Saints battled to a hard-fought point against Dundee at the SMiSA Stadium after having to play the final half hour with 10 men.

The first-half was a non-event, although both sides missed a sitter. Cameron Congreve was the guilty party for Dundee, unable to slot home after Shamal George fumbled a cross, before Richard King put his shot wide at the other end after a superb Saints counter attack.

The Buddies improved after the break but just after failing to get the break of the ball at a penalty box scramble they were reduced to 10 men, Jake Young show a straight red for his challenge on Brad Halliday. That seemed to galvanise Saints and they had the better of the chances when Dan Nlundulu crossed for fellow sub Mikael Mandron but he put it wide while under pressure.

It was a much changed Saints team to the one which had drawn at Livingston 10 days ago. There was a new look strikeforce in the shape of January recruits Jake Young and Kion Etete with Tunmise Sobowale handed his first league start and Scott Tanser also coming into the side. Declan John, Conor McMenamin, Mikael Mandron and Jayden Richardson were the four who made way. The visitors handed a debut to Brad Halliday and Joel Cotterill made his first start, with the dangerous Simon Murray leading the attack.

Saints had an early let off when Shamal George failed to gather Tony Yogane's cross, the ball falling invitingly for Cameron Congreve but he could only stab it wide with the goal at his mercy. The Buddies had a tremendous chance when they broke from a Dundee corner, Etete carrying the ball forward before sliding it out wide for the charging Alex Gogic. He delivered a cross to Richard King at the back post and he looked set to fire Saints in front but fluffed his lines and sent his effort wide.

Halliday's attempt to mark his Dundee debut with a goal was deflected wide and although the first corner was dealt with, the second delivery sat up invitingly for Drey Wright at the edge of the box but he lashed it miles off target. Ethan Hamilton and Yan Dhada at least found the target with their shots from distance but both were straight at George. In between, Young did well to charge into the visitors' box before going down under the challenge of a defender, however both ref Nick Walsh and VAR were unmoved by the penalty appeals – which seemed to come more from the Saints support rather than the players.

There was a double change for Saints at the break, Mandron and Richardson replacing Etete and Sobiwale. That led to the home side's brightest spell of the match so far, although they were unable to use it to create much with it, Tanser's go on the half volley from the edge of the box straight down the throat of Dee keeper Jon McCracken. At the other end, Congreve got the better of his man to send in a teasing ball that Marcus Fraser – making his 250th Saints appearance – put behind. Some penalty box pinball from a Saints corner saw the ball eventually break to Roland Idowu at the edge of the area, his shot taking a couple of deflections on its way through to McCracken.

Just as Saints seemed to be building some momentum, they were dealt a huge blow when Young was shown a straight red for a challenge on Halliday – ref Nick Walsh wasting no time in giving the striker his marching orders with VAR confirming his decision. Murray headed wide at the back post as the visitors looked to make their advantage count before Saints went close on the break, Gogic releasing sub Dan Nlundulu whose cross found Mandron but he was unable to turn it home. That proved to be the closest either side would come, the teams having to make do with a point apiece that does neither side any favours.

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dundee

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, Sobowale (Richardson 46), Phillips, Gogic, Tanser (Nlundulu 78), Idowu (Campbell 73), Etete (Mandron 46), Young
Subs: Mullen, John, Donnelly, McMenamin, Calvin

Dundee: McCracken, Astley, Graham, Halliday, Wright, Dhanda, Hamilton, Cotterill (Jones 83), Yogane (Bevan 73), Congreve (Reilly 73), Murray (c)
Subs: O'Hara, Ingram, Donnelly, Digby, Robertson, Samuels

Referee: Nick Walsh
AR1: Daniel McFarlane
AR2: Ross Anderson
Fourth Official: Colin Steven
VAR: John Beaton

Attendance: 6,461

Alex Gogic's late header rescued a point for Saints as we drew 1-1 with Livingston in the William Hill Premiership.

The Cypriot levelled on 89 minutes to ensure a share of the spoils for the Buddies after Robbie Muirhead had given the hosts a second-half lead. The point keeps St Mirren in 10th place, moving us five points ahead of 11th place Kilmarnock and keeping us eight clear of Livingston who are rooted to the bottom.

Both sides made one change each to the teams that started Saturday's Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie. Conor McMenamin returned from injury and came in for Oisin Smyth, while Cristian Montano replaced Samson Lawal for Livingston.

A bitty opening 30 minutes saw the home side with most of the ball, though the match was punctuated with a number of stoppages for head knocks and other injury concerns with neither goalkeeper tested. It would take until the half-hour mark for Saints to register their first shot on target though it was a fairly routine take for Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior. Mikael Mandron took the ball in, swiveled on the edge of the area and fired into the arms of the shot-stopper. 

The game burst into life in the final few minutes of the first-half. Mandron passed up a good chance when he sent a header over from a McMenamin cross on 43 minutes, while the Northern Irishman saw a close-range strike saved by Prior a minute later after brilliant work from Mandron to fashion the opportunity.

As the game ticked towards the interval, Livingston had the best chance to open the scoring. Jayden Richardson was robbed of the ball by Montano near the penalty box. He found Lewis Smith in acres of space inside the Saints area and the winger took a touch to carve the opportunity, but was quickly blocked by Shamal George. The ball would spin back to Muirhead who connected with his head, though Richard King was in the right place with a vital goal-line clearance. Scott Arfield eventually shot over with Saints unable to clear their lines. 

That was the last action for the veteran Livi midfielder as he and Montano would make way at half-time for Lawal and Scott Pittman. Saints boss Stephen Robinson also made a change at the break with Dan Nlundulu replacing Richardson.

It was the home side who looked more threatening following the restart with Connor McLennan shifting the ball inside but firing into the arms on George on 52 minutes. The hosts would eventually find the breakthrough four minutes later. Josh Brenet's cross from the right found Muirhead unmarked at the back post. He took it on his chest before rifling into the far corner of the net to open the scoring. 

The Buddies made three changes after the hour mark with the introduction of Scott Tanser, Evan Mooney and debutant Jake Young in place of McMenamin, Roland Idowu and Mandron. A further change was made with a little over 10 minutes to go when Tunmise Sobowale replaced Declan John. The substitutions gave Saints more energy, but it was Livingston who almost sealed the game on 80 minutes. A fortuitous break of the ball allowed Muirhead to break in behind the Saints defence. King did well to force him wide, but the striker cut inside and cracked a curling effort off the cross bar. 

Saints' need was pressing as the game headed to injury-time. Sobowale sent in a sensational cross that found Young unmarked in the Livi box. He got his header on target but saw it tipped over the bar by Prior. And the Buddies would drag themselves level from the resulting corner. Tanser swung the ball into a good area where Gogic peeled away from his marker to bullet home the equaliser in the 89th minute.

Alex Gogic heads home equaliser (Image: Craig Brown)

Full-Time: Livingston 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, Richardson (Nlundulu 46), Phillips, Gogic, McMenamin (Tanser 63), John (Sobowale 79), Idowu (Mooney 63), Mandron (Young 63)
Subs Not Used: Mullen, Donnelly, Campbell, Smyth

Livingston: Prior, Brenet, McGowan (c), Finlayson, Montano (Lawal 46), Tait, Susoho, L.Smith (Zimmerman 76), Arfield (Pittman 46), McLennan (Kabongolo 83), Muirhead (Tamm 82)
Subs Not Used: J.Smith, May, Bokila, Danso

Referee: Duncan Nicolson
AR1: Jonathan Bell
AR2: Alastair Taylor
Fourth Official: Ryan Lee
VAR:  Grant Irvine

St Mirren claimed their third penalty shoot-out victory of the season as the Buddies defeated Livingston to progress to the Fifth Round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup.

Neither side could be separated following 120 minutes after Roland Idowu's early goal was cancelled out by a Scott Arfield equaliser. 

Malik Dijksteel scored the winning spot-kick for Stephen Robinson's men after Evan Mooney, Marcus Fraser and Liam Donnelly had stuck away their penalties to see us into the hat for the next round.

The Buddies were quick out the blocks and could have taken the lead just 20 seconds into the match with Killian Phillips seeing a shot blocked inside the Livingston box. 

Saints' bright start was rewarded with only three minutes on the clock. Phillips fed the ball through to Jayden Richardson who'd broken through the Livi backline to reach the inch perfect pass from the Irishman. Richardson - the only change from Wednesday night's defeat to Hearts as he replaced the injured Conor McMenamin - sent a low cross into the box where it found an unmarked Idowu at the far post and he fired the Buddies ahead.

Roland Idowu celebrates opening goal (Image: Allan Picken)

Frustratingly, Livingston would draw themselves level just eight minutes later through Scott Arfield. Josh Brenet let the ball run through for the veteran midfielder who managed to get in ahead of Miguel Freckleton to poke beyond Shamal George.

It was end-to-end stuff in the opening period. Richard King lashed over from a tight angle on 14 minutes, while Declan John sent an effort just wide of target after receiving Idowu's cut-back nine minutes after. 

Livingston's Lewis Smith dragged a strike by the post on 27 minutes before Oisin Smyth volleyed Richardson's cross wide on 36 minutes. It was a big chance for the Northern Irishman who found himself in space and connected well with it, but he couldn't guide it on target. 

Saints started the second-half with intent as Phillips sent a teasing low ball across the face of the Livingston goal on 48 minutes. Unfortunately there were no takers for the Buddies. Mo Susoho sent an effort wide of target as the game ticking into the hour mark. 60 minutes brought the first change of the match of the match with Saints introducing Dan Nlundulu in place of Smyth.  

Livingston created half chances, but none that caused any real danger for George who gathered a header from Robbie Muirhead and save a long-distance shot from Connor McLennan. 

It was end-to-end stuff as we heading into the final 20 minutes of normal time. Mikael Mandron's low pass on 72 minutes just missed Nlundulu in the box, but found Richardson ghosting in at the back post. He, however, sent the strike off target. 

George was called into action four minutes later when Livi substitute Stevie May had managed to get himself in behind the Saints defence. The goalkeeper was off his line quickly and made a huge stop to deny Livingston the lead. Moments later, following the resulting corner, Muirhead sent a powerful strike from 25 yards inches over the bar. Two minutes after, it was the Buddies' turn. Nlundulu looked primed to put us in front when he was picked out by Mandron, but a wonderful save from Jerome Prior kept the effort out from point blank range.

As the game ticked towards the end of normal time, it was clear that 90 minutes wasn't going to separate either side and so it proved to be as we headed to extra-time. Both teams had opportunities with Nlundulu seeing a shot blocked inside the area after good work from Mooney, who replaced Idowu on 104 minutes. George made a brilliant save at full-stretch to tip a Jeremy Bokila header over the bar.

Extra-time wasn't enough to find a winner and the game had to be decided on spot-kicks. Livingston went first, but saw Bokila blaze the first attempt over the bar. Evan Mooney gave Saints the advantage with an emphatic finish. Both captains were up next with Ryan McGowan scoring for Livingston and Marcus Fraser doing likewise for Saints. Susoho scored for the hosts to bring it back to 2-2 before substitute Liam Donnelly's effort squeezed in despite Prior getting a hand to it. George saved from Tete Yengi to give Richard King a chance to win it, but the Jamaican saw his attempt saved by Prior. Stevie May had to score for Livingston and did.

The final spot-kick would go to Dijksteel and the Dutchman, who scored winning efforts in our shoot-out victories over Hearts and Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup earlier in the season, would have a chance to again be the hero. He duly obliged by firing low into the left-hand corner of the net to ensure Saints' name will be in the hat for the Fifth Round.

Full-Time: Livingston 1-1 St Mirren (St Mirren win 4-3 on penalties)

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, Richardson (Dijksteel 91), Phillips (Donnelly 106), Smyth (Nlundulu 60), Gogic, John (Tanser 104), Idowu (Mooney 104), Mandron (Sobowale 111)
Subs: Mullen, Campbell

Livingston: Prior, Brenet, McGowan (c), Finlayson, Lawal (Pittman 91), Tait (Danso 106), Susoho, Smith (Montano 82), Arfield (May 72), McLennan (Yengi 82), Muirhead (Bokila 90)
Subs: Myles, Kerr, Tamm

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
AR1: David McGeachie
AR2: Liam Duncan
Fourth Official: Alastair Grieve

St Mirren were defeated at Tynecastle by league leaders Hearts.

Hearts played the majority of the game with 10 men after Beni Baningime’s first-half red card, but scored twice in the second half to inflict a fourth defeat in a row on St Mirren who remain in 10th in the William Hill Premiership.

The Buddies were undefeated against Hearts this season and were looking for their first win at Tynecastle since 2023 after losing their last three matches in Gorgie.

Stephen Robinson made three changes from the weekend defeat to Falkirk. Shamal George and Killian Phillips were fit to start, with Alex Gogic made his return from suspension, Oisin Smyth went straight into the starting 11 after getting recalled from Partick Thistle, and Roland Idowu came in for the injured Liam Donnelly, Dan Nlundulu and Fraser Taylor. Donnelly, Mark O’Hara, Jonah Ayunga and Keanu Baccus all missed out through injury.

Hearts got the game underway but it was St Mirren who got the first sight of goal. A quick thrown in on the right-hand side found Conor McMenamin, whose first time strike went over the bar.

A quarter of the way through the first-half there was a high challenge from Baningime on Idowu. Clancy initially gave a yellow card but after a VAR check Baningime was given his marching orders, leaving Hearts to play with 10 men for the second game in a row.

Moments later the Buddies thought that they had taken the lead. Devlin was caught on the ball, after being surrounded by St Mirren players. The ball found its way to Idowu just inside the box on the left-hand side and his curling effort went into the back of the net before being given as offside.

Hearts responded with two great chances. The first being after a skilful run from Kyziridis found Milne on the left-hand side. His low cross was put wide by Braga. The second came in the very next attack after a huge clearance from Steinwender, Richard King lost track of the ball. Braga pounced on the mistake but smashed the ball over George’s goal.

St Mirren again had the ball in the back of the net but was again given as offside. After a sliced Gogic shot found its way to Idowu, his shot was saved by Gordon but ricocheted off Milne into the Hearts goal. The goal was chopped off after Idowu was in an offside position. 

The hosts should have taken the lead right on the stroke of half time. Lawrence Shankland put pressure on King with his clearance hitting off the Hearts striker into the hands of George. George rolled it out to Smyth, who got the ball taken off him at the top of the box by Kyziridis. The Hearts winger then couldn’t get the ball past George, with Braga’s shot then being deflected for a corner to end the half.

The second half started out scrappy, with Hearts getting the first chance 10 minutes in. A positive run from Milne on the left-hand side found Kyziridis whose shot was deflected for a corner.

Hearts kept up the pressure after a low driven cross from Braga found Shankland. His shot was unable to get past George in goal, who rushed out making a big save.

The Saints then made a double substitution with Nlundulu and Malik Dijksteel coming on for Smyth and Conor McMenamin.

The hosts’ pressure paid off on the hour mark courtesy of a Shankland goal. Spittal nicked the ball of Dijksteel with his low cross finding Shankland, who slotted the ball past George.

St Mirren looked to respond quickly, with a John corner being headed just over from Gogic and Phillips hitting the side netting moments later. King was then replaced by Campbell.

Hearts responded with a triple change with Braga, Kyziridis and Spittal being replaced by Kabore, Magnusson and McCart.

A ball over the top from Campbell found John on the right-hand side, his deep cross found Dijksteel with the header hitting the side netting. Kent then came on to replace Shankland for the hosts.

The Jambos, after absorbing a lot of pressure, went on the attack with Kabore. He found Milne with his shot being parried away by George. Magnusson was quickest off the mark as he headed in to double the hosts’ lead. Richardson was then brought on for Fraser for St Mirren.

St Mirren were pushing to get a goal back, with Idowu hitting the post from a cross. Altena then came on to replace an injured Devlin for Hearts.

The Buddies came close to a goal, John picked out Phillips, with his powerful shot being saved by Gordon, just before the ref blew for full time.

Full-Time: Hearts 2-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c) (Richardson 81), King (Campbell 66), Freckleton, McMenamin (Dijksteel 57), Phillips, Smyth (Nlundulu 57), Gogic, John, Idowu, Mandron
Subs: Mullen, Sobowale, Tanser, Taylor, Mooney

Hearts: Gordon, Findlay, Halkett, Steinwender, Milne, Devlin (Altena 90), Baningime, Spittal (McCart 68), Kyziridis (Magnusson 68), Braga (Kabore 68), Shankland (Kent 74)
Subs: Fulton, Kabangu, Kertoja, Chesnokov

Referee: Kevin Clancy
VAR: Steven McLean

A difficult afternoon at The SMiSA Stadium saw Saints beaten by Falkirk in our first home match of 2026.

Second-half goals from Finn Yeats and Calvin Miller gave the Bairns all three points on a disappointing day in Paisley. The defeat was compounded by further injuries to an already depleted squad with Shamal George, Killian Phillips and Liam Donnelly all having to be replaced during the match through injury.

Neither side created much in the opening period of the match, save for a deflected Dylan Tait effort that crashed off the bar on 20 minutes. 

Saints injury woes were added to shortly before the half hour mark with Donnelly, one of two changes from last weekend's defeat, unable to continue. He was replaced by Jayden Richardson.

The Buddies had their first real opportunity on 31 minutes when Mikael Mandron forced a big save from the feet of Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain at his near post. George was called into action two minutes later after Calvin Miller used his speed to race clear of the Saints defence. The Saints stopper was down well to block the strike.

Richardson picked out Mandron on the edge of the area with 10 minutes. The striker turned well to get his strike away, but Bain managed to hold. Seconds later, Nlundulu drew a strong save from the opposition number one. The forward would have the ball in the net on 37 minutes when he raced on to a Killian Phillips pass and slotted beyond Bain. But he was well offside and the linesman's flag duly followed.

Stephen Robinson made a double change at the break with Scott Tanser replacing Declan John, while new signing Allan Campbell made his Saints bow in place of Phillips who suffered a shoulder injury in the opening half.

The visitors opened the scoring 10 minute after the restart. George rushed off his line to beat Miller to the ball. That allowed Yeats to pick up the ball and loop into the empty net from distance to break the deadlock. The Bairns added a second six minutes later when Miller got the break of the ball on the edge of the area and finished beyond George. 

The deepening injury crisis at Saints was exacerbated with 25 minutes remaining when George couldn't continue with a knee injury and had to be replaced by Ryan Mullen. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk

St Mirren: George (Mullen 65), Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, McMenamin, Phillips (Campbell 46), Donnelly (Richardson 27), Taylor, John (Tanser 46), Nlundulu (Dijksteel 79), Mandron
Subs Not Used: Sobowale, Idowu, Douglas, Mooney

Falkirk: Bain, McCann, Henderson, Spencer (c), Yeats (Wilson 78), Cartwright (Ross 78), Allan, Tait, Lissah (Donaldson 90), Miller (Williams 78), Stewart (Parkinson 78)
Subs Not Used: Hogarth, Adams, Graham, Nesbitt

Referee: Steven McLean
AR1: Gordon Crawford
AR2: Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official: Cameron Stirling
VAR: Greg Aitken

Attendance: 7,062

St Mirren were beaten in our first match of 2026 as the Buddies fell to a 2-0 defeat to Motherwell at Fir Park.

Tawanda Maswanhise and Elliot Watt scored the goals as the Steelmen ensured all three points would remain in Lanarkshire. 

Saints tried to force the issue early on, winning two corners in quick succession in the opening minutes. Alex Gogic then sent Conor McMenamin on the break, but the attacker didn't have the speed to race away from the tracking Motherwell defender allowing the Steelmen to half clear. The Buddies regained possession with it being eventually worked to Dan Nlundulu who fired over from an angle.

The hosts were seeing more of the ball in the opening stages, but it was Saints who would have the first real opportunity that tested either goalkeeper. Mikael Mandron brought down a Miguel Freckleton pass and laid it off to Nlundulu 20 yards from goal. The forward's curling effort may have taken a slight deflection off Stephen Welsh as Calum Ward tipped wide at full-stretch on 22 minutes.

Shamal George would then be called into action two minutes later. The Saints stopper had to get a strong hand to Lukas Fadinger's long-range hit as he touched it over the bar. George made another big save four minutes later to deny Callum Slattery. The 'Well midfielder drove forward before unleashing a low strike that saw George get down well to push away.

The home side would hit the front with 10 minutes of the first-half remaining as they hit Saints on the counter. Elijah Just sent Tawanda Maswanhise racing clear and he showed composure to slot beyond George to break the deadlock.

Stephen Robinson made two changes at the break with Liam Donnelly and Evan Mooney replacing Richard King and Nlundulu - the latter pair having been booked just before the interval. 

Motherwell doubled their advantage a little over 10 minutes after the restart. The chance looked like it had passed for the hosts, but Maswanhise managed to work the ball to Elliot Watt on the edge of the area and he fired high into the net to make it two. 

The manager made another double substitution on 67 minutes with the introduction of Malik Dijksteel and Roland Idowu in place of Jayden Richardson and Mandron. With 10 minutes to go, our final substitution was made with McMenamin making way for Fraser Taylor. Saints started seeing more of the ball and playing most of the game in the Motherwell half. But the Buddies couldn't fashion any opening that would offer us any route back into the match. 

Full-Time: Motherwell 2-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King (Donnelly 46), Freckleton, Richardson (Dijksteel 67), Phillips, McMenamin (Taylor 80), Gogic, John, Nlundulu (Mooney 46), Mandron (Idowu 67)
Subs Not Used: Mullen, Sobowale, Tanser, Calvin

Motherwell: Ward, O’Donnell, McGinn (c), Welsh, Longelo, Fadinger, Watt (Priestman 74), Slattery (McAllister 90), Just (Osong 89), Said (Ross 89), Maswanhise (Sparrow 74)
Subs Not Used: Connelly, Gordon, Balmer, Stamatelopoulos

Referee: Calum Scott
AR1: Ross Nelson 
AR2: Scott Anderson
Fourth Official: Connor Ashwood
VAR: Matthew MacDermid

Attendance: 7,  (985 St Mirren supporters)

St Mirren were edged out 2-1 by Rangers at Ibrox in our final match of 2025.

Goals from Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez either side of half-time gave the home side the impetus. Marcus Fraser saw a penalty saved by Jack Butland with less than 15 minutes remaining, though Saints would pull one back through Mikael Mandron to set up a big finish. The Buddies couldn't find an equaliser though and saw their unbeaten December run come to an end.

Stephen Robinson made two changes for Saints with Jayden Richardson and Mandron coming into the starting 11 in place of Conor McMenamin and Dan Nlundulu.

The home side dominated possession in the early proceedings but didn't create anything to trouble Shamal George in the Saints goal. The Buddies carved open the best early opportunity just after 20 minutes when Mandron slipped the ball through for Richardson. His effort was tame and straight at Butland with the offside flag raised in any case.

Rangers came close a few minutes later when Djeidi Gassama got to the byline and cut it back for Nicolas Raskin. The Belgian midfielder slid it inches wide of the far post in what was the best chance to that point. 

Jonah Ayunga won a free-kick in a good area 25 yards from goal, but Declan John sent his effort high and wide just before 30 minutes. Saints were then forced into a first-half change when Ayunga went down injured deep in the Rangers half with just under 10 minutes of the opening 45 remaining. He was replaced by Nlundulu.

The home side broke the deadlock soon after. A short corner saw Jayden Meghoma swing the ball into the box to meet Aasgaard who headed home. Rangers almost added a quickfire second goal with George at full-stretch to push a Mikey Moore volley onto the bar just a minute later. 

The Buddies started the second-half brightly with good running from Roland Idowu seeing the midfielder make his way into the Rangers box and pulling it back for Mandron. The forward got a powerful shot away but was denied by a terrific save from Butland. Nlundulu tried to follow up though couldn't force home before the offside flag was raised.

But despite Saints' early pressure after the break, it was Rangers who would extend their lead on 52 minutes. Youssef Chermiti's cross from the left found Fernandez who slid it low through the legs of George to double the hosts' lead. 

Saints were presented with a big opportunity to reduce the deficit with less than 15 minutes remaining when a VAR check saw us given a penalty for a handball against Fernandez. But the Buddies couldn't convert with Fraser's attempt saved by Butland.

The Buddies would pull a goal back with eight minutes remaining. Miguel Freckleton rose the highest to meet a cross but was denied by another outstanding Butland stop. However, Mandron was on hand to force home on the follow up.

Mikael Mandron's 11th goal of the season wasn't enough to prevent Saints falling to defeat at Ibrox (Image: Craig Brown)

Try as they might, the Saints couldn't find the equaliser and that saw their five match unbeaten run in the month of December come to an end as 2025 drew to a close.

Robinson's men will look to get back to picking up points with a run of four league matches over 11 days starting with a trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell on Saturday.

Full-Time: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, Richardson, Phillips (Donnelly 87), Gogic, Idowu (McMenamin 57), John, Ayunga (Nlundulu 37, Mooney 88), Mandron
Subs: Mullen, Tanser, Sobowale, Taylor, Dijksteel

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier (c), Souttar (Nsiala 79), Fernandez, Meghoma, Raskin, Diomande (Curtis 90), Aasgaard (Barron 69), Moore (Aarons 69), Gassama, Chermiti (Danilo 79)
Subs: Kelly, Dowell, Matondo, Cameron

Referee: Ryan Lee
AR1: Frank Connor
AR2: David Dunne
Fourth Official: Gavin Duncann
VAR: John Beaton

Attendance: 50,526 

St Mirren couldn't break down a stubborn Kilmarnock side as our final home match of 2025 finished goalless. Saints showed plenty of endeavour and intent, but were left frustrated by Kris Doolan's side who took a share of the spoils back to Ayrshire. 

Stephen Robinson named the same 11 that defeated Livingston 1-0 at The SMiSA Stadium the previous week. 

It was the visitors who threatened early with Tyreece John-Jules seeing a shot blocked just five minutes into the game. Lewis Mayo forced a terrific save from Shamal George on 17 minutes with the Saints stopper getting two strong hands behind the 20 yard strike. 

The Buddies' best opportunity to that point came on 23 minutes when Jonah Ayunga met Declan John's corner at the near post. Kilmarnock goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi punched away to stop it crossing the line. Roland Idowu wasn't too far away 10 minutes later with a shot from 20 yards drifting just wide of the near post. As the game headed to its interval, John swung a decent ball into the centre of the box where Alex Gogic rose to meet it. But the Cypriot couldn't get enough purchase on the ball which allowed Oluwayemi to gather with ease. 

Dan Nlundulu was agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock on the hour mark. Substitute Jayden Richardson found the striker a few yards from goal. The connection wasn't what he would have hoped for even though Oluwayemi was forced into a brilliant save to keep it scoreless. Mikael Mandron headed over from the resulting corner. 

Saints huffed and puffed in the final stages as they searched for a breakthrough, but came up against a resolute Kilmarnock side that refused to be beaten as the game ended goalless. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 Kilmarnock

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, McMenamin (Taylor 90), Phillips (O'Hara 90), Gogic, Idowu (Richardson 46), John, Ayunga (Mandron 56), Nlundulu (Mooney 77)
Subs Not Used: Mullen, Tanser, Donnelly, Dijksteel

Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi, Brown, Schilte-Brown, Mayo, Thompson, Lowery (Thomson 62), Lyons (c), Watson, Kiltie (Polworth 80), John-Jules (Brannan 67), Anderson (Dackers 80)
Subs Not Used: Beach, Williams, Stanger, Thomson, Leslie

Referee: Don Robertson
AR1: Chris Rae
AR2: Liam Duncan
Fourth Official: Daniel Graves
VAR: Kevin Clancy

Attendance: 7,531

Saints followed up their Premier Sports Cup success with a second league win in a row as they recorded a narrow, but thoroughly deserved win over Livingston in Paisley.

Jonah Ayunga had Saints' best chances in the first half but was unable to add to his Hampden due to a combination of deflections and visiting keeper Jerome Prior, as well as a header that he put wide.

The striker did find the net just after the break but that was soon followed by the increasingly familiar sight of a referee being called over to the VAR monitor, Chris Graham deciding that Dan Nlundulu had fouled Daniel Finlayson in the build up. Thankfully, there was no reason for the officials to get involved when Mikael Mandron turned home Declan John's cross shortly after coming off the bench for what proved to be the winner.

There was just one change to the Saints side which started at Hampden, Roland Idowu replacing the injured Keanu Baccus with skipper Mark O'Hara again among the substitutes. Graham Carey, who won the League Cup with the Buddies in 2013, was on the bench for Livingston, with former Saint Daniel Finlayson starting in defence and Scott Pittman making his 450th appearance for the visitors.

Saints threatened first, Idowu's cutback finding Ayunga whose shot was deflected behind. From the corner Saints went close again, Ayunga unable to bundle the ball into the net after wining the initial header. Last week's two goal hero had another chance when strike partner Nlundulu slid the ball through to him but his shot was parried away by Prior.

Ayunga should really have put Saints in front from his next chance, rising unmarked to meet Marcus Fraser's fine cross, but he sent his header wide. The Buddies were controlling the game but were unable to make the breakthrough, Idowu lashing a shot wide and Nlundulu seeing his effort blocked before the interval.

Ayunga looked to have fired Saints in front just after the break, slamming home from close range after great work on the right by Nlundulu. However, the Livi players felt Nlundulu had fouled Finlayson while winning the ball and, after being called to the VAR monitor, ref Chris Graham quickly agreed and disallowed the goal. Despite that setback, the Buddies remained on the front foot, Idowu's cross finding its way to Killian Phillips whose shot was deflected just wide.

It looked as if it was going to be one of those afternoons for Saints but they finally broke the deadlock 20 minutes from time. A fine pass sent John in behind the Livingston defence and his cutback was stabbed home by Mandron, who had only just replaced Nlundulu, with some help from the post.

In the final minute Ayunga went close to adding a second, his shot palmed away by Prior with sub Mark O'Hara unable to force it home, but the flag was up anyway for a late offside against the forward. Prior denied O'Hara deep into stoppage time as Saints tried to kill things off, the visitors then racing forward and forcing a corner that came to nothing but a foul and then the final whistle to cap off a festive three points for the Buddies.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-0 Livingston

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, McMenamin (O'Hara 83), Phillips, Gogic, Idowu (Richardson 68), John (Tanser 83), Ayunga, Nlundulu (Mandron 68)
Subs: Mullen, Taylor, Donnelly, Dijksteel, Mooney

Livingston: Prior, Brenet, Wilson (c), Sylla, Finlayson, Tait (Smith 83), Pittman, Montano (McLennan 78), Bokila (Winter 68), May (Shinnie 68), Yengi (Muirhead 77)
Subs: Hamilton, Susoho, Carey, Lawal

Referee: Chris Graham
AR1: David McGeachie
AR2: David Dunne
VAR: Andrew Dallas

Attendance: 5,764

St Mirren are your 2025/26 Premier Sports Cup winners! 

Stephen Robinson’s men have won the 2025/26 Premier Sports League Cup after defeating Celtic 3-1 at Hampden securing their second ever League Cup, after their 3-2 win over Hearts in 2013.

Marcus Fraser gave us the lead two minutes in before Reo Hatate equalised for Celtic. Two second-half goals from Jonah Ayunga saw us complete a famous victory and lift a fifth national trophy in our history.

The Buddies went into the match as underdogs, despite Celtic’s poor run of form. Stephen Robinson’s message was clear – 'Faith over Fear'. 

St Mirren made two changes from their 2-0 win against Dundee United last weekend. Dan Nlundulu and Keanu Baccus came back into the starting line-up with Mikael Mandron, the competition's top scorer with seven goals, and Fraser Taylor on the bench. There was also a place on the bench for club captain Mark O’Hara, who’s last game was in that 4-1 League Cup semi-final victory over Motherwell. Celtic also made two changes. Anthony Ralston and Kelechi Iheanacho came in for Benjamin Nygren and Hyunjun Yang, who dropped to the bench after their midweek defeat to Roma. 

On what was a wet and windy day at the National Stadium, it was the Saints who got off to a flying start. An out-swinging corner in the second minute from Baccus was met by captain Fraser, who leapt highest and headed the ball in off the post past Schmeichel to put St Mirren 1-0 up.

Celtic responded with a lot of the ball. Liam Scales had a deep cross from the left hand side found Iheanacho whose header was brilliantly saved by Shamal George in goal. He got down low to push it wide and keep St Mirren in front.

Moments later Nlundulu nearly doubled St Mirren’s lead. A punt up the pitch from Alex Gogic saw Nlundulu and Scales battle for the bouncing ball. Nlundulu shrugged off Scales but his powerful effort was unable to get past Schmeichel.

Nlundulu was at the heart of all that was happening. After a lovely give and go from Declan John and Baccus, John’s low cross found Nlundulu who was unable to put the ball into the back of the net.

Celtic got more into the game after those sequences. Scales slipped through Daizen Maeda, his low cross would’ve found Hatate for a tap in if it wasn’t for some terrific defending from Richard King before George collected it.

Goalscorer Fraser was booked after taking out Maeda. The resulting free-kick was cleared but only as far as Kieran Tierney. His cross from the left side found Hatate who slid in and put the ball back across George’s goal to level for Celtic.

A stop in play as there was an injury to Killian Phillips, with the Irishman all-good to continue. But Celtic were forced into an early change, after Iheanacho pulled up with a hamstring issue and was replaced by Johnny Kenny.

There was a chance just before the half for Baccus. His quick feet allowed him to get past his defender but his shot was smashed over the bar. There was a late scuffle after the half time whistle between Nlundulu and Auston Trusty, resulting in a yellow for both.

Two early chances in the second half for the Buddies. A John free-kick was just missed by Gogic followed by Baccus’s ball into the box was also just missed by Ayunga.

The second half was scrappy but it was St Mirren who produced the first moment of magic. Miguel Freckleton played the ball inside to Nlundulu who laid it back to Gogic on the edge of the box. The Cypriot, playing in midfield, producing one of the assists of the season. With the outside of his boot, he hit a wonderful travella to Ayunga who beat the out rushing Schmeichel to restore St Mirren’s lead. 

After a head knock to Ralston both teams made substitutes with Mandron and Jayden Richardson coming on for Conor McMenamin and Nlundulu for the Buddies. Celtic made three changes with the injured Ralston, Tierney and Sebastian Tounekti making way for Colby Donovan, James Forrest and Luke McCowan.

The Saints entered dreamland by adding a third with 15 to go. Freckleton’s long ball found the alert John, with Celtic’s defence falling asleep. John ran through on goal and with two defenders chasing him he unselfishly passed it to Ayunga for his second of the afternoon. Ayunga received a yellow for taking his top off in celebration, not that he cared. Both Ayunga and John were then both replaced by Scott Tanser and Evan Mooney.

Celtic responded with the substitutes Forrest laying the ball off for Donovan. His powerful low driven shot was well saved by George who tipped behind at full-stretch. Arne Engels was then replaced by Yang.

Mooney had a chance to put the game to bed after a Baccus ball sent the youngster past Trusty. His shot was well saved by Schmeichel.

With six minutes added on Celtic kept pushing, with Kenny’s deflected shot was pushed over the bar from George.

The fans were in brilliant spirits all day and when Kevin Clancy blew for full time it was a rapturous roar from the St Mirren end. Jubilation and wild celebrations from the fans, players and staff all followed, as St Mirren were crowned League Cup winners for the second time.

Club captain O’Hara and vice-captain Fraser collected the trophy and lifted it together. The players and staff celebrated with the fans and their loved ones, as they look to continue that celebration long into the night. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 3-1 Celtic (St Mirren win the Premier Sports Cup)

St Mirren: George, Fraser (c), King, Freckleton, McMenamin (Richardson 72), Phillips, Gogic, Baccus, John (Tanser 78), Ayunga (Mooney 81), Nlundulu (Mandron 72)
Subs: Mullen, Taylor, Donnelly, O'Hara, Idowu

Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston (Donovan 73), Trusty, Scales, Tierney (McCowan 71), McGregor (c), Engels (Yang 84), Hatate, Tounekti (Forrest 72), Maeda, Iheanacho (Kenny 35)
Subs: Sinisalo, Nygren, Balikwisha, Bernardo

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Fourth Official: David Dickinson
VAR: Don Robertson