place in the last four of the competition and will have a trip to Hampden to look forward to on the first weekend in November.

Full-Time: Kilmarnock 2-2 St Mirren (St Mirren win 5-3 on penalties)

St Mirren: George, King, Gogic, Freckleton, Richardson (McMenamin 97), Phillips, Baccus (Idowu 89), O'Hara (c) (Donnelly 75), John, Ayunga (Dijksteel 90), Mandron (Nlundulu 97)
Subs: Mullen, Tanser, Calvin, Mooney

Kilmarnock: Stryjek, Brown (Magennis 84), Mayo, Stanger (Williams 109), Deas (c) (Brannan 83), Thompson, Polworth (Watkins 79), Watson, Kiltie (McKenzie 91), Dackers, Daniels (Anderson 60)
Subs: Beach, Thomson, Schilte-Brown

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence
Assistant Referee: Ross Nelson
Fourth Official: Dan McFarlane 

Attendance: 7,192 (2,252 St Mirren supporters)

St Mirren won their first Premiership match of the season with second-half goals from Declan John and Mikael Mandron giving Saints three points away to Falkirk.

The victory moves the Buddies to fourth place in the William Hill Premiership and extends our unbeaten league run to four matches. 

Manager Stephen Robinson, taking charge of his 400th match as a manager, named the same starting line-up for the fourth game in a row, while welcoming new signing Dan Nlundulu on to the bench as well as the returning Conor McMenamin.

A pretty listless opening to the match was briefly stirred on 24 minutes when a cross from John was met by Jonah Ayunga. The forward was always stretching and couldn't get his header on target. A minute later another dangerous ball from John found Jayden Richardson at the far end of the box. He checked inside before laying off to Killian Phillips on the edge of the area but the Irishman scooped over. 

Falkirk then came close three minutes later when Shamal George was caught out by a cross and that allowed Ross MacIver to send a header beyond the Saints goalkeeper. Miguel Freckleton was there to turn the ball over to deny the home side the opener. Lewis Neilson looked like he should have put the John McGlynn's side in front after the ball eventually fell to him from the resulting corner, but he fired over with the offside flag raised in any case. MacIver should have done better when he got himself on the end of a Brad Spencer free-kick just after the half-hour mark. His header was tame though and easy for George. 

Saints were forced into a change before the interval when Marcus Fraser, who fell awkwardly in the Saints box and injured his ankle, had to be replaced by Richard King on 42 minutes. 

The Buddies came out the better side after the interval and could have opened the scoring a little over 10 minutes after the restart. Richardson's cross picked out Mandron in the box and the forward brought it down on his chest before laying off to Mark O'Hara on the edge of the area. The skipper didn't get the connection he would have wanted as he fired over. 

Stephen Robinson's side would make the breakthrough on 64 minutes with John's deflected free-kick finding the net. Mandron was fouled 25 yards from goal with Falkirk captain Spencer booked for the challenge. John stood over it alongside Killian Phillips, but it was the Welshman who shot and it took a big deflection to wrong foot the Falkirk goalkeeper and find the net. 

Declan John celebrates goal against Falkirk (Image: Paul Byars)

New signing Nlundulu was given his debut with 20 minutes remaining as he replaced Ayunga and he looked lively in his cameo. 

Phillips almost added a second for Saints on 71 minutes when his brilliant run saw him on the end of King's lifted ball over the top. The Irish midfielder brought it down well on his chest before forcing a big save from Bain. It was then the hosts who came close to levelling two minutes later when Calvin Miller's deflected cross almost sneaked in at the back post. 

Saints would double their advantage with less than 10 minutes remaining and once again John was integral. His stunning cross was straight on the head of Mandron who cleverly glanced into the net to put Saints on the way to three points. 

Mikael Mandron celebrates goal against Falkirk (Image: Paul Byars)

But the Buddies never seem to do things the easy way and that came to pass on 88 minutes when substitute Brian Graham's header reduced the deficit and gave the near 7,000 home support encouragement heading into injury-time. As it were, it was Saints who came the closest to adding to their tally in the final minutes. It would have been 3-1 but for an excellent save from Bain denying a 20 yard strike from King. 

The three points make their way back to Paisley and give manager Stephen Robinson the perfect way to mark 400 matches as a manager. 

Full-Time: Falkirk 1-2 St Mirren

Stephen Robinson applauds support after winning in his 400th match as a manager (Image: Paul Byars)

St Mirren: George, Fraser (King 42), Gogic, Freckleton, Richardson, Phillips, Baccus, O'Hara (c), John (Tanser 90), Mandron, Ayunga (Nlundulu 69)
Subs Not Used: Mullen, Sobowale, McMenamin, Idowu, Dijksteel, Mooney

Falkirk: Bain, Adams, Neilson, Henderson, McCann, Cartwright, Spencer (c), Miller (Samuel-Ogunsuyi 79), Tait (Agyeman 90), Arfield (Williams 65), MacIver (Graham 79)
Subs Not Used: Hogarth, Oliver, Allan, Lissah, Hart

Referee: Duncan Nicolson
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: Gordon McCabe
Fourth Official: Gary Hanvidge
VAR: Andrew Dallas

Attendance: 7,460

St Mirren B picked up a point in the League Phase of the KDM Evolution Trophy after a 2-2 draw against Annan Athletic.

Jalmaro Calvin gave the Young Saints a deserved first-half lead before Aidan Smith levelled for the Galabankies from the penalty spot a little after the hour mark. A late Charlie Maxwell header looked to have given the hosts all three points, but the Buddies battled back with Struan Thompson scoring a penalty in injury-time to ensure a share of the spoils.

Saints came into the match on the back of a 3-2 win over Alloa Athletic on matchday two. It was Calvin, the match winner that evening, who gave Peter Hartley's side the lead this afternoon on 20 minutes when he turned home from inside the six-yard area to make it two in two in the KDM Evolution Trophy.

The Buddies were almost pegged back immediately with goalkeeper Grant Tamosevicius making a wonderful save to deny Maxwell an equaliser just two minutes later.

Calvin had the chance to double his and the Buddies' tally on 37 minutes. The Jamaican forward's trickery saw him twist and turn beyond ex-Saint Josh Todd inside the box, but fired a right-footed effort just over from the angle.

Josh Farquhar missed an opportunity to extend our lead early in the second-half when he headed Thomas Falconer's cross over. It was a brilliant ball in and found Farquhar unmarked, but the youngster just put too much on it as it sailed over the bar.

The home side would draw level on 64 minutes when Smith converted from the penalty spot. The winger was fouled by Saints substitute Flynn O'Brien and he tucked away from 12 yards to restore parity.

The Buddies would have to weather a bit of a storm from the hosts after the leveller, but could have found themselves back ahead when Jack Lavery found Calvin in space inside the Annan box. The forward looked primed to net his second of the afternoon only for an Annan defender to somehow block on the line after the goalkeeper had been beaten.

Annan would go ahead with just four minutes of normal time remaining. Ryan Muir's cross found Maxwell sneaking in at the far post and he headed into the net with what looked like a winner. 

The Young Saints, who demonstrated great resilient in the last matchday, would do so again when they equalised in injury-time. Substitute Jack Barr was fouled and that gave Thompson the chance to level. He duly despatched from 12 yards to make it 2-2 and add another point in the league phase of the challenge cup. 

Full-Time: Annan Athletic 2-2 St Mirren B

St Mirren: Tamosevicius, Hutchison, McEvoy (c), Clark, McCormick (Barr 32), Thompson, Hodgkiss (O'Brien 55), Falconer (Morrow 81), Lavery, Farquhar, Calvin
Subs Not Used: Innes, Mackay, Robinson, Duff

Annan Athletic: Clarke, Kilsby, T. Muir (c) (Deveney 19), McGowan (Craik 46), Todd, Smith, Gaffney (Kalala 73), R. Muir, Smith, Maxwell, Gibson
Subs Not Used: Balfour, Hooper

St Mirren picked up another point in the William Hill Premiership following a 1-1 draw away to Hibernian.

Miguel Freckleton's first Saints goal gave us the lead just after the hour mark. But Hibs drew level nine minutes later to take a share of the spoils heading into the international break. It means Saints are unbeaten in their last four matches and have only lost one of their last 15 in all competitions. 

St Mirren named an unchanged team for the third straight game with Jonah Ayunga fit to start despite missing a large portion of training this week. The hosts made five changes after their UEFA Conference League exit to Legia Warsaw on Thursday night. Warren O’Hora, Jordan Obita, Josh Mulligan, Jamie McGrath and the in-form Kieron Bowie made way for Grant Hanley, Miguel Chaiwa, Jack Iredale, Thibault Klidje and Junior Hoilett.

After an impressive season from Hibernian last year, St Mirren were the only Premiership side that they could not break down, with the Buddies winning the only match played between the two at Easter Road last season 2-1 thanks to a Conor McMenamin brace.

Saints form against the Hibees has been strong over the past two seasons with the Buddies having only lost one of their last eight encounters with Hibernian, winning three of their previous four visits at Easter Road.

It was St Mirren who started the brighter of the two with Ayunga combining with Jayden Richardson. This created a great chance for Ayunga whose low shot was pushed wide by Jordan Smith in the Hibernian net.

The hosts responded quickly, as Hoilett has his effort smash off the crossbar from less than 10 yards out. This should have given Hibs the lead, with Martin Boyle firing the rebound over the bar.

Hibs started to take control of the game. Nicky Cadden fizzed in a corner from the left hand side that was met by Boyle. His low driven shot was straight into the grasp of George.

The pressure from the hosts kept pilling up and it was yet again Nicky Cadden creating another glorious chance. His cross was beautifully whipped in from the right hand side. Bushiri’s header was well defended by Freckleton to go out for a goal kick.

St Mirren came back down the other end to relieve some pressure. After the ball bouncing around Ayunga and Mandron, Ayunga struck the ball over the bar from 25 yards out.

Veteran Hoilett nearly rolled back the years with a bit of magic. An in-swinging corner nearly found its way straight into the net, but George was alert and pushed it over.

Having already gone down in the 15th minute, Phillips was substituted off half way through the first-half for Richard King.

Dylan Levitt put a ball over the top that Boyle chased down. He got goal side of Freckleton and just when it looked like he had a clear shot at goal, Freckleton made a brilliant recovery block from behind.

Both teams started off the second-half with some slack and sloppy passes. This then lead to the first booking off the day, which came for Hibs after a late challenge on Keanu Baccus from Chaiwa on 57 minutes.

It wasn’t long after that before St Mirren took the lead. Declan John with an excellent delivery from the left-hand side was met in the middle of the box by Freckleton. It will not be the prettiest goal that he ever scores, but neither he nor his team will care too much. There was then a lengthy VAR check for a possible offside, but the goal stood and Freckleton got his first goal for the Saints. 

Hibernian responded with a triple substitution with Bowie, Mulligan and McGrath replacing Boyle, Chris Cadden and Hoilett.

Nicky Cadden was proving to be a handful, as yet another cross was met by Bushiri but again, the Hibs defender was unable to find the back of the net.

St Mirren had a great chance to go two up on 66 minutes. Mark O’Hara put in a low cross from the left-hand side, it was met by Mandron, who couldn’t get the ball past Smith.

The hosts were pushing and got their equalizer just 10 minutes after falling behind. McGrath this time with the cross, was flicked on by Klidje and Bushiri finally put one in the back of the net to get his fourth goal of the season.

The crosses kept coming and Nicky Cadden was yet again the architect. Cadden whipped in another beauty of a cross. This time it hit of Mulligan and went straight at George.

The Buddies were close to taking the lead just 10 minutes before the end. A ball over the top found Richardson and he chipped Smith, who was in no mans land. Scotland international Grant Hanley was able to read the danger and clear the ball off the line.

Both teams then made substitutes with Mooney coming on for Ayunga for St Mirren and Obita replacing Iredale for the hosts.

Mulligan saw his shot lash wide left of George’s goal just before added time. Gogic was the booked after taking out Bowie in the lead up of a Hibs counter attack.

The referee then blew for full time but that was not the end of the match. There was a lengthy VAR check for a potential handball in the St Mirren box. The decision was no penalty and that was followed by a chorus of boos from the home fans.

St Mirren go into the international break just the two points behind Hibs, who remain in third.

Full-Time: Hibernian 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, Fraser, Gogic, Freckleton, Richardson, Phillips (King 27), Baccus, O'Hara (c), John, Mandron, Ayunga (Mooney 81)
Subs Not Used: Mullen, Sobowale, Tanser, Taylor, Idowu, Dijksteel, Calvin

Hibernian: Smith, Hanley, Bushiri, Iredale (Obita 81), N.Cadden, Chaiwa, Levitt, C.Cadden (McGrath 64), Hoilett (Mulligan 64), Klidje, Boyle (c) (Bowie 64)
Subs Not Used: Sallinger, O'Hora, Megwa, Campbell, Molotnikov

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Sean Duff
VAR: Ryan Lee