Saints suffered a second successive home defeat as they came away empty handed from their encounter with Dundee.

Max Anderson may have given the visitors an early lead but by that stage Marcus Fraser had already gone close for the Buddies, Eamonn Brophy and Conor McCarthy then among those who almost found an equaliser before the break.

There were chances in the second half too, Kyle McAllister and Kristian Dennis having the best of them, but there was to be no repeat of the midweek fightback against Motherwell.

Saints boss Jim Goodwin stuck with the side that had started at Fir Park on Wednesday night, the in-form Eamonn Brophy once again partnering Curtis Main up front. Former Buddie Charlie Adam was captain for the visitors, with fellow ex Saints Paul McGowan and Paul McMullan also starting.

Only a great save from Adam Legzdins stopped Saints taking an early lead, the goalie turning away Marcus Fraser's header from Scott Tanser's free-kick. It was to prove a significant stop as, from the resultant corner, Dundee broke quickly and opened the scoring, McMullan laying the ball back at the edge of the box for Max Anderson to drill beyond the grasp of Jak Alnwick.

With the home side rocking, the visitors should have doubled their lead within minutes. McGowan was able to get around Alnwick and pull the ball back, but the Saints defence managed to scramble it off the line as McMullan tried to force it home. At the other end, Legzdins got down low to turn behind Brophy's effort, Conor McCarthy heading wide from the corner that followed. Tanser went even closer from the next set-piece, almost scoring directly from a corner as the ball bounced off the top of the bar on its way behind.

Luke McCowan and McGowan combined to create an opening for McCulloch as Dundee looked to extend their advantage, Fraser throwing himself in the way of the diminutive winger's shot. McCowan went himself next time, begin given plenty of space to run into before shooting straight at Alnwick as the half came to a close.

Saints looked to level things up early in the second half, Main volleying wide from Tanser's cross. The Buddies then had a penalty shout turned down when Brophy hit the deck as he tried to get by Ryan Sweeney, but ref John Beaton was unmoved and as play continued Kyle McAllister's shot rippled the side netting. Dundee were then dealt a blow when Cillian Sheridan, trying to turn quickly to take advantage of Alnwick being out of position, twisted his knee and had to be stretchered off, paving the way for ex Saint Danny Mullen to be introduced. At the same time, the Buddies replaced Ryan Flynn with Greg Kiltie.

Saints had a penalty shout turned down after Eamonn Brophy went down in the box (Image: Allan Picken)

Saints fans know all about Adam's set-piece wizardry and he almost produced another piece of sorcery when his free-kick from deep was caught by the wind and threatened to loop over Alnwick before he tipped it over the bar. On-loan Buddie Connor Ronan then had a go from a similar sort of range but his shot was easy for Legzdins. Kristian Dennis replaced Main and could have equalised almost immediately when he raced onto Tanser's pass but he could only find the side netting.

The striker was looking lively following his introduction, his dipping volley from the edge of the box forcing Legzdins to rush across goal to turn it behind for a corner. An injury to McAllister saw Richard Tait introduced and he had half a chance to equalise, however his header never looked likely to cause Legzdins any problems. At the other end Dundee won a free-kick in a dangerous position but this time Adam's attempt was easy for Alnwick.

There was hope among the home fans when seven minutes were added due to various injuries and their team tried to take advantage of them, Legzdins needing two goes to gather Tanser's volley. There was also another penalty appeal when Joe Shaughnessy went down as he tried to get onto the end of a cross, however again Mr Beaton was unmoved. Dundee then nearly sealed things as Christie Elliott shot wide with the help of a deflection, the visitors seeing out the remaining few minutes with relative ease to take all three points back to Dens Park.

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dundee

St Mirren: Alnwick, McCarthy, Shaughnessy (c), Fraser, McAllister (Tait 75), Flynn (Kiltie 56), Power, Tanser, Ronan, Main (Dennis 65), Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Dunne, Millar, Erwin

Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, McCowan, Sweeney, Ashcroft, Marshall, McGowan (Elliot 85), Anderson (McGhee 76), Adam, Sheridan (Mullen 56)
Subs Not Used: Lawlor, Fontaine, Griffiths, Cummings

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Alastair Mather
Assistant Referee: Scott Anderson
Fourth Official: Callum Scott

St Mirren came from two goals down to take a point at Fir Park in the cinch Premiership.

Two quickfire goals from Tony Watt at the start of the second-half looked to have given Motherwell the win. But Eamonn Brophy scored twice in four minutes to ensure Saints would leave Lanarkshire with a point. It was the least the Buddies deserved after a dominant display throughout the 90 minutes. 

The match looked like it could may not have even gone ahead when a pitch inspection was called for a little over an hour before kick-off due to persistent rain. But referee Bobby Madden was satisfied that the pitch was in a safe, playable condition and the match went ahead. 

Jim Goodwin made three changes to the side that lost narrowly to Rangers on Sunday. Ethan Erhahon and Jamie McGrath missed out due to injury, while Matt Millar dropped to the bench. In came Ryan Flynn, Kyle McAllister and Curtis Main.

The team paid its respects to Walter Smith during a minute silence before kick-off (Image: Ian Cairns)

Saints were well on top in the first-half. Ex-Motherwell forward Main volleyed into the arms of 'Well goalkeeper Liam Kelly who gathered at the second attempt early on while the striker was then the recipient of a terrific Scott Tanser cross but sent the header wide inside the opening 20 minutes. 

It was a first-half that lacked in any real clear-cut opportunities. Brophy rattled just wide on 38 minutes and with only seconds of the first 45 remaining Saints came a whisker away from scoring the opener when Connor Ronan curled inches wide of the far post from 20 yards.

Jim Goodwin would have been hoping for a similar first-half performance in the second 45 but within the first seven minutes Saints found themselves 2-0 down. The first, on 48 minutes, saw Watt outmuscle Tanser to meet a Goss cross and head beyond Jak Alnwick. Three minutes later the Motherwell forward was fouled in the box by the Saints goalkeeper and Bobby Madden pointed to the penalty spot. Watt rolled home from 12 yards to double Motherwell's advantage. 

Saints came close to pulling a goal back almost immediately with Kelly getting a slight touch on Brophy's dink to divert. 

Ronan played a beautifully weighted pass which spotted the run of Brophy who had raced clear of the Motherwell defence. The forward nipped in ahead of Kelly and slotted home from a tight angle to reduce the deficit. 

Eamonn Brophy slots home from a tight angle to pull one back for Saints (Image: Ian Cairns)

Four minutes later the Saints would find themselves back on level terms. Brophy won a penalty after being fouled by the trailing leg of Sondre Solholm. The forward had his spot-kick saved by Kelly, but the referee awarded a re-take. Brophy stepped up again and finished with aplomb to equalise.

Had it not been for Kelly, Saints would have been heading back to Paisley with all three points. The Motherwell stopper made two incredible saves in the final minute of normal time to deny Richard Tait and Brophy. And in the dying seconds substitute Greg Kiltie should have scored a dramatic winner when he was found unmarked in the Motherwell box, but he headed straight into the arms of Kelly from close-range.

Full-Time: Motherwell 2-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Tanser, Power, Ronan, Flynn (Kiltie 71), McAllister (Tait 89), Main (Dennis 83), Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Dunne, Millar, Erwin

Motherwell: Kelly, O'Donnell, Solholm, Ojala (Mugabi 27), McGinley, Goss, Slattery (Carroll 83), Grimshaw, Shields, Woolery (O'Hara 65), Watt
Subs Not Used: Fox, Carroll, Maguire, Van Veen, Roberts

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: Kevin McElhinney
Fourth Official: Euan Anderson

Attendance: 4,576 (786 St Mirren supporters) 

St Mirren's six match unbeaten run came to an end as the Buddies were edged out by Rangers at the SMiSA Stadium.

Connor Ronan's incredible 30-yard strike had given Saints an early lead, but two goals in a minute just before the interval saw the visitors take the points. 

Jim Goodwin named the same starting eleven for the fourth game in a row as Saints looked to maintain their good run of form that had saw them win their last three and go six unbeaten. 

The Buddies came flying out the traps and got off to the perfect start when Ronan rattled home to open the scoring on four minutes. The Irishman drove forward after shrugging off John Lundstram and unleashed an absolute rocket which flew into the top corner away from the despairing outstretched arm of Jon McLaughlin. 

Connor Ronan celebrates after opening the scoring for Saints (Image: Allan Picken)

Saints were brave in possession in the opening exchanges and were worthy of their early lead. But Rangers started to grow into the game after a slow start. Connor Goldson twice met corners from James Tavernier only to head into the arms of Jak Alnwick both times. 

Ianis Hagi was proving a threat for the visitors with the Romanian seeing an effort save by Alnwick on 32 minutes before flashing a strike just wide five minutes later. It was Hagi who would prove instrumental in the Rangers equaliser when he drew a foul inside the box to win Rangers a penalty. Kemar Roofe stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards despite Alnwick diving the right way. And within a minute Rangers were ahead. 

Despite their excellent start, Saints couldn't replicate that in the second 45 and never really troubled McLaughlin in the Rangers goal. Indeed, Rangers didn't particularly look like adding a third in a second-half that passed without much incident. The Buddies did have to deal with an injury to Jamie McGrath who had to be stretchered off in the closing minutes, however, there is no update yet on how severe the injury may be. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-2 Rangers

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar (Main 76), Power, Erhahon (Flynn 45), Tanser (Tait 46), McGrath, Ronan, Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Dunne, McAllister, Dennis

Rangers: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Lundstram, Davis, Aribo, Hagi (Arfield 78), Roofe (Patterson 86), Morelos (Sakala 69)
Subs Not Used: McCrorie, Bassey, Kamara, Bacuna

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: John McCrossan
Fourth Official: Alan Muir

Attendance: 6,100

St Mirren won their third cinch Premiership match in a row after coming out on top by the odd goal in five in Dingwall.  

Goals from Eamonn Brophy, Marcus Fraser and Scott Tanser had the Buddies comfortably ahead in the first-half despite Blair Spittal scoring for the home side. Alex Iacovitti pulled a goal back for the hosts, but despite plenty of pressure from Ross County, Jim Goodwin's men were able to hold on for all the points. It's the first time the Saints have won three top-flight matches in a row since 2008 and extended the current unbeaten run to six matches.

Jim Goodwin named the same starting eleven as he did for the wins over Livingston and Aberdeen before the international break and the Buddies looked eager to keep that run going with Brophy going close to scoring the opener on 13 minutes. The striker was slipped in by Connor Ronan and made his way into the box before sending his strike inches wide of the right-hand post.  

A little over a minute later the forward would put Saints ahead with a stunning strike. It came after a wonderful through ball from Ethan Erhahon to pick out Brophy who was making a run into the box. He took a touch with his right foot to steady himself before smashing high into the net with his left foot to open the scoring. 

Jak Alnwick was forced into a top save when he tipped Ross Callachan's effort over the bar just after the half-hour mark as the home side looked for a leveller. But St Mirren were still on top and scored a second goal on 34 minutes. Tanser's corner from the right was floated all the way to the far post where it met the unmarked Fraser who headed home against his former club. 

Marcus Fraser puts St Mirren 2-0 ahead (Image: Ken MacPherson)

The hosts quickly pulled a goal back to reduce the deficit. Spittal's free-kick - two minutes after Fraser's goal - deflected off Alan Power in the St Mirren wall taking it over the outstretched Alnwick. 

Saints would regain their two-goal advantage almost immediately when Tanser would take advantage of a mix-up in the Staggies defence. County captain Jack Baldwin left a ball over the top hoping goalkeeper Maynard-Brewer would collect. Tanser was alert to it and got in ahead to lift over the Ross County keeper to give the Buddies a 3-1 lead going into the interval. 

Jim Goodwin's side came at County early in the second-half with wave after wave of attack in the opening exchanges of the second 45. Brophy went close twice within a minute as he looked for his second of the afternoon, while Ronan and Power both had opportunities.

Saints couldn't add a fourth and the home side started to get a foothold in the game as they looked for a way back into the match. Harry Clarke cracked post for the home side on 55 minutes before heading into the arms of Alnwick four minutes later. 

County's pressure told on 66 minutes when Iacovitti rose above the Saints defence to head home a Clarke cross from the right.

The hosts would push hard for an equaliser with substitute Joseph Hungbo going closest with 10 minutes to go when he hit the post from close-range, but the Buddies were able to hold on to ensure the long journey back to Paisley would be made with all the points. 

Full-Time: Ross County 2-3 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar, Power, Erhahon (Flynn 68), Tanser (Tait 73), McGrath (Main 73), Ronan, Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Dunne, McAllister, Dennis

Ross County: Maynard-Brewer, Clarke, Iacovitti, Baldwin, Burroughs (B.Paton 56), Cancola (Hungbo 71), H.Paton, Callachan, Spittal, Charles-Cook, A.Samuel (White 56)
Subs Not Used: Laidlaw, D.Samuel, Watson, Tillson

Referee: David Munro
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Andrew McWilliam
Fourth Official: Graham Grainger 

St Mirren made it two wins from two and extended their unbeaten run to five matches after Ethan Erhahon's first-half goal gave Saints all the points in Livingston.

The St Mirren Academy graduate netted the game's only goal on 29 minutes to move the Buddies into seventh place in the cinch Premiership heading into the international break. 

Saints came into the game on the back of their first league win of the season last weekend and Jim Goodwin named the same starting eleven that defeated Aberdeen 3-2 at the SMiSA Stadium on Sunday.

The rain lashed down at the Tony Macaroni Arena and it took until 23 minutes for the first real opportunity of the match with Saints goalkeeper Jak Alnwick making a good save to deny the hosts an opener. Odin Bailey came in from the left-side and struck an effort which stung the palms of Alnwick who got both hands behind it to push away. 

But just six minutes later it was St Mirren who would go ahead when Erhahon scored his first goal of the season after a quick Saints counter. Connor Ronan drove forward and had Marcus Fraser, Erhahon and Eamonn Brophy in support. The Irishman elected to feed to Fraser who rolled into Erhahon on the left-hand side of the box. The Saints academy graduate made his way into the area before side-footed into the far corner with Livi goalkeeper Max Stryjek unable to keep it out despite getting a touch. 

Ethan Erhahon puts Saints in front with his first goal of the season (Image: David Henderson)

The Buddies had to be resolute after the goal with Alnwick making a terrific one-handed save seven minutes later to keep Saints ahead. James Penrice found himself in space on the left-hand side of the box but was foiled by the right arm of the Sains goalkeeper. 

Livingston thought they had levelled in the final moments of the first-half. Ayo Obileye was on the end of an Alan Forrest knock-down and drilled through a ruck of bodies only for Alan Power to block on the line. 

The home side created more decent opportunities following the break with Jackson Longridge going close four minutes into the second-half after a lovely piece of skill to make his way into the Saints box. His strike was deflected just wide of the far post. 

On 57 minutes, Saints skipper Joe Shaughnessy made a vital intervention to deny Livi an equaliser after Bailey had nipped in ahead of Matt Millar and found himself with a great opportunity inside the area. The winger looked primed to level but for the block from the St Mirren captain who managed to get enough on it to deflect it over the bar.

It was Millar who had then had the first good chance of the second-half for Saints when he got his head on the end of a brilliant delivery from Scott Tanser, but goalkeeper Stryjek was down to save. 

Saints had a massive opportunity to make it 2-0 with just 12 minutes of the game remaining. It was another wonderful Tanser ball in that created the chance with Conor McCarthy racing into the box unmarked. It looked like the Irishman would seal the three points for Jim Goodwin's men, only to send it over from close-range. 

Two brilliant deliveries from Scott Tanser gave Saints their best chances of the second half (Image: David Henderson)

The Buddies had to put up with a spell of Livingston pressure in the final 10 minutes, but the Saints defence dealt with everything thrown at them to ensure they head into the international break on the back of another win. 

Full-Time: Livingston 0-1 St Mirren

WATCH: JIM GOODWIN MATCH REACTION 

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar (McAllister 75), Power, Erhahon, Tanser, McGrath, Ronan (Main 64), Brophy (Erwin 89)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Tait, Flynn, Reid

Livingston: Stryjek, McMillan (Devlin 63), Fitzwater, Obileye, Longridge, Holt (c), Omeonga, Penrice, Forrest, Bailey (Hamilton 78), Shinnie (Anderson 50)
Subs Not Used: Maley, Kelly, Montano, Williamson

Referee: Grant Irvine
Assistant Referee: Ross MacLeod
Assistant Referee: David Dunne
Fourth Official: John Beaton 

St Mirren defeated Aberdeen in a five goal thriller to pick up their first league win of the season.

Connor Ronan fired Saints ahead, but Jim Goodwin's men found themselves behind at the break after Scott Brown and Christian Ramirez had scored for the Dons.

Teddy Jenks was shown red for Aberdeen early in the second-half and the Buddies made the man advantage count with Ronan grabbing his second before Curtis Main headed home the winner. 

Jim Goodwin made one change from the side that drew with Hibernian last week as Saints looked for their first league win of the season. Dylan Reid dropped out of the squad with injury and was replaced by Ethan Erhahon.

The Buddies got off to the ideal start - taking the lead on 14 minutes. A poor kick-out from Joe Lewis was pounced upon by Alan Power. He knocked on to midfield partner Erhahon who played a stunning through ball for Ronan. The Irishman brought the ball in brilliantly before firing home via the aid of a deflection off Aberdeen defender David Bates. 

Connor Ronan fires Saints ahead (Image: Jeff Holmes)

Saints joy was short-lived with Aberdeen finding themselves level four minutes later in fortuitous fashion. A free-kick into the box bundled off Ramirez before knicking off Dons captain Brown's foot and into the back of the net. 

Aberdeen started taking a grip of the game after their equaliser. Marcus Fraser made an excellent challenge to block Jenks' attempt two minutes after the Dons leveller. But the Dons would take the lead on 34 minutes when Ramirez headed home. The American forward peeled off his marker to bullet Calvin Ramsay's free-kick into the net. There were arguments from the Saints defence that Fraser had been impeded by Brown, but referee Willie Collum said no. 

Saints started the second-half brightly as they looked to get themselves back into the match. Scott Tanser almost scored just two minutes after the restart when his free-kick from the right-hand side drifted all the way through with Lewis clawing off his line. 

On 51 minutes, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Jenks was given his marching orders. The Dons man had been booked in the first-half for a late challenge on Fraser and was shown a second yellow after a foul on Jamie McGrath. Jim Goodwin responded to that red card by going with two upfront, bringing on Main for Erhahon. 

Within six minutes of the red card, Saints found themselves level. McGrath slid the ball through for Ronan who took a touch to steady himself before lashing into the back of the net to score his, and St Mirren's, second of the afternoon. 

Just after the hour mark the Buddies turned the game on its head with substitute Main making it 3-2. Fraser's ball over the top looked like it drifted beyond Lewis, but the English striker was adamant he'd gotten a touch to force in. 

Curtis Main gets in ahead of Joe Lewis for the winner (Image: Allan Picken)

Saints had more chances to add to their lead with Eamonn Brophy and Main having opportunities, but in the end three was enough for the Buddies to claim their first three points of the season.

Full-Time: St Mirren 3-2 Aberdeen

WATCH: JIM GOODWIN MATCH REACTION 

Jim Goodwin celebrates after Saints defeat Aberdeen (Image: Allan Picken)

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser (Flynn 74), Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar (McAllister 72), Power, Erhahon (Main 56), Tanser, McGrath, Ronan, Brophy (Dennis 83)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Tait, Erwin

Aberdeen: Lewis, Ramsay, Bates, McCrorie, MacKenzie, Brown (c), Jenks, Hedges (Samuels 72), Hayes, Ferguson, Ramirez (Emmanuel-Thomas 72)
Subs Not Used: Woods, Gallagher, McGeouch, Campbell, Longstaff

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee: John McCrossan
Fourth Official: Alan Muir

Attendance: 4,513

St Mirren took a share of the spoils at Easter Road as Joe Shaughnessy's late header earned Saints a point in the capital. 

It was nothing more than Jim Goodwin's men deserved after a battling performance against high-flying Hibernian. 

Eamonn Brophy put Saints ahead in the first-half, but two goals in four second-half minutes from Paul McGinn and Martin Boyle had the home side in-front. With two minutes of normal time remaining, Saints skipper Shaughnessy headed the Buddies level to take a point back to Paisley.

The manager made just one change to the side that drew 0-0 with Dundee United last weekend. Alan Power, returning from suspension, took the place of Curtis Main who dropped to the bench. 

The opening exchanges of the first-half saw very few clear cut chances for either side. Martin Boyle curled wide from 20 yards on 16 minutes, while Brophy also had his own opportunity from similar range 60 seconds later, but his low strike was straight at Hibs goalkeeper Matt Macey.

With just three minutes of the half remaining, Saints took the lead and it was the lively Brophy who would get it. Connor Ronan sent a ball down the left channel for the striker to chase. He cut into the box before firing low into the near post to put St Mirren ahead and score his second of the season. 

Eamonn Brophy celebrates after putting Saints ahead (Image: Craig Brown)

Hibs made a change at the break with Scott Allan coming on for Chris Cadden and the midfielder showed his quality in the early part of second-half. It was his play that won the corner from which thought they had equalised. Ryan Porteous' header from the corner was goal-bound, but the offside Boyle got a touch on it before it crossed the line with the linesman raising his flag.

The home side would find themselves level on 57 minutes and it was Allan who was integral to it. His first time ball found ex-Saint McGinn running in at the back post to smash beyond Alnwick to even the scores. 

And four minutes later the Hibees were ahead. Matt Millar was adjudged to have fouled Porteous in the box with referee Kevin Clancy pointing to the penalty spot. Boyle stepped up from 12 yards and lashed home to put the hosts in front. 

Saints almost levelled on 67 minutes when Shaughnessy met a perfect cross from Millar. The captain got a toe to it but it cracked off the cross bar with the Hibs defence eventually managing to get clear. 

The Buddies appealed for a penalty with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Curtis Main went down in the Hibs box under the challenge of Hibees captain Paul Hanlon. To his and his teammates frustration, Kevin Clancy was unmoved. 

Saints continued to press for an equaliser with Brophy sending just wide from 20 yards with a little over 10 minutes remaining. That pressure would eventually tell when Shaughnessy appeared in the box to meet Scott Tanser's cross and head beyond Macey to level. 

Joe Shaughnessy heads home to level (Image: Craig Brown)

There was still time for drama in the closing moments with both sides having chances to win it. Allan had a shot deflected on to the post, while Kyle McAllister had an effort saved by Macey after brilliantly working his way into the box.

Full-Time: Hibernian 2-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar (McAllister 82), Power, Reid (Main 62), Tanser, McGrath, Ronan (Erhahon 62), Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Tait, Flynn, Dennis

Hibernian: Macey, McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Doig, Doyle-Hayes (Gogic 82), Newell, Magennis, Cadden (Allan 46), Boyle, Nisbet
Subs Not Used: Dabrowski, Stevenson, Gullan, Wright, Wood-Gordon

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: Ralph Gordon
Assistant Referee: Steven Traynor
Fourth Official: Craig Napier

St Mirren and Dundee United couldn't be separated as it ended goalless at the SMiSA Stadium. An open game saw both sides create chances, but neither could find a winner as Saints made it three draws from their first five cinch Premiership matches. 

Jim Goodwin made three changes to the starting eleven that faced St Johnstone before the international break. Matt Millar and Connor Ronan made their debuts after signing for Saints over the past week, while 16-year-old Dylan Reid made his first start. 

Dylan Reid made his first start for St Mirren (Image: Andy Barr)

A quiet first-half in which Saints really never got going saw United create the best opportunities. Joe Shaughnessy had to head off the line after Jak Alnwick's save from Ian Harkes spun up in the air and almost found the net. Eight minutes later, Peter Pawlett raced through on goal but blazed well over from 20 yards. 

16-year-old Reid did well to deny United as the first-half drew to a close. He raced back after United burst forward on the counter and put in a brilliant challenge to stop ex-Saint Liam Smith driving into the box.

After a disappointing first-half, Saints started the second 45 better and went on to have the bulk of the possession. Jim Goodwin's men had the ball in the net just before the hour mark when Eamonn Brophy slammed home after he met Curtis Main's header only for it to be ruled out. It was a dubious decision from referee Colin Steven as he penalised Main for what he perceived as a foul on Scott McMann. 

United then had the two best chances of the game to that point. Alnwick was called into action on 62 minutes when he spread himself to block substitute Louis Appere before Marc McNulty missed a gilt-edged one-on-one opportunity - slamming wide from inside the area.

From then until the end of the match it was Saints who created all the pressure and it almost paid off when Richard Tait forced United goalkeeper Trevor Carson into a brilliant stop. The defender met McGrath's clipped delivery but was denied by the excellent one-handed save from Carson.

Richard Tait forces a top save from Trevor Carson (Image: Andy Barr)

Despite more pressure, the Buddies couldn't create the chance that would bring a winner and had to settle for a point. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dundee United

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar (Tait 67), Reid (Flynn 74), McGrath, Ronan (McAllister 66), Brophy, Main
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Dennis, Erwin

Dundee United: Carson, Smith (Levitt 45), Mulgrew, Niskanen, Pawlett (Appere 61), McNulty, Edwards (Connolly 78), Butcher, Harkes, McMann, Fuchs
Subs Not Used: Newman, Sporle, Reynolds, Clark

Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Fourth Official: Stewart Luke

Attendance: 4,894

The Saints derby ended in a goalless as St Mirren and St Johnstone drew a blank in Paisley.

Both sides went close in a goalless first half, Conor McCarthy having an effort ruled out for offside and Jak Alnwick denying both Callum Hendry and David Wotherspoon. Just on half-time it looked as if the Paisley Saints had gone in front only for Zander Clark to somehow claw away Richard Tait's shot before it crossed the line.

Sadly, the second half didn't come close to matching the first for goalmouth action with chances at a premium. The Perth Saints almost snatched all three points in the final minute but Glenn Middleton's free-kick cannoned off the bar. That was an escape for the Buddies but there was a blow in stoppage time when Ethan Erhahon was sent off, shown a second yellow card for a foul on Chris Kane.

Saints boss Jim Goodwin – now recovered from his bout of coronavirus – made three changes to the side that had lost against Celtic a week earlier. Eamonn Brophy came back into the side as did fit-again Charles Dunne and Richard Tait. Greg Kiltie and Ryan Flynn dropped to the bench with Alan Power absent through suspension. There were plenty of changes to the St Johnstone line-up following their European exit, with Stevie May and Wotherspoon among those coming into the side.

Alnwick was barely troubled by early efforts from Wotherspoon and Jamie McCart, the Buddies briefly thinking they had taken the lead in between those efforts. Scott Tanser delivered a free-kick with pinpoint precision and Conor McCarthy headed past Clark, however his celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.

Conor McCarthy heads home for the Buddies but the offside flag was raised (Image: Allan Picken)

Jamie McGrath could have been forgiven for having a pop at the Saintees goal after heading the ball past a defender and bursting forward but he unselfishly opted to tee up Curtis Main instead. Clark couldn't save the striker's shot but McGrath looked ready to force home the rebound only for Hayden Muller to block his effort. At the other end May flicked an attempt miles over Alnwick's goal, the keeper called into meaningful action for the first time a few minutes later when he turned behind Hendry's header.

The home Saints were creating plenty of chances, skipper Joe Shaughnessy heading just wide from Tait's cross before both Tanser and Brophy shot over from the edge of the area. Alnwick was arguably the busier of the keepers and had to get down low to tip Wotherspoon's low drive behind after it took a deflection off Shaughnessy. In first-half stoppage time the hosts went desperately close to taking the lead when a free-kick was flicked on to Tait at the back post and he looked to have poked it over the line only to be denied by a terrific save by Clark.

You could be forgiven for thinking an exciting second half was in store when Main flicked Tanser's cross just wide, however it didn't live up to the promise. McCarthy almost got on the end of another tasty delivery from fullback and Shaughnessy headed a free-kick wide, while at the other end Alnwick did well to gather a shot from sub Glenn Middleton and Shaun Rooney's long-range drive whistled past the post.

The visitors almost snatched victory in the final minute with a moment that would have been giving the home fans flashback. After Shaughnessy was booked for upending Muller, St Johnstone had a free-kick in a dangerous position and Middleton stepped up in a bid to repeat his heroics from last season's Scottish Cup semi-final. He almost managed it too – although this time his effort crashed off the bar rather than nestling in the net. That was as close as either side came, Erhahon blotting his copybook somewhat in stoppage time when he picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Chris Kane.

St Johnstone strike the bar in the final minutes of the match (Image: Allan Picken)

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 St Johnstone

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), Dunne, McCarthy, Tait, McGrath, Erhahon, Tanser, Brophy (Dennis 69), Main (Erwin 77)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Flynn, Henderson, MacPherson

St Johnstone: Clark, Muller, Kerr (c), McCart, Rooney, McCann, Craig, Devine (Booth 82), May (Kane 72), Wotherspoon, Hendry (Middleton 65)
Subs Not Used: Parish, Brown, O'Halloran, Ballantyne

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland
Assistant Referee: Andy Milne
Fourth Official: Alan Muir

Attendance: 4,326

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