Saints suffered a tough afternoon at Celtic Park - losing 6-0 and being reduced to 10 men. 

Liel Abada had the hosts in front with 17 minutes played before Alan Power was given his marching orders for a foul on David Turnbull two minutes later. Abada scored again, while Turnbull scored a brace to put Celtic 4-0 up at half-time. Odsonne Edouard added a fifth with Turnbull scoring to complete his hat-trick to cap off a disappointing afternoon for the Buddies.

With manager Jim Goodwin absent due to Covid, Lee Sharp took charge of the team with three changes from the side that faced Livingston in the Premier Sports Cup the week before. Conor McCarthy, Alan Power and Ryan Flynn came in for Charles Dunne, Richard Tait and Eamonn Brophy.

Saints were fired an early warning shot when Turnbull cracked the right-hand post from 20 yards on six minutes. The Scotland midfielder was picked out by Abada at the edge of the box and took a touch to fashion a bit of space before rattling the woodwork. 

Celtic continued their pressure with Marcus Fraser clearing an Edouard free-kick and Power making an important block to deflect an Abada shot over. The home side's pressure would tell on 17 minutes when Abada put them ahead. The winger cut in from the right and fired towards the far corner. Jak Alnwick got two hands to it but couldn't keep the ball out of the net. 

The St Mirren task was to be made more difficult when Power was shown a straight red for a foul on Turnbull. The Irishman was late as he slid in and caught the midfielder on the left touchline. A few minutes later, Celtic were two ahead when Abada headed home. 

St Mirren had ball in the net on 28 minutes when Curtis Main got a flick on to Greg Kiltie's header, but the linesman's flag was raised despite the forward being played onside by Anthony Ralston. And to compound Saints frustrations, Celtic added a third just a minute later when a swerving effort from Turnbull flew into the net from 20 yards.

Curtis Main had a goal disallowed for offside (Image: Craig Brown)

Celtic continued to create chances against the 10 man Saints before the break with Kyogo Furuhashi blazing over from close range and Edouard hitting the bar. With a minute of the half remaining they would add a fourth. Alnwick could only push Abada's cross into the path of Turnbull who forced home.

Celtic made it 5-0 just after the hour mark when Edouard got the break of the ball inside the Saints box and slammed into the back of the net from close range.  

Alnwick made good saves to deny Furuhashi and substitute Tom Rogic as the game wore on, but Turnbull grabbed his hat-trick with six minutes to go on a day to forget for Saints.

Full-Time: Celtic 6-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Tanser, Flynn (Brophy 45), McGrath, Power, Erhahon, Kiltie (MacPherson 45), Main (McAllister 70)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Tait, Finlayson, Erwin

Celtic: Hart, Ralston, Starfelt, Welsh, Taylor, McGregor (Rogic 67) Turnbull, Abada, Christie, Kyogo (Soro 67), Edouard (Ajeti 82)
Subs Not Used: Bain, Bitton, Urhoghide, Montgomery

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Graeme Leslie
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Fourth Official: Greg Aitken

St Mirren's hopes of reaching the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals were ended after a penalty shoot-out loss at Livingston.

Conor McCarthy's late goal took the match to extra-time after Alan Forrest had given Livingston the lead.

Neither side could make the breakthrough in the added 30 minutes with the game heading to a penalty shoot-out. Despite Jamie McGrath, Joe Shaughnessy and Lee Erwin netting from 12 yards, Saints lost 4-3. 

Both sides had chances in the opening stages of the match with Odin Bailey sending an effort just wide of the post on 14 minutes for the home side. Saints passed up a gilt-edged chance seven minutes later when Greg Kiltie had an abundance of time and space in the box, but had his low effort pushed away by Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek. 

The Buddies were having the best of the first-half and again had another opportunity after a brilliant bit of skill from McGrath allowed the Irishman to fashion space on the left-hand side before clipping a wonderful ball into area. Richard Tait was leaning back as he managed to get his head on it but flicked wide.

Despite Saints' pressure, Livi took the lead with four minutes of the half remaining. Sibbald drove forward and slipped through to Forrest who had burst down the left channel unopposed. The winger made his way into the box before slotting beyond Jak Alnwick to open the scoring.

St Mirren should have been level immediately though when Brophy broke the offside trap and raced clear on goal a minute later. The forward was one-on-one with Stryjek but had his low strike blocked by the goalkeeper. Stryjek couldn't hold which allowed Brophy a second bite at it, but he sent wide from an angle with Livi defenders having got back on the line to cover.

The second-half was a scrappy affair with neither side creating much in the way of goal-mouth opportunities and with time ebbing away it looked like it wouldn't be St Mirren's day.

But with less than 10 minutes of normal time left, Saints found a leveller through substitute McCarthy. A free-kick on the left was swung in deep to the back post by Scott Tanser with McCarthy ghosting in ahead of the Livingston defence to slam home. 

And Saints thought they were ahead just a minute later when Curtis Main had the ball in the net, only for the far side linesman's offside flag to be raised. 

Conor McCarthy celebrates levelling for Saints.

The game went to extra-time and Livingston were convinced they had scored with 10 minutes remaining. An Ayo Obileye header came crashing off the post with Nicky Devlin forcing the rebound goal-ward. It was scooped up on the line by Alnwick with the Livi players and supporters protesting to the referee and linesman that it had crossed the line.  

Despite being forced to play the remainder of extra-time with 10 men when Tanser had to come off injured, Saints took the match to penalties.

McGrath, Shaughnessy and Erwin all scored from the spot, while Alnwick saved from Keaghan Jacobs and Craig Sibbald. But Stryjek stopped the decisive penalty from Kyle McAllister in sudden death to give the West Lothian side the victory. 

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

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser (McAllister 72), Shaughnessy (c), Dunne (McCarthy 27), Tait (Henderson 58), McGrath, Kiltie (MacPherson 58), Erhahon, Tanser, Main, Brophy (Erwin 91)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Flynn, Jack

Livingston: Stryjek, Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Longridge (Jacobs 103), Holt, Pittman, Sibbald, Bailey (Kelly 62), Forrest (Hamilton 66), Anderson (Panayiotou 66, Shinnie 78)
Subs Not Used: Bardon, Reilly, Bartley

Referee: David Munro
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Fourth Official: Gavin Duncan

Attendance: 1,855

Peter Urminsky saved THREE penalties in a penalty shoot-out victory for St Mirren B over cinch League Two side Kelty Hearts.

The Young Buds fell behind when Kelty captain Michael Tidser scored with 20 minutes of play remaining. But the Saints took the game to penalties when Josh Jack slammed home on 89 minutes to level. 

Urminsky saved penalties from Jamie Barjonas, Botti Biabi and Joe Cardle while Kieran Offord, Dean McMaster and Jack netted from 12 yards as the Buddies progressed to the second-round of the SPFL Trust Trophy where they will face Albion Rovers.

Full-Time: St Mirren B 1-1 Kelty Hearts (St Mirren B win 3-0 on penalties)

Josh Jack slams home the winning penalty

St Mirren: Urminsky, McDonald, Ellis (Thomson 81), Finlayson, Kenny, McMaster, Struthers, Reid (Gallagher 45), Offord, Jack (c), Taylor (Donaldson 75)
Subs Not Used: Thackery, Gilmartin, Czpala, McManus

Kelty Hearts: Donaldson, McNab, Peggie, Hooper, Hill (Philip 45), Barron (Biabi 51), Tidser (Finnan 79), Black, Cardle, Russell (Barjonas 51), Agyeman (Higginbotham 51)
Subs Not Used: Jamieson, Forster, O'Ware

Referee: Chris Graham
Assistant Referee: Graham McNeillie
Assistant Referee: Brian Christie

St Mirren's first cinch Premiership home match of the 2021/22 season ended in defeat as the 10 men Buddies lost against Hearts.

Some neat passing allowed Andy Halliday to curl Hearts into the lead early on before Saints began to come more into the game and were perhaps unlucky not to find themselves level by the break. Eamonn Brophy and Curtis Main both went close to equalising in the second half only for Liam Boyce to add a second in a rare Jambos attack.

It looked as if that would be enough but it seemed Saints skipper Joe Shaughnessey had set up a grand stand finish with a great header five minutes from time -  only for Kristian Dennis to ruin that when he was almost immediately sent off for a foul on Peter Haring. As a result, the visitors were comfortably able to see out what little time remained to record their first league win in Paisley for more than a decade.

Saints boss Jim Goodwin made two changes to the side that drew with Dundee a week earlier,  Richard Tait and Greg Kiltie coming in for Ethan Erhahon and Jay Henderson. Hearts were along similar lines to the side that beat Celtic on the opening day, the only change being Haring replacing Stephen Kinglsey.

It was both sides' respective number tens who had the first chances, Hearts' Boyce heading narrowly wide a few moments before Main turned and shot inches past the post at the other end. The visitors had been enjoying plenty of early possession and used that to good advantage to get themselves in front after little more than a quarter of an hour. Beni Baningime slid the ball through to Boyce and he held on to it before pulling it back for Halliday, who curled a great shot beyond the reach of Jak Alnwick into the far corner. 

Josh Ginnelly almost lashed a wild shot out for a throw-in as the Jambos looked to double their lead before Craig Gordon was called into action for the first time, gathering Scott Tanser's dangerous cross when the slightest of touches from Richard Tait would probably have levelled the scores. Some wonderful work on the left from Jamie McGrath saw him create the space needed to deliver a delicious ball into the box and Main was unlucky to see his header rattle the crossbar, although it was irrelevant as ref Gavin Duncan had already blown for a foul in the box.

Richard Tait heads off the cross-bar but the defender had already been penalised for a foul.

Shaughnessy headed wide from McGrath's corner as Saints pushed again, the midfielder being wiped out by Beni Baningime the next time he got on the ball. Mr Duncan opted to play advantage but when Kiltie's shot was blocked, Hearts countered and Gary Mackay-Steven should have done better than drag a shot wide. The winger had another great chance when Ginnelly dummied a John Souttar pass from deep but he shot well over. Just before the break the returning home fans claimed for a penalty when Main hit the deck under Alex Cochrane's challenge, but Mr Duncan was unmoved.

Brophy turned and fired shots straight at Gordon twice in the opening stages of the second half before a tempting ball across goal from Kiltie found no takers. Main's volley from the edge of the box went agonisingly wide as the Buddies threatened again. Hearts had rarely looked like getting a second since the break but doubled their advantage with just over 15 minutes left.  Armand Gnanduillet somehow managed to retain possession despite sliding to the deck and the sub was able to slip the ball to Mackay-Steven. It was soon with Boyce at the edge of the box and he took a touch before drilling a low shot through the grasp of Alnwick to seemingly put the game to bed.

It appeared the Edinburgh side could now relax, sub Arron McEnuff just wide with a dig from long range, but there anxiety levels rose again with five minutes left when Shaughnessy thumped home Tanser's cross. However, hopes of a Saints comeback were thwarted within seconds of the restart when Dennis, who had only been on a few minutes, was shown a straight red card for clattering into Haring. Alnwick stopped Boyce adding a third for the visitors to ensure the hosts went into injury time with half a chance of salvaging something, the goalie in action again when he brilliantly denied Michael Smith. However, there were no similar chances at the other end meaning Saints rather harshly ended the afternoon with nothing to show for their efforts.

Captain Joe Shaughnessy celebrates pulling a goal back for Saints.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-2 Hearts

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), Dunne, Tait (Henderson 77), McGrath, Power, Kiltie (MacPherson 77), Tanser, Main, Brophy (Dennis 77)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, McCarthy, Erhahon, Erwin 

Hearts: Gordon, M.Smith, Souttar, Halkett, Cochrane, Haring, Baningime, Halliday, Mackay-Steven (McEneff 76), Ginnelly (Gnanduillet 64), Boyce (Henderson 88)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, C. Smith, Watson, Denholm

Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee: Alastair Mather
Assistant Referee: Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official: Euan Anderson

Eamonn Brophy and Jamie McGrath scored as Saints picked up a point at Dundee on the opening day of the cinch Premiership season. 

The Buddies led twice at the Kilmac Stadium, while the Dens Park side were reduced to 10 men when Max Anderson was sent off with 20 minutes remaining. But Jim Goodwin's side had to settle for a point.

Dundee raced out the traps early with ex-Saint Paul McGowan having an opportunity in the opening minute, but it was the Buddies who would strike first with only four minutes on the clock. Jak Alnwick launched the ball forward where Curtis Main flicked-on for Eamonn Brophy to chase. The forward ran on to the nod down from his strike partner and finished with aplomb to score his first St Mirren goal. 

Eamonn Brophy puts Saints in front with his first St Mirren goal (Image: Willie Vass)

Main could have doubled the Saints lead on 23 minutes but for a good save from Adam Legzdins, with the striker then having his attempt from the resultant corner deflected over.

Jason Cummings, who came on for the injured Danny Mullen, came close to levelling a minute later. He latched on to a pass from Paul McMullan but had his effort pushed away by a powerful hand from Alnwick.

Dundee levelled with just a minute of normal time remaining in the first-half. A corner into the six-yard area came off Shaughnessy and found its way into the net. 

Saints could have retaken in added time after a quick counter attacking move. Jamie McGrath showed his quality to burst away from the Dundee midfield and roll down the line for Brophy. The forward then lifted the ball across to Main who had his shot turned behind by Legzdins. 

St Mirren would find themselves ahead again less than 10 minutes into the second-half. Jay Henderson was fouled by Cummings in the box with Craig Napier pointing to the spot. McGrath made no mistake from 12 yards as he rolled into the left corner to put Saints 2-1 in front.

Jamie McGrath celebrates scoring his second goal of the season and his 19th for Saints (Image: Willie Vass) 

Dundee were level six minutes later though when Cummings rolled home Jordan Marshall's ball in from the left. The Saints defence protested the striker was offside but those remonstrations fell on deaf ears. 

The home side were reduced to 10 men when Max Anderson was shown a straight red for a late, high challenge on Brophy. The Dundee man could really have no argument with the decision. 

Scott Tanser was denied by a brilliant Legzdins save on 76 minutes before sending in a dangerous low ball across the Dundee box that Main just missed with 10 minutes remaining as Saints searched for a winner. 

Despite the man advantage, the Buddies couldn't find the winner and took a point back to Paisley.

Full-Time: Dundee 2-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy [c], Dunne, Henderson (Tait 74), Power, McGrath, Erhahon (Kiltie 72), Tanser, Brophy (Dennis 79), Main
Subs Not Used: Lyness, McCarthy, MacPherson, Erwin

Dundee: Legzdins, Marshall, McGhee, Ashcroft, Robertson (Sheridan 58), Anderson, Elliot (Sweeney 39), Adam, McGowan, McMullan, Mullen (Cummings 17)
Subs Not Used: Lawlor, McDaid, McCowan, Painter

Referee: Craig Napier
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Jonathan Bell
Fourth Official: Mike Roncone

St Mirren will face Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena after qualifying for the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup after a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle.

Jamie McGrath and Joe Shaughnessy were on the scoresheet as the Buddies picked up the required result to ensure seeding in the next round of the cup.

Jay Henderson lifted the ball over Richard Foster and burst into the box before being hauled down by the experienced Thistle defender. McGrath was the man to step up and as he did so often last season, rolled home from 12 yards to put Saints ahead. 

Jamie McGrath scores his first goal of the season to put St Mirren in front (Image: Allan Picken)

Paisley blistered in 24 degree heat and a quick water break took place following McGrath's penalty. Three minutes after play resumed, the visitors could have been level through Brian Graham but for a brilliant stop by Jak Alnwick. 

McGrath almost grabbed his and Saints' second of the afternoon a little over 10 minutes after the restart. Striding into the box from the left side, the Irishman found his way on to a beautiful weighted pass from Henderson. His first effort was blocked by a Partick defender before he fired over the second attempt. 

A minute's applause took place from the St Mirren fans in attendance in tribute of 1959 Scottish Cup winner Tommy Leishman who sadly passed away this week at the age of 83.

With 20 minutes remaining, Saints needed a second to guarantee seeding in the next round of the cup. Chance after chance was created with Curtis Main going close twice in four minutes. First, the striker did brilliantly to steal the ball off Stuart Bannigan at the edge of the Thistle box, but slammed his effort wide. Main then nodded just wide after being on the end of a pinpoint Scott Tanser cross from the left.

Shaughnessy headed over from a corner, while Henderson volleyed into the arms of Partick Thistle goalkeeper Harry Stone from close range as time ticked away.

The five minutes of additional time were almost up as Jim Goodwin willed his side on for one last push, telling goalkeeper Alnwick to get the move started. Captain Shaughnessy pressed forward from centre-half and was in the right place at the right time to tap home Lee Erwin's ball across to secure St Mirren's place in the next round of the Premier Sports Cup.

Full-Time: St Mirren 2-0 Partick Thistle

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), Dunne, Henderson, McGrath, Power (MacPherson 82), Kiltie (Erhahon 69), Tanser, Main, Brophy (Erwin 66)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Tait, McCarthy, Flynn, McAllister, Finlayson

Partick Thistle: Stone, Foster, Holt (Niang 61), Turner (Owens 79), Bannigan (Gordon 74), Graham, Rudden (Murray 74), Bell, McKenna, MacIver, Docherty (c)
Subs Not Used: Sneddon, Ocholi

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: Craig Ferguson
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Fourth Official: Steven Reid

Joe Shaughnessy scores the goal that secures Saints place as a seeded team in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup (Image: Allan Picken)

St Mirren made it nine points from nine in Group H of the Premier Sports Cup as second-half goals from Curtis Main, Kristian Dennis and Lee Erwin helped Jim Goodwin's men to a 3-1 win at Stenhousemuir. 

After a dominant, but goalless 45, Saints scored three second-half goals to maintain their 100% start to the season and effectively guarantee qualification into the knock-out rounds of the cup.

A bright start for the Buddies saw Cammy MacPherson nearly open the scoring from his own half with just six minutes on the clock. The Saints Academy graduate spotted Stenny goalkeeper Ryan Marshall off his line and, from 50 yards, tried to catch the stopper out with the ball only just drifting wide. 

Despite having the bulk of possession in the opening half-hour, Saints hadn't really managed to trouble Marshall. And the home side would fire the Buddies a warning shot on 29 minutes when Robert Thomson narrowly missed after getting a foot on to Sean Crighton's knock-down. 

But still it was St Mirren who were enjoying the best of the match. MacPherson wasn't far away with a free-kick for Saints on 31 minutes after Greg Kiltie had been fouled 25 yards from goal. The midfielder got plenty on it as he put it over the wall, but sent the attempt over the bar. Marshall was then forced into a brilliant save a couple of minutes later when Main tried an acrobatic effort. The Stenny goalie had to be at full-stretch to push away.

It was Main who should have had St Mirren in front on 38 minutes when he was found in space at the back post. The forward didn't quite catch it flush and couldn't force home.

Saints' first-half dominance may not have yielded a goal for Jim Goodwin's men, but it would only take four minutes after the restart for the Buddies to take the lead. A MacPherson ball over the top caused a mix-up between Marshall and one of his defenders, allowing Main to take advantage and this time he wouldn't miss - knocking into the empty net to score his second goal in as many games. 

Curtis Main scores his second goal in as many games to open the scoring (Image: Andy Barr)

Dennis then scored his first of the season on 65 minutes to double the Buddies lead. A quick throw-in from Ryan Flynn allowed Kiltie to roll the ball across the Stenhousemuir box where Dennis was on hand to knock into the net from close-range in his final act of the match before being replaced by Eamonn Brophy. 

The Buddies appeared home and hosed only for the home side to pull a goal back with less than 15 minutes of the match remaining through Thomas Orr.

Despite a minor scare in the final five minutes, it was St Mirren who looked the more likely to grab a goal in the dying embers and that proved to be the case when Erwin, after some persistence, drove home his first of the season in added time to all but secure Saints' passage into the knockout round of the Premier Sports Cup.

Lee Erwin drives home his first goal of the season (Image: Andy Barr)

Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 1-3 St Mirren

St Mirren: Lyness, Fraser (c), McCarthy, Finlayson, Flynn, MacPherson (Power 67), Erhahon, Kiltie (McGrath 67), Tanser (Henderson 76), Dennis (Brophy 67), Main (Erwin 67)
Subs Not Used: Alnwick, Tait, McAllister, Jack

Stenhousemuir: Marshall, Lyon, Jamieson, Crighton (c), Coll, Mills (Brown 83), Forbes, Wedderburn, Lyon (O'Reilly 56), Thomson (Christie 73), Orr
Subs Not Used: Smith, Anderson, Tierney, Graham

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Barry Reid

Curtis Main's first St Mirren goal got Saints' 2021/22 season off to a winning start. 

The English striker headed home the game's only goal as Jim Goodwin's men defeated Dunfermline 1-0 in front of 500 fans at the SMiSA Stadium.

Saints were well worthy of the points in a dominant display against the cinch Championship side. 

Jamie McGrath - St Mirren Player of the Year last season - had the first effort with 10 minutes played when he drove forward, but he fired high and wide from distance.

Dunfermline goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams was forced into the game's first save when he tipped Scott Tanser's long-range half-volley over the bar.

The Buddies took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Main headed home. The striker leapt above the Pars defence to meet Greg Kiltie's cross. Fon Williams was at full stretch and managed to get a touch but couldn't keep the effort out of the net as Main opened his St Mirren account.

Curtis Main heads home

The forward was proving a handful for the Pars backline and towered over the visiting defence again early in the second-half, but nodded Tanser's cross over. A few minutes later it was Main again who met a McGrath corner kick with Fon Williams doing well to hold. 

Greg Kiltie almost marked his St Mirren debut with a goal after a wonderful surging run. The midfielder drove forward from deep in the Dunfermline half, evading two challenges, before firing a strike which Fon Williams bundled behind.

Saints could have killed the game heading into the final stages. Substitute Lee Erwin fired a rasping effort just wide with 13 minutes remaining while Kristian Dennis should have scored when he latched on to a terrific long-range pass from Charles Dunne. The striker brought the ball down brilliantly but couldn't lift over Fon Williams. 

Dunfermline felt they should have had a penalty in the dying stages of the games when the ball came off the hand of Dunne inside the area, but referee Craig Napier wasn't having it. It would have been harsh on the defender who impressed on his debut. 

In the end, one goal proved to be enough as Saints marked the return of supporters with a win.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-0 Dunfermline Athletic

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), Dunne, Henderson, McGrath (Erhahon 66), Power, Kiltie (MacPherson 66), Tanser (McAllister 74), Main (Erwin 66), Brophy (Dennis 66)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Tait, Finlayson, Flynn

Dunfermline: Fon Williams, Comrie, Edwards, Graham MacDonald, O'Hara, Todorov, Pybus, Allan, Thomas (Wighton 62), Watson
Subs Not Used: Mehmet, Gaspuitis, Fenton, Todd

Referee: Craig Napier
Assistant Referee: Ross Macleod
Assistant Referee: Craig Macrae

St Mirren warmed up for Saturday's Premier Sports Cup opener against Dumbarton with a convincing 3-1 win over Ayr United at the SMiSA Stadium.

Jay Henderson, Lee Erwin and Kristian Dennis were all on the scoresheet as the Buddies came from behind to win in our final pre-season test before cup competition gets underway this weekend.

The Honest Men took the lead on just five minutes after a mix-up between Jak Alnwick and Joe Shaughnessy allowed Tomi Adeloye to steal in and roll home.

But Saints were level 15 minutes later when St Mirren Academy graduate Henderson netted from close-range. 

Jay Henderson nets to level for Saints (Picture by Jeff Holmes)

The entire starting line-up changed during the second-half and it was substitutes Erwin who put Saints in front after a scramble in the six-yard area on the hour mark. And with just under 20 minutes remaining, Dennis put the seal on the win from the penalty spot after he'd been fouled in the Ayr United box.

Jim Goodwin's side now travel to Dumbarton on Saturday as the 2021/22 season gets underway.

Full-Time: St Mirren 3-1 Ayr United

St Mirren: Alnwick (Lyness 58), McCarthy (Finlayson 58), Shaughnessy (Fraser 45), Dunne (Tait 58), Henderson (Flynn 58), Power (Reid 58), McGrath (Kiltie 45), Erhahon (MacPherson 45), Tanser (McAllister 58), Main (Erwin 58), Brophy (Dennis 58)

CLICK HERE FOR REACTION FROM JIM GOODWIN

St Mirren secured their highest top-flight finish since 1989 after a goalless draw with Dundee United. 

A point - combined with Motherwell losing to Ross County - ensured Jim Goodwin's men finished in seventh place un the Scottish Premiership. 

Saints went into the match in eighth - knowing a win or a draw could be enough for seventh depending on how Motherwell fared at home to relegation battling Ross County. 

After a quiet opening 20 minutes, the game was awoken when Lee Erwin flashed a shot just wide from the edge of the area before Marcus Fraser made a vital block to deny Lawrence Shankland up the other end of the park a minute later. 

The Buddies felt they were denied a penalty on 27 minutes when Eamonn Brophy went down under the challenge of goalkeeper Ross Doohan. The forward broke through the United defence to go one-on-one with Doohan but was felled as he tried to round the goalkeeper. Referee Euan Anderson was unmoved to the frustration of Brophy and the Saints bench. 

Saints fashioned a couple of chances before the end of the half with Jamie McGrath - named St Mirren Player of the Year - heading wide from a Jay Henderson cross and Brophy snapping an effort just by the post after some good footwork to manoeuvre himself into a shooting position.

It was Brophy who went closest again for St Mirren after the interval when his rasping strike was touched over by Doohan on 54 minutes. 

Saints again came close on 68 minutes after a lovely passage of play. One touch passing involving substitutes Kristian Dennis, Jon Obika and Kyle McAllister saw the ball worked to Cammy MacPherson who curled wide from just inside the box.

With less than 20 minutes remaining, Dundee United were reduced to 10 men after a really poor challenge from Jamie Robson on McAllister. The United bench were livid at the decision as the defender was given a straight red but it was hard to argue that the referee had made the correct decision after Robson caught McAllister high with his studs showing.

United arguably had the better opportunities in the closing stages but couldn't take them as the game ended goalless. The St Mirren bench awaited news of the result at Fir Park before celebrating our highest league finish in 32 years. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dundee United

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Tait, Henderson, Flynn (MacPherson 46), Erhahon, Connolly (McAllister 62), McGrath, Brophy (Dennis 56), Erwin (Obika 56)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Reid, Quaner

Dundee United: Doohan, L.Smith, Edwards, Chalmers (Sporle 67), Robson, Harkes (McNulty 56), Fuchs, Appere, Meekison (Hoti 56), K.Smith (Reynolds 83), Shankland
Subs Not Used: Deniz, Clark, Butcher, Davidson, Watson

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee: John McCrossan
Fourth Official: John Beaton