Caolan Boyd-Munce's injury-time goal saw St Mirren make it three wins from three as the Buddies secured a first league win over Rangers in 13 years. 

Oisin Smyth's first-half penalty had the Saints deservedly in front at half-time, but a rejuvenated Rangers levelled the scores just after the hour mark when substitute Danilo scored. The Buddies kept going and grabbed yet another late goal when Boyd-Munce lasered a strike into the bottom corner of the net to secure all three points in Paisley. 

St Mirren hadn't won against the Glasgow side in league action since a famous Christmas Eve victory back in 2011 when goals from Aaron Mooy and Paul McGowan saw us win 2-1 at The SMiSA Stadium. This time it was a late Christmas present for the Saints faithful with the three points moving Stephen Robinson's men up to fifth in the William Hill Premiership. 

Marcus Fraser captained the side in his 200th appearance, while Declan John, fresh from agreeing an extension until the end of the season, made his first start with Scott Tanser suspended. Alex Gogic and Toyosi Olusanya returned to the starting lineup as they replaced Alex Iacovitti and Mikael Mandron.

The Buddies started the game brightly but it would take until just after the half-hour mark for the game to really spark into life. Greg Kiltie beat the offside trap to burst on to a ball over the top. Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland raced off his line and clattered into the forward which saw referee David Dickinson award Saints a penalty and book the 'Gers stopper. 

Jack Butland fouls Greg Kiltie (Image: Allan Picken)

Smyth, who scored the winner against Ross County at the weekend, was the man to take and he was composed from the spot, sending Butland the wrong way to give the Buddies a deserved lead going into half-time. 

Oisin Smyth celebrates goal with Killian Phillips, Alex Gogic and Elvis Bwomono (Image: Allan Picken)

Rangers came out the traps quickly at the start of the second-half. Their captain James Tavernier was inches away from levelling with a free-kick from 25 yards that curled just wide of Ellery Balcombe's right-hand post. The Saints goalkeeper was forced into action a minute later when he was forced to push away a dangerous Tavernier cross. The ball fell to Hamza Igamane but he got it all wrong as he flashed over. That opportunity had come just after a half-decent opportunity for Saints when Roland Idowu did well to chop inside but his low effort was straight at Butland.

The visitors were seeing most of the ball in the opening exchanges of the second 45 and Balcombe had to be alert on 53 minutes to hold a deflected strike from Rangers substitute Danilo. The goalkeeper then down quickly to claw away an effort from the forward just a few minutes later.

Rangers' pressure eventually told as they drew level just after the hour mark. A stramash in the box following a corner saw a bit of pinball before Danilo fired through a ruck of bodies to make it 1-1.

The Light Blues came close twice in quick succession as they tried to hit the front. Igamane should have done better when he was found in space inside the box on 67 minutes but he flashed well over. Three minutes later Vaclav Cerny let fly from distance and his effort whistled just over the bar. 

But after a sustained period of pressure, Saints started to grow back into the match. Smyth saw an effort deflected wide on 72 minutes before substitute Iacovitti's header from the resulting corner came agonisingly close as it smacked off the underside of the bar.

Stephen Robinson made two changes with less than 10 minutes remaining when he introduced St Mirren Youth Academy players Callum Penman and Evan Mooney. Penman was making his first-team bow, while Mooney burst on to the scene in our win over St Johnstone a little over a week ago when he scored an 87th minute equaliser. 

As has become customary with St Mirren over recent weeks, there was to be late drama at The SMiSA Stadium. Another earlier substitute, Jonah Ayunga, did brilliantly to slide in and steal the ball from Dujon Sterling in the middle of the park. He charged forward at speed and expertly picked out Mooney with a low cross into the box. The youngster composed himself to get the ball under control before laying it to Boyd-Munce who guided a fierce strike low and hard to Butland's left into the bottom corner of the net to wrap up all three points on Boxing Day. 

Caolan Boyd-Munce celebrates winner with Marcus Fraser (Image: Allan Picken)

Full-Time: St Mirren 2-1 Rangers

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser (c), Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono (Iacovitti 63), Phillips, Smyth, John (Penman 83), Idowu (Boyd-Munce 74), Olusanya (Mooney 83), Kiltie (Ayunga 63)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Kenny, Scott, Mandron

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier (c), Sterling, Balogun (Propper 19), Jefte (Yilmaz 78), Barron (Raskin 46), Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami (Danilo 46), Hagi, Igamane (Dessers 82)
Subs Not Used: Kelly, Cortes, Dowell, McCausland,

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Chris Rae
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Fourth Official: Greg Soutar
VAR: Gavin Duncan

Attendance: 7,175

Oisin Smyth's stunning late free-kick saw 10 man St Mirren pick up a festive three points away to Ross County.

Alex Iacovitti gave Saints a first-half lead against his former side. But the Staggies levelled immediately following the interval when Michee Efete scored to make it 1-1. The hosts then had a man advantage when Scott Tanser was shown a second yellow card for the Buddies. But despite the deficit in numbers, it was Saints who looked most likely to grab a winner and they did so in sensational fashion when Smyth fired home a wonderful free-kick on 89 minutes to give Stephen Robinson's men a 2-1 victory.

There were two injury enforced changes from the side that defeated St Johnstone last weekend. Captain Mark O'Hara missed out after a re-occurence of a thigh injury, while Conor McMenamin was also unavailable after a knock sustained in the win over the Perth Saints. That meant starts for Smyth and last weekend's winner Roland Idowu. Alex Gogic was back available following his suspension but had to settle for a place on the bench.

Conditions were tough at the Global Energy Stadium with 50 mile per hour winds and driving rain making it difficult for both sides. Elvis Bwomono trying to use the conditions to his advantage swinging in an early cross that swirled its way on to the head of Mikael Mandron but the forward was always on the stretch as he nodded over.

Mandron was involved again when Saints had their best chance of the opening stages. There was just 10 minutes of the clock when the forward sent Idowu scurrying forward on the counter. The hosts managed to get bodies back but Idowu held the ball long enough for support to join him and he picked out Killian Phillips with a low ball into the box. The midfielder couldn't get enough purchase on it and that allowed Jack Hamilton to gather comfortably.

Scott Tanser was first into the book after just 13 minutes following a late challenge on Scott Allardice. The full-back was penalised for another foul two minutes later after a push and that presented County with a good free-kick opportunity a little over 20 yards from goal. Noah Chilvers took but sent it well over. It was Chilvers who would have the game's next opportunity and he came closer to putting the home side in front this time when he sent his shot just wide of Ellery Balcombe's left-hand post.

Saints would hit the front with Iacovitti scoring against his former side on 27 minutes. A foul on Richard Taylor saw the Buddies presented with a free-kick opportunity on the left-hand side. Tanser and Smyth stood over it but it was the latter who went for the near post. It was pushed away by County goalkeeper Hamilton but only as far as Iacovitti who forced home to score his third goal of the season.

Saints looked hungry for more with Phillips having a powerful strike blocked on the half hour mark. 

But Ross County drew level less than a minute after the restart. Taylor couldn't get enough on his attempted clearance of Efete's header which saw the ball fall straight back to the County man who slotted home from close-range to equalise. 

Frustration grew for Saints when they were then reduced to 10 men just 10 minutes later as Tanser was shown a second yellow card. The wing-back had taken a heavy touch and when he slid in to win the ball back, Aidan Denholm went down under the challenge and referee Iain Snedden quickly produced the yellow to see the full-back given his marching orders.

But despite that setback it was the Buddies who looked the more likely to make something happen in the game. Smyth sent a free-kick over from 25 yards before Idowu came mightily close after brilliantly driving into the County box, only for his effort to be deflected wide. 

Saints were denied a penalty on 73 minutes when Efete appeared to handle the ball to block Iacovitti's shot. Iacovitti screamed for a penalty and the stadium announcer confirmed that a VAR check was ongoing for a potential penalty. But VAR Greg Aitken decided there was nothing in it. It was then County's turn to have a penalty claim waved away by VAR when Eamonn Brophy went down under a challenge from Taylor. 

Smyth came close to putting us in front on 78 minutes when he curled just wide of target. Two minutes later, substitute Jonah Ayunga's powerful shot forced a good save from Hamilton. 

There was yet another strong penalty claim for St Mirren when Killian Phillips was bundled down inside the box as he was about to get his shot away. Again it was checked by the VAR but no penalty was forthcoming much to the bemusement of Stephen Robinson and his players. 

But the deserved breakthrough would come in the final minute of normal time. Ayunga was fouled around 20 yards from goal and Smyth beautifully dispatched the free-kick over the wall and into the net to the delight of the travelling support.

Full-Time: Ross County 1-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Iacovitti, Taylor, Bwomono, Phillips, Smyth (Adeniran 90), Tanser, Idowu (Gogic 77), Mandron (Ayunga 77), Kiltie (Boyd-Munce 90)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Kenny, Penman, Scott, Mooney

Ross County: Hamilton, Wright, Allardice (Denholm 46), Randall (c), Chilvers, Harmon (Brophy 69), Lopata, Nisbet (Reid 69), Hale, White
Subs Not Used: Amissah, Leak, Loturi, Sheaf, Grieves, Telfer

Referee: Iain Snedden
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Assistant Referee: David Dunne
Fourth Official: Alastair Grieve
VAR: Greg Aitken

Attendance: 3,271

St Mirren claimed all three points in the most dramatic fashion with a 3-2 win away to St Johnstone.

An early Killian Phillips goal gave Saints an early, and well-deserved, first-half lead. Second-half goals from Makenzie Kirk and Benji Kimpioka looked like giving the Perth side all three points, only for St Mirren Youth Academy Evan Mooney to score his first senior goal with two minutes of normal time remaining. The Buddies were then awarded a penalty deep into injury-time following a VAR intervention after Roland Idowu's shot came off the hand of a St Johnstone defender. Mark O'Hara's spot-kick was saved by Josh Rae, but the drama didn't end there as a retake was ordered after the goalkeeper had come off his line. Idowu stepped up and slotted home in the 99th minute to see the points return to Paisley.

There were two changes from the side that lost agonisingly to Motherwell last weekend. Alex Gogic missed out due to suspension and was replaced by the returning Alex Iacovitti who made his first start since August after a lay-off with injury. Mikael Mandron also came into the starting eleven in place of Toyosi Olusanya.

Saints hit the front with just 10 minutes on the clock. Greg Kiltie drove down the left and found Mandron in the middle of the park around 25 yards from the St Johnstone goal. The forward found Phillips who had made a great run into the box and slotted coolly beyond Josh Rae to score his second goal for St Mirren. There was a brief VAR check for offside but Neilson had played the Irishman well onside. 

Killian Phillips celebrates our opener (Image: Willie Vass)

Saints were well worthy of the lead heading in to the half-time interval but didn't create many clear cut chances before the break. A floated Conor McMenamin ball over the top almost found Kiltie who would have gone one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but it had just too much on it which meant the forward couldn't bring it down to get a shot away.

St Johnstone drew level seven minutes after the restart. Nicky Clark slipped the ball to the unmarked Makenzie Kirk who took a touch before rifling a nice finish low into the far corner of the net from a tight angle.

Saints were dealt a major blow just after the hour mark when Richard Taylor had to be stretchered off with an injury. He was replaced by St Mirren Youth Academy graduate Luke Kenny, while Scott Tanser also made way for Declan John. Stephen Robinson made another double change five minutes later with the introduction of Roland Idowu and Olusanya in place of McMenamin and Mandron.

Phillips had a big chance for his and Saints' second on 71 minutes when a ball ricocheted into his path but he smacked over from close range.

St Johnstone should have hit the front when they won the ball in midfield and Kimpioka drove forward. He had options to his left and right but elected to go alone, only to be stopped by a brilliant challenge from Kenny.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, manager Stephen Robinson made his final substitution with Mooney, who only just  celebrated his 17th birthday on Wednesday, coming on for Kiltie as the Saints looked to turn one point into three.

But it was St Johnstone who took the lead when Kimpioka netted on 81 minutes. The forward played a one-two with Drey Wright and Elvis Bwomono tried to stop the ball reaching Kimpioka, but couldn't prevent it finding the striker who knocked beyond Ellery Balcombe from close-range. 

However, Saints looked like they grabbed a share of the spoils when Mooney showed great composure to draw us level with just two minutes of normal time remaining. O'Hara's cross to the back post found Iacovitti who headed back across goal. Rae couldn't gather under pressure from Phillips and Mooney slammed into the net to make it 2-2.

Evan Mooney celebrates after his first senior goal drew us level (Image: Willie Vass)

With seven minutes of added on time announced, St Johnstone captain Clark passed up a huge chance to put his side back in front when he sent a free header over from just a few yards over. 

There were huge appeals for a St Mirren penalty deep into stoppage time when an Idowu shot came off the hand of Jason Holt. Play carried on before referee Euan Anderson was sent over to the pitchside screen by VAR Steven McLean. After a quick check, the whistler pointed to the spot. Up stepped O'Hara but his effort was saved by Rae to the delight of the home support. However, the referee was advised that the St Johnstone goalkeeper had come off his line before the penalty was struck and ordered a re-take. This time Idowu was tasked with the spot kick and he rolled into the net, sending Rae the wrong way, to spark wild celebrations in the away end and ensure the points would be making their way back to Paisley.

Roland Idowu strokes home the winner from the penalty spot (Image: Willie Vass)

Full-Time: St Johnstone 2-3 St Mirren

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Iacovitti, Taylor (Kenny 64), Bwomono, O'Hara (c), Phillips, Tanser (John 64), McMenamin (Idowu 69), Mandron (Olusanya 69), Kiltie (Mooney 79)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Boyd-Munce, Smyth, Scott

St Johnstone: Rae, Mikulic, Sanders, Neilson (Keltjens 46), Holt, Clark (c), Wright, Sidibeh, Smith, Kirk, Kimpioka
Subs Not Used: Sinclair, Cameron, Carey, Essel, Kucheriavyi, McPake, Franczak, Brookfield

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Gordon McCabe
Fourth Official: Graham Grainger
VAR: Steven McLean

Attendance: 4,001

A last gasp goal consigned Saints to a disappointing defeat to Motherwell.

The game appeared to be heading for an instantly forgettable goalless draw, neither side doing anywhere near enough to win the game. However, in the final seconds of injury time Alex Gogic was shown a second yellow for a clip and when Lennon Miller swung in the free-kick, Tony Watt sent the away fans wild when his glancing header found the net.

Conor McMenamin had had the best Saints' chances up to that point, twice being denied by Aston Oxborough, while Ellery Balcombe in the opposite goal had dealt with efforts from Steve Seddon and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and looked to have done enough to ensure the spoils were shared until the late drama.

Marcus Fraser's red card against Dundee United being overturned meant Saints could start with the same team for the fourth game in a row. Lennon Miller, who had caused the Buddies problems when the sides met at Fir Park earlier in the season, captained the visitors, who also started one-time Saints loanee Tony Watt.

Conor McMenamin tried to catch Aston Oxborough out with an early Saints free-kick but it lacked the necessary pace to cause any real problems, Greg Kiltie then seeing his shot deflected wide. Motherwell threatened when Jair Tavares hit the bar after Ellery Balcombe had punched the ball away, although the whistle had already gone for a foul on the Saints keeper. It was then the hosts' turn to be denied by the woodwork as Kiltie set up McMenamin and his effort appeared to be tipped onto the bar by Oxborough, although the officials only gave a goal kick.

The Motherwell goalie dealt easily enough with Alex Gogic's header from a free-kick after Shane Blaney was booked for fouling Killian Phillips. It was then Gogic's turn to enter the book when he tripped Andy Halliday just outside the box, the former Rangers man curling the free-kick past the far post although one of his team-mates had strayed offside.

Saints almost made a spectacular start to the second half as McMenamin cut inside before stinging Oxborough's palms from distance. However, the scrappiness of the first half soon returned, what little flow there was being interrupted by a series of needles bookings. As the final quarter approached, Motherwell went close to breaking the deadlock when Halliday lifted the ball over the top and Steve Seddon met it perfectly on the volley, only to see his shot tipped onto the bar by Balcombe.

Mikael Mandron and Roland Idowu were introduced in place of  Kiltie and Toyosi Olusanya and the latter quickly won a free-kick, McMenamin's effort being saved by Oxborough. Moments later the Saints defence were caught out by a ball over the top and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was through, however Balcombe was alert to the danger and blocked the shot.

As the game looked set to peter out, Gogic was shown a second yellow card in the final few seconds. Miller delivered a wonderful free-kick into the box and Watt was there to head home and snatch victory for the visitors.

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-1 Motherwell

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono (Ayunga 84), Phillips, O'Hara, Tanser, McMenamin, Olusanya (Mandron 68), Kiltie (Idowu 67)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Iacovitti, John, Boyd-Munce, Smyth, Mooney

Motherwell: Oxborough, Tavares (Kalete 77), Casey, Gordon, Blaney, Seddon, Wilson (Paton 72), Halliday (Nicholson 83), Miller, Watt, Stamatelopoulos (Moses 77)
Subs Not Used: Hegyi, O'Donnell, Balmer, Zdravkovski, Maswanhise

Referee: Dan McFarlane
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official: Duncan Williams
VAR: Don Robertson

Attendance: 6,111

There was VAR drama at Tannadice as Saints were beaten 2-0 by Dundee United in the William Hill Premiership.

The hosts took a late lead through Kevin Holt after being awarded a penalty on 78 minutes after the VAR instructed referee Matthew MacDermid to review the incident at the pitchside monitor. Saints were then reduced to 10 with Marcus Fraser shown a red card in injury time after another VAR intervention before Emmanuel Adegboyega secured the points for United. 

Despite Saints seeing more possession and playing more of the game in the United half, it was the hosts who created the better chances in the early stages. Sam Dalby should have put Jim Goodwin's side ahead when he raced away from the Saints defence to meet a ball over the top from Will Ferry. The forward moved into the box, one-on-one with Ellery Balcombe, but blazed well over the bar. 

United goalkeeper Jack Walton was shown a yellow card on 13 minutes after a late foul on Toyosi Olusanya who had ran on to a Balcombe ball down the left channel. The United stopper raced from his line but wiped out the Saints forward with referee Matthew MacDermid quick to give him a yellow card. A brief VAR check looked to see if the tackle warranted a red card for serious foul play but the decision was that the booking was justified. 

Toyosi Olusanya in pain after a late challenge from Jack Walton (Image: Andy Barr)

The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock when Ferry played a nice one-two with Dalby and surged away from the chasing Saints defenders. His strike came crashing off the post.

Ex-Saint Declan Gallagher made a vital block just after the half-hour mark to deny the Buddies the lead. Tanser's effort looked to be heading off target, but would have found Killian Phillips who was on hand to turn in from close-range had it not been for Gallagher's intervention. 

Saints were dominating the game as the half wore on, but weren't creating enough to worry Walton in the United net. There were big appeals for a penalty with five minutes of the first-half remaining when Conor McMenamin's cross looked to come off the arm of Adegboyega. VAR had a brief look but decided the referee wasn't required a second look and play resumed. 

United were creating the better openings after the restart. Glenn Middleton's low ball found captain David Babunski early in the second-half, but his body shape was all wrong as he turned well wide. Middleton again looked to be the provider when he found Holt on the edge of the area with the defender turning the effort well wide. The home side were inches away from the opener just before the hour mark when Adegboyega headed a corner inches wide of the near post. 

Saints' first real chance of the second 45 came on 63 minutes. Tanser was found inside the box by Olusanya and his ball across was pushed away by Walton. Adeboyega could only turn it out as far as Olusanya who had fashioned the space to get his shot away. Holt got an important foot out to block the goalbound effort. 

With a little over 10 minutes to play, Dundee United were awarded their first penalty of the match. VAR called referee Matthew MacDermid over to the screen when United substitute Holt went down in the box under a challenge from Marcus Fraser. The referee pointed to the spot after the check with Holt slotting home from 12 yards to open the scoring.

United were awarded a second penalty in the final minute of normal time with Fraser once again penalised as Moult fell in the box under pressure from the Saints defender. The referee was once again called to the screen, this time producing a red card to Fraser for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Marcus Fraser is shown a red card by referee Matthew MacDermid (Image: Andy Barr)

Holt's penalty was this time saved by Balcombe who got two strong hands to turn it behind. But the hosts would add a second from the resulting corner. Balcombe couldn't gather the initial header from Moult and Adegboyega knocking in from close-range.

Full-Time: Dundee United 2-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Phillips, O'Hara (c), Tanser (John 81), McMenamin (Mandron 64), Olusanya (Ayunga 72), Kiltie (Idowu 81)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Kenny, Boyd-Munce, Smyth, Mooney

Dundee United: Walton, Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt, Stain, Sevelj, Babunski (c) (Thomson 60), Ferry, Stephenson, Middleton (van der Sande 72), Dalby (Moult 72)
Subs Not Used: Richards, Graham, Odada, Fotheringham, Stirton, Ubochioma

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referee: David Dunne
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Fourth Official: Ryan Lee
VAR: Don Robertson

Attendance: 8,868 (754 St Mirren supporters)

Saints travel to Dundee on Saturday in the William Hill Premiership as we face Dundee United at Tannadice.

Dundee United vs St Mirren
William Hill Premiership
Venue: Tannadice Park
Date: Saturday 30th November 2024
Kick-off: 3pm

Ticket Info

Tickets for our William Hill Premiership match away to Dundee United are available online through Dundee United's ticketing platform.

Tickets are priced at £26 for adults, £15 for concessions* and £5 for under-12s**.

Any wheelchair Users requiring tickets please contact the Dundee United Ticket Office directly tickets@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk or call 01382 833 166 option 1. Ambulant disabled are charged at £15 with PA free of charge.

*65 and over, U21 or full-time student
**Only with a full paying adult

Follow the Action

If you can't make the match on Saturday, you can follow the action with updates on our X page.

International subscribers to St Mirren TV can watch the match live on tv.stmirren.com, while UK subscribers can listen to live audio commentary.

Supporter Info

• This is a ticket only game! Tickets are available online or by scanning QR code around the stadium. Please select email delivery option.
• Turnstiles will open at 2pm. Away fans should enter through the turnstiles in the Carling Stand (West).
• Kiosks will be contactless only.
• Flags should be within regulations and must have a fire certificate. No offensive or political flags will be allowed. Please display all flags/banners to the CCTV cameras before entering the stadium.
• No balaclavas or face coverings will be allowed on entering or within the stadium. Refusal of entry/ejection will occur if face coverings are seen.
• No pyro or megaphones allowed!
• No bags bigger than A4 allowed.
• No surfing banners or telescopic poles allowed.
• Drum will be allowed inside stadium and must be searched.
• Searching will be in place.
• Any inebriated fans will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
• No smoking anywhere inside the stadium and no pass out is allowed.
• Buses to park in normal place and please be mindful when parking on the streets and not to block any driveways.

St Mirren U18s booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Youth Cup after a comprehensive victory away to Hearts.

Evan Mooney was the hat-trick hero as he netted all three goals at Ainslie Park to see the young Saints progress to the last eight of the competition. 

The U18s started brightly, pressing Hearts well and putting numerous dangerous balls into the box with no takers, while there was a strong shout for a penalty after a handball. It would be 34 minutes before the Hearts goalkeeper was forced into a real save with Lewis Marshall's strike from 20 yards pushed away by the stopper. 

The young Saints would hit the front in the final minute of normal time at the end of the half. Good pressing saw Marshall the quickest on to a loose ball and he moved forward before slipping the ball to Mooney. The forward took a touch and sent a low finish across the goalkeeper to break the deadlock. 

Billy Hutchison was close to doubling the lead before the break when he got his head on the end of a Marshall corner but saw his effort blocked on the line.

The Buddies continued that first-half form after the restart with Lyle Hunter sending a shot just wide after Mooney's cross was headed out only as far as the midfielder. 

Saints doubled their advantage just before the hour mark when Mooney struck again. The forward met a low cross from Thomas Falconer, took a brilliant touch to take the Hearts defender out of the game and create space before firing beyond the Hearts goalkeeper. 

Mooney completed his hat-trick just five minutes later to secure Saints' place in the quarter-final. A nice bit of play saw the forward play in Matthew Turner. His strike was saved but Mooney was quickly on hand to send the follow-up into the net. 

Hearts were reduced to 10 men when a poor challenge on Innes Clark saw Owen Muirhead shown a straight red card. Clark left the field on crutches to be replaced by Owen Carey.

Saints had opportunities to add to their lead with the pick of the bunch following for Theo McCormick after he was found by Mooney but his effort was saved by the Hearts goalkeeper at point blank range.

The young Saints go marching on!

Full-Time: Hearts U18s 0-3 St Mirren U18s

St Mirren: Tamosevicius, Penman, Clark (Carey 69), McEvoy (c), Hutchison, Hunter (Barr 86), McCormick, Turner, Mooney (Douglas 86), Marshall (Farquhar 79), Falconer
Subs Not Used: Kelly, Stoddart, Lavery

St Mirren defied Storm Bert to make it three wins from four and consign Aberdeen to their first William Hill Premiership defeat of the season.

It looked like the weather would beat the Buddies, with the game in doubt due to the volume of snow that covered the SMiSA Stadium pitch. But a brilliant effort from staff and volunteers, coupled with a delayed kick-off saw the match proceed. And goals from Toyosi Olusanya and Richard Taylor saw Stephen Robinson's man take the three points.

Coming off a 2-1 win away to Hibernian before the international break, the manager named the same starting eleven. Conor McMenamin, who netted a brace in the win over the Hibees, looked to keep up that form as the Saints started brightly. The Northern Irishman saw an effort deflected just inches by the post on four minutes. 

The Buddies came close again on 10 minutes when Scott Tanser fired a strike just wide from 20 yards. Brilliant footwork from Olusanya the on right-wing saw the forward work his way into the box. He found McMenamin who slipped but the ball was eventually worked to Tanser who wasn't far opening the scoring. 

Saints would hit the front when Olusanya scored his seventh goal of the season on 20 minutes. A ball from Ellery Balcombe gave the forward something to chase and he raced ahead of two Aberdeen defenders to get on to the ball. He collected himself before slotting under the legs of Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov. 

Alex Gogic was given his marching orders on 25 minutes when referee John Beaton showed the Cypriot defender a straight red card for a challenge on Shayden Morris. It looked like Gogic had won the ball and wasn't reckless in the challenge. That proved to be the case with a VAR review seeing the decision downgraded to a yellow card.

Saints came agonisingly close to a second in the final seconds of the first-half when McMenamin's curling flew inches over the bar.

Aberdeen fired a warning shot early in the first-half when Jack MacKenzie got in behind the defence and saw his effort blocked by Balcombe. The Dons would level five minutes after the restart. Substitute Kevin Nisbet was found by a cross from Duk, but the forward completely miss-hit his effort. However, it fell kindly to ex-Saint McGrath who stroked low into the net to make it 1-1. 

Despite that setback, Saints looked to hit back immediately with Olusanya firing a strike just over. McMenamin should have made it 2-1 on 64 minutes after a lovely bit of play from Saints. Great feet from Kiltie allowed the forward to get away from two Aberdeen defenders before picking out Elvis Bwomono of all people in the box. Bwomono picked out McMenamin but his low strike was saved by Mitov who stuck his leg out to block.

Bwomono was involved again when his cross found Kiltie but his volley was held by Mitov with 15 to go.

The Buddies would go back ahead with just over five minutes of normal time remaining. A corner from captain Mark O'Hara found Taylor at the far post and he rose the highest to bullet home his first goal for the Saints.

Aberdeen almost equalised for a second time two minutes later when a backheel from Duk inside the box came back off the post before substitute Mikael Mandron did brilliantly to block an attempted follow up.

But Saints would see the game out to pick up a deserved three points on a day where it looked like there might not even be football in Paisley. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 2-1 Aberdeen

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Phillips, O'Hara (c), Tanser, McMenamin (Mandron 74), Olusanya (Ayunga 82), Kiltie (Boyd-Munce 90)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Kenny, John, Penman, Smyth, Idowu

Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, MacKenzie, Shinnie, Sivert Nilsen (Palaversa 69), McGrath (Besuijen 85), Clarkson (Nisbet 46), Sokler (Duk 46), Morris (Keskinen 69), Molloy
Subs Not Used: Doohan, Polvara, McGarry, Milne

Attendance: 7,533 

Manager Reaction - "We dedicate that to all the volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to get game on."

Stephen Robinson gives his reaction after our 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

A first-half double from Conor McMenamin saw St Mirren pick up a thoroughly deserved three points away from home in the William Hill Premiership.

The Northern Ireland international's brace was enough to ensure a 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. But contrary to what the narrow scoreline may have suggested, it was dominant performance from Stephen Robinson's men. 

The manager made just one change to the side that drew 0-0 with Ross County last weekend with McMenamin coming in for his first start of the season in place of James Scott. 

After a fairly even opening to the match, Saints took the lead with just 16 minutes on the clock. McMenamin did well to hold off the challenge from a Hibs defender before feeding the ball to Mark O'Hara. The captain switched it wide left to Scott Tanser who sent in a terrific low cross that McMenamin turned in from close range.

Conor McMenamin celebrates his opening goal (Image: Paul Byars)

Hibernian came close to a leveller just before the half-hour mark with Elie Youan smashing his effort off the post. The forward played a nice one-two with former Saints midfielder Hyeokkyu Kwon before turning his man and seeing his powerful strike hit the woodwork.

It was Saints who would add to their tally though with McMenamin getting his and The Buddies' second on 31 minutes. The Northern Ireland international robbed Warren O'Hora to steal the ball and charged forward from deep in the Hibernian half. He had Greg Kiltie and Toyosi Olusanya as options but elected to go himself as he slammed beyond Josef Bursik.

McMenamin adds his and St Mirren's second (Image: Paul Byars)

Stephen Robinson's men looked the more likely to extend their advantage before half-time. Killian Phillips met a cushioned header from Kiltie but saw his low effort from inside the area deflected wide.

Hibernian boss David Gray responded to his side's first-half showing by making three changes at the interval. Rocky Bushiri replaced O'Hora, while Nicky Cadden and Dylan Levitt replaced Hyeokkyu Kwon and Nectarios Triantis. An early cross from Nicky Cadden looked primed to meet Martin Boyle at the far post, but Tanser got his head on it to take away from the Hibs forward.

Joe Newell was shown a yellow card for the home side around five minutes after the restarting after a foul on Phillips around 25 yard from the Hibernian goal. After receiving treatment, it was Phillips who stood up to take but he curled a low effort straight into the arms of Bursik. 

Saints should have had a third on the hour mark. Richard Taylor rose the highest to meet a Tanser corner but his header cannoned off the bar. It fell to Alex Gogic with the goal gaping but he headed over. 

It looked like the Buddies would rue the miss almost immediately when Hibernian were awarded a penalty just a minute later. Martin Boyle went down under the challenge of O'Hara and while it looked soft, a VAR check didn't rule it to be a clear and obvious error by referee Iain Snedden. Boyle stepped up to take but Balcombe was equal to the effort, diving low to his right and holding. 

Ellery Balcombe saves Martin Boyle's penalty (Image: Paul Byars)

The manager made three changes with just over 20 minutes remaining when Oisin Smyth, Jonah Ayunga and Mikael Mandron replaced Kiltie, McMenamin and Olusanya. Mandron had a chance almost immediately after his introduction but his effort was tame which allowed Bursik to gather with ease. 

Hibernian started to see more of the ball as they searched for a way back into the match, but Saints were looking threatening on the counter with Ayunga seeing a strike blocked on 76 minutes.

The game looked to be ticking away to a comfortable St Mirren victory. But when do St Mirren ever do things the easy way? A handball from Gogic saw the hosts awarded a penalty in the third minute of added on time which Nicky Cadden despatched to reduce the deficit. And mere moments later, Cadden looked to have given Hibernian the unlikeliest of points when he lashed home from inside the area. Thankfully, VAR intervened with the ball having struck off substitute Dwight Gayle who was in an offside position. 

Full-Time: Hibernian 1-2 St Mirren

Ellery Balcombe and Conor McMenamin celebrate post-match (Image: Paul Byars)

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Phillips, O'Hara (c), Tanser, McMenamin (Ayunga 67), Olusanya (Mandron 67), Kiltie (Smyth 67)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Penman, Adeniran, Idowu, Scott, Mooney

Hibernian: Bursik, C. Cadden, Ekpiteta, O'Hora (Bushiri 46), Obita, Kwon (N.Cadden 46), Triantis (Levitt 46), Newell, Youan, Boyle (Gayle 67), Hoilett (McKirdy 67)
Subs Not Used: Smith, Miller, Doyle-Hayes, Iredale

Referee: Iain Snedden
Assistant Referee: Ross Macleod
Assistant Referee: Andy Milne
Fourth Official: Lloyd Wilson
VAR: Kevin Clancy

Attendance: 15,594

Manager Reaction - "I thought for 80 minutes we were outstanding."

Stephen Robinson gives his thoughts after our win at Easter Road.

It was stalemate at The SMiSA Stadium as St Mirren were held to a goalless draw by Ross County in the William Hill Premiership.

Manager Stephen Robinson was forced into one change from the side that defeated St Johnstone on Wednesday night with Richard Taylor coming in for the injured Charles Dunne.

Saints made a positive start as early pressure saw James Scott send an effort wide in the sixth minute. Both teams seemed cautious in a first half which offered little in the way of clear-cut chances.

The biggest talking point came in the 34th minute when Don Robertson was called to the VAR monitor to review a shirt pull on Marcus Fraser by Elijah Campbell. Following the short stoppage, a penalty was awarded, and the County defender found himself the first name in the book.

Greg Kiltie stepped up to take the spot kick, but the attempt was saved by the feet of a diving Ross Laidlaw and sent out for a throw in, which ended with another wasted chance sent well wide of the post.

As the half reached its end, it was the Dingwall side who came closest to threatening. The ball was worked well into the box before Jordan White’s effort was sent high over the cross bar.

Moving into the second 45, it was St Mirren who were setting the tempo. An early chance saw the substitutes Conor McMenamin and Jonah Ayunga winning corners for the home side, as Ross Laidlaw was forced into a low save, with the effort tipped onto the post.

A deep throw for the Dingwall outfit resulted in a low cross which flew through the box, missing everyone. This spurred a fast counterattack in which Ayunga smartly set up Olusanya whose final play of the game was unfortunately sending the ball wide of the post before the linesman called the play offside. He was replaced by Mikael Mandron while Kiltie also made way for Roland Idowu.

There was almost an instant impact from Idowu, as the substitute saw his first effort flash wide as Saints continued to pour on the pressure. However, similarly to the first half, Ross County begun to play their way into the match as the game crossed the hour mark.

With the teams still tied, the visitors grew in confidence as they sent more bodies forward in search of a late winner. An awkward bounce from a looping pass took Taylor out of the play, falling nicely for County, but the resulting shot from Ronan Hale was sent wide by Ellery Balcombe.

Entering the final stages, the last 10 minutes of the game were end to end but with neither side having the quality to score the opener. A forward pass by Idowu attempted to open play for Ayunga, but Laidlaw was quick off the mark before sending the ball back long again, asking questions of the Saints defenders who were forced to concede a corner.

The corner resulted in a deep throw, as County continued to make a late push to take three points up the A9. A good clearance from Taylor was eventually sent long by Tanser, with intelligent play finding Mandron alone in the box, but he couldn’t control his shot which was sent over the bar.

As the seconds continued to tick away, Ross County won an injury-time corner that offered a real chance for the visitors, when Balcombe couldn't claim the ball. Thankfully, Taylor was on hand to head an effort off the line before Balcombe claimed the follow up attempt.

Injury-time was drawing to a close and County were afforded a huge opportunity. Taylor was booked for his challenge on the edge of the area. The wall, and the goalkeeper, were up to the task as the initial free kick was well blocked before Balcombe hoovered up the away side's final shot.

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 Ross County

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono (McMenamin 46), Phillips (Boyd-Munce 77), O'Hara (c), Tanser, Scott (Ayunga 46), Olusanya (Mandron 59), Kiltie (Idowu 59)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Penman, Smyth, Adeniran

Ross County: Laidlaw, Wright, Lopata, Campbell, Brown, Randall (Allardice 75), Nisbet, Reid (Efete 75), Chilvers (Hale 46), White, Grieves (Denholm 46)
Subs Not Used: Hamilton, Lamie, Loturi, Samuel, Brophy

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Alastair Mather
Assistant Referee: Alastair Taylor
Fourth Official: Steven Kirkland
VAR: John Beaton

Attendance: 6,142