Saints came away from a rainy Dingwall with a late Christmas present as goals from Marcus Fraser and Kristian Dennis gave the Buddies a 2-0 win over nine-men Ross County. 

Jim Goodwin's men were made to work for the points despite their advantage with County defending well until Fraser opened the scoring against his former club. The win made it three out of their last four on the road in the Scottish Premiership with Saints now sitting in seventh place on 21 points.

It was the home side who started brightly after taking kick-off. John Hughes' men created an opportunity within the first 30 seconds of the match with Ross Draper driving a low effort into the arms of Jak Alnwick from just inside the area. 

The goalkeeper was called into action again on four minutes when he made two terrific one-handed saves to deny County the opener. The first saw Alnwick react well to turn away a deflection off Conor McCarthy, with Ethan Erhahon on the line to head away. The ball came back in with Alex Iacovitti heading goal-ward only for Alnwick again to flick over.

Saints didn't get going in the opening stages and it was County who threatened again on 13 minutes when Jermaine Hylton found Stephen Kelly in space on the edge of the box. The on-loan defender took it first time but dragged well wide.

The Buddies grew into the game after a frustrating opening. Josh Reid was booked for the hosts when he pulled back Kyle McAllister on 17 minutes. The winger had a go from the resulting free-kick, but it cannoned off the wall.

Junior Morias had Saints best chance just before the half hour mark. The forward met a neat Erhahon flick and drove forward before unleashing a shot from 30 yards which Ross County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw gathered at the second attempt. Less than later Jermaine Hylton did likewise for the home side with Alnwick pushing away with his chest. 

County were reduced to 10 men when Reid was given a second yellow card for another foul on McAllister. McGrath floated the free-kick in where it met the head of Lee Erwin who glanced wide.

Saints started the second-half well with ex-County player Marcus Fraser volleying just wide two minutes into the second 45. The defender didn't get the connection he would have wanted as he sclaffed just by Ross Laidlaw's left-hand post. 

Despite seeing plenty of the ball, St Mirren weren't creating any real clear cut opportunities to open the scoring which prompted manager Jim Goodwin to bring on Jon Obika and Ilkay Durmus on for Erwin and McAllister. 

Ross County were then down to nine men on the hour mark when Ross Draper was shown consecutive yellow cards. The midfielder was initially booked for a foul on Erhahon before being given another yellow for pushing the Saints midfielder in the aftermath.

As was to be expected coming up against nine men Saints pressed and pressed but still were unable to test Laidlaw. The manager made another double substitution by introducing Cammy MacPherson and Kristian Dennis in place of Erhahon and McGrath.

The Buddies continued to push for the opener with 20 minutes remaining. Durmus had a free-kick from 25 yards pushed away by Laidlaw, while Joe Shaughnessy knocked inches wide after getting on the end of Dennis' header across.

The breakthrough would finally come for St Mirren on 76 minutes when Fraser scored on his return to Dingwall. The defender was first to a County clearance and lashed home, via a deflection, from the edge of the area. 

Saints were almost two to the good a minute later when Tait rose to meet a cross only to see his header well saved by Laidlaw. 

It was all St Mirren in the closing stages and the Buddies put the seal on a good afternoon's work when Dennis nodded home from close range to score his first Saints goal and ensure the points would return to Paisley.

Full-Time: Ross County 0-2 St Mirren

JIM GOODWIN POST-MATCH REACTION

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser (Flynn 86), McCarthy, Shaughnessy, Tait, McGrath (Dennis 65), Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon (MacPherson 65), McAllister (Durmus 57), Erwin (Obika 57), Morias 
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Flynn, Foley, Connolly, Jamieson

Ross County: Laidlaw, Morris, Draper, Shaw, Vigurs (Tremarco 39, Donaldson 82), Hylton, Watson (McKay 82), Iacovitti, Kelly, Paton, Reid
Subs Not Used: Doohan, Tillson, Wright, Williamson

Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant Referee: Douglas Ross
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence
Fourth Official: Steven Reid  

St Mirren's unbeaten run came to an end as Hibernian picked up all three points thanks to a first-half goal from Kevin Nisbet. 

There was very little between the two sides beyond Nisbet's terrific finish on 18 minutes. That was the first real piece of play either side created in the opening period of the match. Martin Boyle was allowed to drift in from the right along the edge of the box before picking out Nisbet just inside the box. The striker didn't have much space to work with but took a touch to compose himself before stroking into the top corner leaving Jak Alnwick with no chance.  

Saints heads didn't go down after the Hibs opener with MacPherson having the visitors first opportunity of the march three minutes after the goal. The midfielder, in for the injured Jake Doyle-Hayes, swung a foot on a Marcus Fraser cross, but it was easy for Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano. Jamie McGrath was next to meet a Fraser ball on 26 minutes with the in-form Irishman nodding over.

Both sides made a change at the interval with Drey Wright on for ex-Saint Kyle Magennis, while Jim Goodwin brought on Ilkay Durmus for the injured Richard Tait.

Durmus could have made a quick impact but passed up a glorious chance to get Saints level six minutes after his introduction. The winger was found in acres of space inside the Hibernian box by a terrific MacPherson cross. He got the header wrong though and harmlessly nodded wide of target.  

With a little under 25 minutes to go Jon Obika was introduced to the fold in place of Lee Erwin. And the striker almost made an immediate impact when he latched on to a Ethan Erhahon ball over the top. He took it first time when he probably had more time than he thought which allowed Hibernian sub goalkeeper Dillon Barnes to gather. 

A minute later a fortuitous break of the ball following a Wright shot fell nicely for Hibs goalscorer Nisbet in acres of space at the back post. The striker looked like he was on hand to double his and Hibernian's tally only to inexplicably send the effort wide of target. 

Saints hopes of finding a leveller heading into the latter stages of the game were made tougher when Brandon Mason was giving his marching orders. The full-back could have no complaints after he was shown a second yellow card on 83 minutes after a foul on Martin Boyle.

There was still time for some late drama when Christian Doidge was shown a red card for the home side after catching Erhahon with a loose arm. 

Saints did commit men forward in an attempt to find an equaliser that would extend the unbeaten run to 12 matches but couldn't create the opportunity that would have got us level. 

Full-Time: Hibernian 1-0 St Mirren

WATCH - JIM GOODWIN REACTION

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Shaughnessy (c), Tait (Durmus 45), Connolly (Morias 70), McGrath (Dennis 70), MacPherson (McAllister 78), Erhahon, Mason, Erwin (Obika 66)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Foley, Flynn

Hibernian: Marciano (Barnes 57), P.McGinn, Hanlon (c), Porteous, Stevenson, Magennis (Wright 45), Hallberg (Gogic 90), Newell, Boyle, Doidge, Nisbet (Gullan 81)
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Gray, McGregor, Doig, S.McGinn, Bradley

Referee: Steven Kirkland
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee: Graham McNeillie
Fourth Official: Don Robertson

Saints extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches after coming from behind twice to beat St Johnstone 3-2 at the SMiSA Stadium.

Ethan Erhahon's second goal of the season was sandwiched between goals from Stevie May and Scott Tanser in a disappointing first half for St Mirren.

But two late goals in the space of five minutes from Lee Erwin and Jon Obika gave the Buddies the win in the battle of the Saints. 

Erwin had the first opportunity of the game after a quiet opening to the match when his strike from distance was pushed over by St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark on 14 minutes.

On 18 minutes, man of the moment Jamie McGrath went close to scoring his sixth goal in five matches. The Irishman turned Murray Davidson brilliantly before driving a low effort just by Clark's right-hand post.

But four minutes later the Paisley Saints would find themselves behind. Referee Steven Maclean awarded the visitors a penalty when David Wotherspoon went down with minimal contact from Joe Shaughnessy. It looked soft but Stevie May stepped up and squeezed his effort just underneath Jak Alnwick to put St Johnstone in front.

With seven minutes of the half remaining St Mirren found an equaliser when youth academy graduate Erhahon slammed home. 

However, with half-time fast approaching St Johnstone took the lead for a second time. A loose clearance from Joe Shaughnessy fell straight to Scott Tanser who curled home from 20 yards. 

The first-half drama wasn't over there though as the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Jason Kerr was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Ilkay Durmus.

The Buddies dominated possession in the second-half but were finding it difficult to break down the 10 men. Indeed it was St Johnstone who went closest to extending their lead on the hour mark when Alnwick was forced into a wonderful save to tip Liam Gordon's header over the bar.

Jim Goodwin responded by introducing Obika and Kyle McAllister and the two would make the difference. McAllister sent a delightful chipped ball for Erwin to head home from a tight angle with eight minutes remaining to draw Saints level. Then, on 87 minutes, Obika managed to find himself free in the St Johnstone box to aim a header beyond Clark following another pinpoint McAllister ball to seal all the points and make it six wins from the last seven for Saints.

Full-Time: St Mirren 3-2 St Johnstone

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser (MacPherson 74), Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Tait, Connolly (Obika 61), McGrath, Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon (McAllister 61), Durmus (Mason 74), Erwin (Morias 85)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Flynn, Foley

St Johnstone: Clark, Kerr, Tanser, Gordon, McCart, Davidson (Melamed 90), McNamara, Wotherspoon (Bryson 74), McCann, Conway (Rooney 61), May (Hendry 74)
Subs Not Used: Parish, Booth, Craig, Kane, Ferguson

Referee: Steven Maclean 
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Craig Ferguson
Fourth Official: Scott Lambie

St Mirren are on the march to Hampden after a stunning last-gasp win over Rangers in the Betfred Cup.

Conor McCarthy smashed Rangers' 27 game unbeaten record with an injury time winner to seal a 3-2 win over the Gers and send Saints into the semi-finals where they will face Livingston.

While it was an unforgettable night for Jim Goodwin's men they could have been forgiven for thinking that a long night was in store when Rangers took the lead with just seven minutes played. McCarthy's header was picked up deep in the Saints half by Connor Goldson who strolled beyond Ethan Erhahon on his way into the box and slammed home. 

Saints claims for a penalty were denied on 34 minutes when Jon Obika went down in the box under the challenge from Leon Balogun. Referee David Dickinson, who was a late replacement for the injured Andrew Dallas, said no.

The Buddies would win a penalty six minutes later when Dylan Connolly was felled by Calvin Bassey. Jamie McGrath stepped up and coolly stroked beyond Allan McGregor to make it four goals in four matches.

It didn't take long into the second-half for McGrath to make it five in four after a well worked move from Saints. Erhahon fed the ball down the channel to Connolly who raced down the right-hand side before swinging a low ball into the Rangers box. Jon Obika held it up before laying off to McGrath. The Irishman showed great composure to twist by the Gers defence and knock beyond McGregor to put Saints in front.

Rangers thought they were level on 65 minutes when James Tavernier had the ball in the Saints net. Alnwick couldn't hold Kent's long-range effort with Kemar Roofe on to the rebound and rolling back to Tavernier who tucked home. But the linesman had judged that Roofe had run the ball out of play.

The visitors put pressure on to try and find an equaliser in the final 15 minutes with Alnwick holding a low drive from Tavernier on 75 minutes.

Then, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Rangers found a leveller through substitute Steven Davis. Tavernier's free-kick cracked off the post and fell to Davis whose shot into the corner just evaded Alnwick to find its way into the top corner. 

It was a sickener for Saints who looked to be heading into extra-time. But this St Mirren side had other ideas. A McGrath corner was pushed away by McGregor, only for Doyle-Hayes to force it back to McGrath who swung it in again. Richard Tait rose the highest only to be denied by a wonderful save by McGregor. It landed at the feet of McCarthy who slammed into the roof of the net to secure a memorable win for the Paisley Saints.

Full-Time: St Mirren 3-2 Rangers

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Tait, Connolly (MacPherson 82), McGrath, Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon, Mason, Obika (Erwin 90)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Foley, Flynn, McAllister, Durmus, Dennis, Jamieson

Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun (Hagi 84), Bassey (Barisic 56), Arfield (Davis 56), Zungu (Kamara 72), Aribo, Kent, Itten (Defoe 72), Roofe
Subs Not Used: McLaughlin, Helander, Patterson, Barker

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: John McCrossan
Fourth Official: Chris Graham 

St Mirren moved off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership as Jamie McGrath scored his third goal in as many games to seal a win over Motherwell at Fir Park.

Saints leapfrogged Hamilton Academical and Ross County with their fourth league win of the season to move into 10th spot.

Jim Goodwin's men started brightly and weren't far from opening the scoring with just 40 seconds of the game played. Ilkay Durmus drove into the Motherwell box and sent a low ball across which Jon Obika flicked just wide. 

The hosts passed up a great chance a few minutes later. Chris Long fired across the face of the Saints goal with Callum Lang sliding in at the far post, but the striker's effort went well over.

Saints took the lead on 13 minutes as Jamie McGrath made it three goals in three. Ethan Erhahon slid a delicious ball through the heart of the Motherwell defence sending Obika through on goal. The forward's attempt was saved by the feet of Jordan Archer and fell nicely for McGrath allowing the Irishman to slam into the empty net from 18 yards. 

Buoyed by the goal, the Buddies were playing some nice football and almost doubled their lead eight minutes later. Connolly got in ahead of Liam Grimshaw to meet a cross from the left, but his header drifted agonisingly wide.

Callum Lang had a go from range but the low strike was easily held by Jak Alnwick who had a quiet afternoon to that point. 

The start of the second-half was scrappy with only a Tony Watt header which was easily gathered by Alnwick all either side had to show in the opening 20 minutes of the second 45. 

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson responded by bringing on Devante Cole, Jake Hastie and Liam Polworth for Lang, Long and Bevis Mugabi, while Jim Goodwin brought on Lee Erwin for Jon Obika.

Cole and Polworth both went close for the hosts within the space of a minute. The former shot straight at Alnwick from an angle before Polworth nodded over from close range. 

With a little over 10 minutes remaining Polworth forced Alnwick into action with the Saints goalkeeper down well to push away the midfielders effort from the edge of the box. 

Saints were able to hold firm and extend their unbeaten run to nine matches as well as picking up a valuable three points.

Full-Time: Motherwell 0-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Shaughnessy (c), Tait (Mason 73), Connolly (MacPherson 73), McGrath, Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon, Durmus, Obika (Erwin 60)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Flynn, McAllister, Foley, Morias, Dennis

Motherwell: Archer, O'Donnell, Mugabi (Polworth 67), Gallagher, Grimshaw, O'Hara (Lamie 78), Maguire, Campbell, Watt, Lang (Hastie 56), Long (Cole 56)
Subs Not Used: Chapman, Johnston, McGinley, Devine, Crawford

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: Andrew McWilliam
Assistant Referee: Ross MacLeod
Fourth Official: Alan Newlands

St Mirren had to settle for just a point despite a dominant display against 10 man Aberdeen this afternoon.

The Buddies had a host of chances against Derek McInnes' side but couldn't find a winner after Lewis Ferguson was sent off early in the second-half.

Just like last week's win over Aberdeen, Saints started well and fashioned the first chance with just three minutes on the clock after a neat passage of play. Ethan Erhahon fed the ball to Jon Obika on the half-way line with the forward flicking into the onrushing Ilkay Durmus. The Turkish winger broke forward before lashing a shot towards the top corner which Joe Lewis had to be at full-stretch to tip over. 

Dylan Connolly should have opened the scoring on 10 minutes. The Irishman was picked out in space by his compatriot Jamie McGrath but slammed over from close range.

Connolly went close 10 minutes later when he was sent racing clear on goal by McGrath. Aberdeen goalkeeper Lewis was out quickly to narrow the angle along with Greg Leigh. Connolly got his effort away but was denied by the legs of Lewis.

On the half-hour mark Saints had another opportunity. McGrath's corner was headed out only as far as Durmus who caught the volley sweetly, but it was straight at Lewis who pushed over.

Despite having the better of the chances it was the visitors who took the lead. Jonny Hayes managed to find space at the back post to meet Matty Kennedy's cross to head home.

It wasn't the scoreline that Saints merited for their first-half display, but just before the break the Buddies were given a chance to level from the penalty spot after the ball came off the hand of Tommie Hoban. McGrath stepped up and sent Lewis the wrong way to score his second in a week against the Pittodrie side.

Aberdeen were dealt a blow early in the second-half when Lewis Ferguson was given his marching orders following a second yellow card. 

Saints looked to press home the man advantage and created chance after chance. Substitute Cammy MacPherson curled a free-kick just wide two minutes after his introduction, while Conor McCarthy was inches away from getting on the end of a wonderful Durmus cross two minutes later. 

On 70 minutes, St Mirren had two chances in a minute. MacPherson was at the heart of both - first slipping Durmus in with a super touch only for the winger to tamely strike into the arms of Lewis. Then the goalkeeper spilled MacPherson's low drive, but McGrath couldn't turn home the loose ball. 

With five minutes remaining MacPherson was so close to the winner when he curled towards the far post. It looked like it was creeping in but went agonisingly over. 

Aberdeen had a big chance to snatch the win on 87 minutes. The returning Joe Shaughnessy missed a clearance which allowed Curtis Main to slide in Ryan Edmondson. The striker ran through into the Saints box but shot straight at Jak Alnwick.

And then twice in injury time it was St Mirren who should have found a winner. Kyle McAllister slid the ball through for Richard Tait whose shot was blocked by Lewis and then, with almost the last kick of the ball, Lee Erwin should have burst the net but had his effort blocked on the line by the Aberdeen defence. 

Full Time: St Mirren 1-1 Aberdeen

JIM GOODWIN POST-MATCH REACTION.

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Shaugnessy (c), Tait, Connolly (Dennis 78), Erhahon (MacPherson 64), Doyle-Hayes, McGrath, Durmus (McAllister 78), Obika (Erwin 58)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Mason, Flynn, Foley, Morias

Aberdeen: Lewis (c), Hoban, Considine, Leigh, Taylor (Logan 45), Hedges (Ojo 60), Hayes (Devlin 79), McCrorie, Ferguson, Kennedy (Edmondson 79), Cosgrove (Main 64)
Subs Not Used: Woods, McLennan, Hernandez, Campbell

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Fourth Official: Alan Muir

Jamie McGrath's late winner sent St Mirren into the quarter-finals of the Betfred Cup. 

The midfielder's strike was fumbled into the net by Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis to give Saints a well deserved 2-1 win. 

The Buddies were at it from the get go and made the perfect start when the returning Ilkay Durmus netted his first goal of the season on four minutes. The winger, who has been missing with injury, marked his return to the starting line-up by slamming home from 20 yards.

The free-kick had come after terrific play from Dylan Connolly who went on a super driving run from the half-way line, bursting deep into the Aberdeen half before being halved by Jonny Hayes 20 yards from goal. Durmus made no mistake as he found the bottom corner of the net. 

Saints were well on top and almost doubled their lead just three minutes later. Richard Tait cracked the post with a low effort from 25 yards with the rebound just evading Jon Obika allowing the visitors to clear. 

The Buddies pressed for a second as time ticked away at the end of the first-half. On 38 minutes, Connolly did brilliantly to turn Greg Leigh and race clear on goal. Lewis was out quickly to block the shot but Aberdeen couldn't clear the danger. Cammy MacPherson sent the ball back across the face of goal where Durmus got a slight flick which was blocked by Leigh.

Obika should have made it 2-0 on 41 minutes but the forward turn and knocked wide under pressure from Dons goalkeeper Lewis.

How Saints would rue that miss as Aberdeen equalised less than two minutes later. A Hayes ball fell fortuitously for Niall McGinn who knocked beyond Alnwick from close range to level heading into half-time.

Aberdeen spurned a huge chance to go ahead early in the second-half. Thomas Hoban had loads of space to meet a Ryan Hedges corner but headed wide of target. 

Saints, while not creating as much as they did in the first-half, still had the majority of the play. McGrath sent an effort well over on 52 minutes, while Durmus smashed into the side netting after jinking into the box five minutes later.

Heading into the final 10 minutes the Buddies upped the pressure. Marcus Fraser cut inside and shot into the arms of Lewis before substitute Morias was denied by a tremendous save from the Dons goalkeeper. 

But it would count for nothing for the visitors as Saints would find the winner with two minutes of normal time remaining. McGrath took aim from distance with Lewis spilling into the back of the net to book Saints' place in the last eight. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 2-1 Aberdeen

JIM GOODWIN POST-MATCH REACTION

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Foley (c), Tait, Connolly (Morias 83), McGrath, Doyle-Hayes, MacPherson, Durmus (McAllister 72), Obika (Erwin 72)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Sheron, Finlayson, Flynn, Dennis, Jamieson

Aberdeen: Lewis, Hoban, Considine, Leigh, Ojo, McGinn (Devlin 45), Hedges, Cosgrove (Main 45), Hayes, Campbell (Edmondson 90), Kennedy
Subs Not Used: Woods, Taylor, Hernandez, Ngwenya, Ramsay, Duncan

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Ross Macleod
Fourth Official: Grant Irvine

St Mirren picked up their first league win since August as Jake Doyle-Hayes' first Saints goal gave the Buddies three points in Livingston.

The Irishman struck early in the second-half to ensure Jim Goodwin's side took all the points back to Paisley.

It was the home side who created the first opening with three minutes played. Alan Forrest drove forward and lashed a fizzing effort from distance which Jak Alnwick could only punch clear into the path of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The ex-Arsenal striker got his head on it but sent it wide. 

Saints had their first chance on nine minutes when captain Sam Foley headed over from close range after Jamie McGrath's free-kick was spilled by Livi goalkeeper Max Stryjek. 

Three minutes later another McGrath free-kick caused Livingston problems. The midfielder's ball in came off Richard Tait who didn't know much about it leaving Stryjek diving low to his right to save.

Neither side created all the much of note in the remainder of the first-half. Marcus Fraser made a vital block to deny Emmanuel-Thomas, while Stryjek managed to easily gather a Tait header.

Livingston created the first clear cut chance of the second 45 with Alnwick making a terrific save to turn away a Forrest drive. 

But it was the Buddies who would take the lead. A good passage of play from Saints saw Fraser lay a perfect low ball across for McGrath who connected perfectly, cannoning off Jon Guthrie and out for a corner. it was McGrath who swung the resultant corner in. His ball across was headed clear by the Livi defence but only as far as Jake Doyle-Hayes who smashed a first-time volley home, via the aid of a deflection, to score his first St Mirren goal.

That goal was to enough for Saints to gain their first three points since an away win to Hamilton Academical back in August and moved the Buddies to within a point of Livingston in 10th place. 

Full-Time: Livingston 0-1 St Mirren

JIM GOODWIN POST-MATCH REACTION

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Foley (c), McCarthy, Tait, Connolly (McAllister 79), McGrath (MacPherson 90), Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon, Mason, Obika (Erwin 82)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Sheron, Flynn, Durmus, Morias, Dennis

Livingston: Stryjek, Devlin, Guthrie, Brown, Lawson (Poplatnik 74), Sibbald (Serrano 64), Holt, Pittman (Mullin 74), Bartley (c), Forrest, Emmanuel-Thomas
Subs Not Used: Maley, Robinson, McMillan, Taylor-Sinclair, Ambrose, Fitzwater

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: David Doig
Fourth Official: Graham Grainger

St Mirren finished top of Betfred Cup Group G and qualified for the second-round after a late Jon Obika goal secured a 1-0 win over Queen's Park at Hampden.

The Saints number nine rose the highest to get his head on the end of a Kyle McAllister corner to nod home his fifth goal of the season and put the Buddies in the hat for tomorrow's draw.

Jim Goodwin made five changes from the side that drew with Morton on Wednesday night as Jamie McGrath, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Cammy MacPherson, Dylan Connolly and Kristian Dennis came in for Brandon Mason, Sam Foley, McAllister, Junior Morias and Obika.

Saints knew a drew would secure a place in the next round but it was the home side who, immediately from kick-off, tested Jak Alwnick with the goalkeeper having to push away Bob McHugh's strike from the edge of the area inside the first 15 seconds.

St Mirren's first real opportunity came on 20 minutes when Marcus Fraser expertly picked out Kristian Dennis. The forward got his head on it but nodded just wide of Willie Muir's right-hand post. 

Fraser was linking up well with Richard Tait down the right and it was the former who created the next chance for Saints five minutes later. His low ball across the area found Cammy MacPherson just inside the Queen's Park box but the midfielder blazed over.

Peter Grant headed a dangerous ball across the face of the Saints box as time ticked away in what was a pretty quiet first 45.  

Jim Goodwin responded to that first-half performance by bringing Brandon Mason on in place of Cammy MacPherson at the interval. But Saints were dealt a major blow just three minutes into the second-half when Joe Shaughnessy was shown a straight red for a foul on Michael Doyle. 

Queen's Park should have capitalised on their man advantage five minutes later. Forward McHugh was picked out at the back post but, unmarked, he nodded straight into the arms of Alnwick. 

With a little over 20 minutes remaining Jim Goodwin made a double sub to try and spark Saints into life. On came Kyle McAllister as well as Ryan Flynn who made his return to action for the first time since February.

McAllister's introduction seemed to have the desired effect. He had a terrific chance to open with scoring with just 12 minutes of the game remaining when he found himself through on goal. However, the number 10's low strike was blocked by the feet of Muir.

With just nine minutes remaining Saints found the breakthrough when, for the second time this week, Obika got his head on a McAllister corner to  home. 

Saints will be unseeded in tomorrow's second-round draw which takes place live on Premier Sports following the match between Hibernian and Dundee.

Full-Time: Queen's Park 0-1 St Mirren

WATCH MANAGER JIM GOODWIN'S REACTION TO TODAY'S MATCH HERE.

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Shaughnessy (c), Tait, Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon, McGrath (Flynn 70), MacPherson (Mason 45), Connolly (McAllister 70), Dennis (Obika 54)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Sheron, Foley, Morias, Erwin

Queen's Park: Muir, Doyle, Kilday (Biggar 75), Grant, Morrison, Robson, Carroll, Lyon (Gillespie 74), Galt (MacLean 62), Baynham (Quitongo 63), McHugh (McGlinchey 82)
Subs Not Used: Heraghty, Paterson, Gilles

Referee: Greg Aitken
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Colin Drummond

St Mirren's hopes of qualifying for the second-round of the Betfred Cup will go to the final match after the Buddies were held by Morton.

A win at Hampden will be enough to secure top spot for Jim Goodwin's side, though Saints will be disappointed it has not been effectively wrapped up this evening after the cliched game of two halves at the SMiSA Stadium.

The Buddies were dominant in the first-half but only had Jon Obika's header to show for their efforts. Morton raised their game in the second-half with substitute Ross Maciver levelling seconds after his introduction on the hour mark.

Saints started brightly with Obika having the first attempt of the game just three minutes in. The forward held off a Morton defender before squeezing a low effort through the legs of Markus Fjortoft but goalkeeper Aidan McAdams held at the near post. 

McAdams denied Junior Morias and then Obika again with two good saves. First the goalkeeper got a strong hand to Morias' shot on 15 minutes, before Obika had a low effort blocked seven minutes later after McAllister's brilliant reverse pass put the forward through on goal.

It was McAllister who had the next opportunity when he almost caught the Morton goalkeeper out with a long-range free-kick. The number 10's low effort bounced in front of McAdam who eventually managed to push clear. 

Marcus Fraser was inches away from giving Saints the lead on 36 minutes after Joe Shaughnessy sent across an incredible ball from the left which only required the defender to get a toe on it to turn home. 

Saints pressure finally told two minutes later when Obika headed home from McAllister's corner to score his fourth goal of the season. 

Skipper Sam Foley had the first chance of the second half when he clipped over the bar five minutes after the restart. 

But the visitors started to grow into the match with Jak Alnwick having to be alert on 54 minutes to turn an Aiden Nesbitt chip over the cross bar.

Nesbitt was replaced five minutes later with Ross Maciver coming on in place of the number 10. And the substitute made an instant impact as his first act of the match was to head the visitors level within seconds of his introduction. 

Saints felt they should have had a penalty on when sub Dylan Connolly drove into the box before sending a ball across the box which appeared to strike the arm of a Morton defender. The Irishman protested but referee Bobby Madden was unmoved. 

Josh McPake was introduced as a substitute on 75 minutes and he almost made the same impact as Maciver with the midfielder slamming inches wide of the far post after bursting into the Saints box moments after coming on.

That was to be the best chance in the final 15 minutes with the game going to penalties for the bonus point.

Kristian Dennis missed the first penalty, but McGrath, Connolly, Erwin, Foley, Fraser and Mason all scored while Alnwick saved in sudden death from McPake to give Saints a 6-5 shoot-out win.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-1 Morton (St Mirren win 6-5 on penalties to gain bonus point)

St Mirren: Alnwick, Tait, Fraser, Shaughnessy, McCarthy (McGrath 77), Mason, Erhahon (Doyle-Hayes 45), Foley (c), McAllister (Erwin 59), Morias (Dennis 59), Obika (Connolly 72)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Flynn, MacPherson

Morton: McAdams, Ledger, Fjortoft, McLean (McGuffie 86), McGinty, Muirhead (McPake 75), Nesbitt (Maciver 59), Salkeld (Oliver 75), Strapp, Blues (Jacobs 45), Omar
Subs Not Used: Orsi, Lyon, Colville, Wallace

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Stuart Hodge
Fourth Official: Chris Graham