St Mirren were edged out by Aberdeen at the Simple Digital Arena this afternoon as the visitors picked up all three points in a narrow 2-1 win. 

The Dons took a first half lead from the penalty spot through Stevie May, but Cammy MacPherson scored his first St Mirren goal five minutes later to draw Saints level. Despite the Buddies' endeavour, Sam Cosgrove's 61st minute header sealed all the points for Derek McInnes' Aberdeen side.

It was an even opening with neither side creating anything clear cut in the first 25 minutes. Stephen McGinn twice almost sent Simeon Jackson one-on-one with Joe Lewis but the offside flag thwarted the Canadian striker, while Sam Cosgrove shot harmlessly wide for Aberdeen. 

The first real opportunity came just before the half-hour mark when Aberdeen were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the St Mirren box. Niall McGinn curled towards the top corner only for Saints debutant goalkeeper Dean Lyness to wonderfully tip over to deny the Northern Irishman. 

But Saints were undone from the resultant corner. Alfie Jones was penalised for on Andrew Considine and Aberdeen were awarded a penalty. Stevie May stepped up and sent Lyness the wrong way.

However, St Mirren were level just five minutes later as Cammy MacPherson scored his first ever St Mirren goal. A foul on Simeon Jackson by Scott McKenna drew a free kick around 30 yards from goal. Adam Hammill sent the ball into a dangerous area in the box where MacPherson took a touch before rolling past Joe Lewis to equalise. 

Saints seemed keen after the break with Jackson finding Ryan Edwards in space inside the box soon into the second half but the Australian's shot from a tight angle was straight at Lewis.

Aberdeen proved they were still a major threat with Lyness making another superb save to deny May a second after the striker was slipped in by Cosgrove.

The Dons did get a second on 61 minutes as Cosgrove grabbed what would prove to be the winner. Lyness made another excellent stop to push Considine's header from a McGinn free kick on to the bar. English striker Cosgrove reacted quickest to nod home from close range. 

Saints huffed and puffed in an attempt to find a second equaliser but were unable to with Dons returning to the North East with the points.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-2 Aberdeen 

St Mirren: Lyness, Hodson, Jones (Smith 76), Baird, Ferdinand, Erhahon, S. McGinn, MacPherson, Edwards, Hammill (Breadner 81), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Wilson, Eckersley, McShane, Willock, Kirkpatrick

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Considine, McKenna, Lowe, Shinnie, Ferguson, N. McGinn, May (Ball 76), Cosgrove, McLennan (Wright 86)
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Gleeson, Forrester, Wilson, Anderson

Referee: Greg Aitken
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Stuart Stevenson
Fourth Official: Lloyd Wilson

Attendance: 4,699

St Mirren fell to a disappointing defeat at the Tony Macaroni Arena this afternoon.

The Buddies took a first half lead throw Alfie Jones, but a poor second half performance saw goals from Scott Pittman, Ryan Hardie and Craig Sibbald give Livingston all three points.

It was a scrappy first half with neither side creating much in the opening stages bar Steven Lawless sending a powerful effort over on two minutes.

Saints were dealt a blow on 10 minutes when Paul McGinn had to be substituted following a clash of heads at a corner kick, though it doesn't look like it will rule the full-back out of action going forward.

Livingston's defenders combined to give the Lions the best real opportunity of the game so far when a long throw from Alan Lithgow was hooked wide by Declan Gallagher on 25 minutes.

However, it was a St Mirren defender who would open the scoring as Alfie Jones popped up on 36 minutes to grab his first goal for the Buddies. Loanee Ryan Edwards was blocked on the right wing which saw referee Andrew Dallas award Saints a free kick. Adam Hammill flung the ball into the box where it met the head of Alfie Jones who guided home to put St Mirren in front.

Saints seemed buoyed by the goal, but only had a deflected Hammill strike from the edge of the box which was gathered routinely by Liam Kelly to show for it.

Any hopes of carrying that momentum into the second half were extinguished pretty soon after the break. Gallagher drove forward for the home side and played the ball into Scott Pittman who slid the ball low past Danny Rogers to level the scores just five minutes into the second half. 

The Buddies did try to lift themselves and could have been back in front if it wasn't for Kelly pushing away a low Hammill free kick from 25 yards out a few minutes after the equaliser.

In truth though it was the home side who were on top with Keaghan Jacobs not too far away with a long range strike on the hour mark. 

But just four minutes later Livi would find themselves ahead. The Buddies couldn't clear their lines after a blocked Pittman shot found its way back into the Saints box. It fell invitingly for Ryan Hardie who didn't need to think twice as he slammed the ball into the net from just a few yards out.

Frustratingly, it was still the home side who looked the more threatening after their second goal and they nearly added a third on 70 minutes when Gallagher's header looked like it would loop in only for the ball to crash off the bar.

While Saints were treated to an Adam Hammill wonder-goal from his own half on Wednesday night against Hibernian, the Buddies were almost on the receiving end when a slack clearance from Rogers was gathered by Jacobs who tried to catch out the on-loan goalkeeper from the half-way line. The Livi midfielder wasn't all that far away as it just sailed over.

The home side wrapped up the three points with just two minutes of normal time remaining. Rogers couldn't gather Pittman's effort which allowed substitute Craig Sibbald to tap home into the empty net.

Full Time: Livingston 3-1 St Mirren.

St Mirren: Rogers, P.McGinn (Willock 10), Baird, Ferdinand (Smith 71), Jones, Erhahon, Hodson, S.McGinn, Edwards, Hammill, Jackson
Subs Not Used: Lyness, MacPherson, Eckersley, Willock, McShane, Breadner, Smith

Livingston: Kelly, Lithgow, Gallagher, Halkett, Lamie (McMillan 45), Jacobs, Byrne, Pittman, Lawless, Menga (Sibbald 75), Hardie (Hamilton 68)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Sibbald, Cadden, Burns, Hamilton, Lawson

Referee: Andrew Dallas 
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Fourth Official: Grant Irvine

Attendance: 1,727

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren picked up a valuable point at Easter Road as the Buddies battled out a 2-2 draw with Hibernian.  

Saints led twice thanks to goals from Adam Hammill and Paul McGinn, but had to settle for a point as Hibs hit back twice with goals from Oli Shaw and Ryan Porteous. 

The Buddies started brightly with a nice bit of skill from Hammill on the left playing in Ethan Erhahon on the overlap. The 17 year-old's ball across was headed out only as far as Stephen McGinn, but the skipper didn't catch it well enough as it flew out for a throw-in. 

A few moments later Danny Mullen showed good desire to out-jump Efe Ambrose to reach a cross into the box but headed wide. 

Saints were soon to be rewarded for their positive start with Adam Hammill doing what Adam Hammill seems to do.

Just as he did against Hibs' Edinburgh derby rivals Hearts less than two weeks ago, Hammill picked the ball up in his own half. He looked up to see Adam Bogdan off his line and let fly from 55 yards with the ball sailing over the helpless Hibee to give Saints the lead.

The hosts starting coming into the game more as the half wore on with ex-Saint Stevie Mallan going on a nice solo run before sticking an effort harmlessly wide on 25 minutes. 

A couple of minutes later Danny Rogers made an excellent stop to deny a Lewis Stevenson drive from the edge of the box. 

Oli Shaw had two good opportunities as time ticked away in the first half. The first saw the striker head wide from 

Hibs found themselves level on 56 minutes as Shaw fired home from close range. Saints were left incensed as Kyle Magennis had pulled up with an injury. But with the teenager having rolled off the pitch Hibs took their throw-in to Boyle who charged down the right wing before sending it low to Shaw who knocked beyond Rogers from just a few yards out.

But a little more than 10 minutes later Saints were back in front.

Hammill was felled on the left hand side and won a free kick. The Englishman got up to whip the ball into the box where it met the head of Paul McGinn who nodded home for his first St Mirren goal. 

Hibs were level for a second time five minutes later. Mallan sent a corner into a dangerous area where it met defender Ryan Porteous who headed in to make it 2-2. 

As time ticked away it was Saints who looked the more likely to grab all three points.

A quick counter in injury time saw Ryan Edwards pick out Hammill on the left but the winger just couldn't find the pace to burst into the clear and the Hibs defence managed to clear. 

Full Time: Hibernian 2-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Rogers, P.McGinn, Ferdinand, Jones, Hodson, Erhahon, S.McGinn, Magennis (Willock 58), Edwards, Hammill, Mullen (Smith 17, Baird 81)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Eckersley, McShane, MacPherson

Hibernian: Bogdan, Mavrias, Ambrose, Porteous, Stevenson, Horgan (Maclaren 87), Bartley (Milligan 49), Mallan, Boyle, Kamberi (Slivka 54), Shaw
Subs Not Used: Marciano, Nelom, McGregor, Gullan

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Assistant Referee: Gary Hilland
Fourth Official: Gavin Ross

Attendance: 15,096

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

Saints hopes of moving out of the bottom two this afternoon were ruined by a James Keatings-inspired Hamilton Accies.

The forward claimed two assists in the first half, former Buddie Dougie Imrie heading in a corner before Ziggy Gordon poked home a free-kick. A goal from Saints skipper Stephen McGinn just before the break raised the mood and the positivity continued into the second half only for Keatings to score a tremendous goal on the break. Any hope of a comeback was wiped out soon after when Simeon Jackson was shown a second yellow for his challenge on Gordon.

Saints had gone into the game looking for their second win in a week, manager Oran Kearney sticking with the side that had played so well against Hearts the previous Saturday. And they started brightly too, Jackson releasing Kyle Magennis who shot over from the edge of the box. Keatings then curled a free-kick over before Paul McGinn's effort from Adam Hammill's free-kick was deflected narrowly wide.

It was a set-piece at the other end that provided the opener. Keatings picked out Imrie from a corner and his glancing header looped over everyone – including Ethan Erhahon on the back post – before dropping into the net. It was a huge blow as Accies had barely threatened, however having gone in front they sensed blood and went hunting for a quick second, Keatings and Miller both shooting wide from decent positions.

Saints had shown little since going behind and the manager decided to make a change after little more than half an hour as Ryan Edwards replaced Ian McShane. It seemed to provide some fresh impetus as Paul McGinn headed wide from a great Erhahon cross before Accies went back on the offensive as Imrie saw his close range shot blocked by Danny Rogers' legs.

That set up a dramatic end to the half. First, the visitors doubled their lead when a soft free-kick allowed Keatings to curl the ball into the box and Gordon ghosted in to prod it past Rogers, the Saints players appealing in vein for the offside flag. In response, a frustrated Hammill saw his shot deflected wide before the Buddies got one back. A corner was cleared as far as Erhahon and he played it back into the mix where Stephen McGinn turned it home.

There was a lively start to the second half, a Hammill free-kick causing chaos in the Accies box as Jack Baird nodded it on but Jackson couldn't stab it home. Gordon was then lucky to escape with just a booking as he hauled down the striker as when was about to go through on goal. Hammill's free-kick was blocked by the wall, the ball eventually dropping to Magennis who volleyed wide.

Just as a Saints equaliser looked inevitable, Hamilton hit on the counter. Aaron McGowan was given far too much room on the right and when he found Keatings, the forward had all the time and space he needed to compose himself before curling a tremendous shot past Rogers.

Some neat passing saw Lee Hodson send a shot just wide as the deflated Buddies tried to respond, Hammill being replaced by Cody Cooke. Injury then ended Keatings' tremendous display prematurely, Steven Boyd replacing him at the same time as Danny Mullen came on for Paul McGinn. It took the tally of Saints strikers on the field up to three but that situation didn't last long, Jackson picking up a second booking for a foul on Gordon. There was no debate over that caution but his first yellow card for a challenge on the same player at the start of the second half had been somewhat harsh.

Cooke teed Mullen up for a chance that he volleyed wide before the former had a great chance to set up an exciting final 15 minutes, unable to turn the ball home after it had been fired across goal by Stephen McGinn. Mullen went even closer when he thundered a volley off the corner of the goal after great play by Magennis to tee him up, which proved to be as close as Saints would get to finding a way back into the game.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-3 Hamilton

St Mirren: Rogers, P.McGinn (Mullen 66) Baird, Jones, Erhahon, Hodson, S.McGinn (c), Magennis, McShane (Edwards 34), Hammill (Cooke 58), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Ferdinand, MacPherson, Edwards, Smith, Mullen, Cooke 

Hamilton: Mucha, McGowan, McMann, Gordon (Tshiembe 79), Kilgallon, MacKinnon, Martin, Imrie, Keatings (Boyd 65), Miller, Brustad (Bingham 72)
Subs Not Used: Woods, Sowah, Taiwo, Bloomfield

Referee: Kevin Clancy 
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Stuart Stevenson
Fourth Official: David Munro

Attendance: 4,334

Saints ended the long wait for a victory this afternoon with a fine display against Hearts in Paisley.

Adam Hammill was the hero as he bagged both goals early in the second half, the first probably finishing the country's goal of the season competitions before we've even reached the end of November as the winger found the net from 45 yards.

In doing so, it gave Oran Kearney his first win as Buddies boss.

Danny Rogers had little to do on his first league start for the club following the departure of Craig Samson. Skipper Stephen McGinn returned in place of Ryan Edwards, who was unable to play against his parent club, with Jack Baird replacing the injured Anton Ferdinand at the back. Hearts made one change to the team that lost to Kilmarnock a fortnight ago with Sean Clare starting in place of Olly Lee.

Kyle Magennis headed Hammill's early free-kick straight at Zdenek Zlamal before Hearts should have taken the lead, the unmarked Steven MacLean somehow shooting wide after Craig Wighton had helped Michael Smith's cross on to the former St Johnstone man. Anyone hoping that was a sign of things to come would be sadly mistaken with chances few and far between for both teams. Hammill did show some attacking intent at times for the Buddies, slipping the ball through for Paul McGinn only for Jimmy Dunne to get back and clear the danger.

A few crosses into the Saints box caused some momentary scares for the Buddies before they went desperately close to taking the lead, Kyle Magennis beating Clevid Dikamona to a loose ball only to see his tremendous shot hit the bar. After being booked for a foul on Michael Smith, the young midfielder was then in the right place at the other end as he nodded away Dunne's goal-bound header. Just before the break Stephen McGinn had a great chance to put Saints in front as he took advantage of Dunne's dithering but Zlamal was equal to the shot.

If the first half had been short on thrills, the second was anything but as Saints took the lead in spectacular style. As the Buddies tried to play the ball forward, it sat up nicely for Hammill and he let rip from 45 yards, the ball sailing over the head of Zlamal for a spectacular opening goal that nearly lifted the roof off the Simple Digital Arena.

But the winger wasn't done there. After resisting some Hearts pressure, Saints went back on the attack, Magennis heading the ball over Smith before crossing for Paul McGinn. The ball bounced off the fullback but fell perfectly for Hammill, who curled it beyond the reach of Zlamal into the bottom corner.

Hearts thought they'd reduced the deficit when Peter Haring sent a thumping header from sub Olly Lee's free-kick past Rogers, however the flag was up for offside. The same combination threatened again from a corner but this time Haring could only head over before Hammill went close to his hat-trick, getting the better of the Hearts defence only to lob tamely into the arms of Zlamal.

Although Hearts continued to push they created little of note and Saints could have wrapped things up late on when Paul McGinn looped a shot towards goal only for Zlamal to tip it over at the last moment. It would have made the final 10 minutes or so a little easier but there was no need to worry as Kearney's men saw things out for a much-needed win.

Full Time: St Mirren 2-0 Hearts

St Mirren: Rogers, P. McGinn, Baird, Jones, Erhahon, Hodson, S.McGinn, Magennis, McShane, Hammill (Smith 71), Jackson (Mullen 84)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Eckersley, MacPherson, Willock, Cooke

Hearts: Zlamal, Smith, Dunne, Haring, Clare (Lee 54), Djoum, Wighton (Mulraney 45), Garuccio (Mitchell 62), Maclean, Dikamona, Morrison
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Bozanic, Lee, Mitchell, Cochrane, Mulraney, Godinho

Referee: Craig Thomson
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland
Fourth Official: Craig Napier

Attendance: 5,727

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography and John Millar - Millar Pictures

St Mirren picked up their first point on the road this season after a 1-1 draw with Dundee at Dens Park this afternoon.

Simeon Jackson opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before Kenny Miller scored an equaliser 13 minutes later to grab a share of the spoils. 

It's a point that keeps The Buddies ahead of Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership heading into the international break.

Saints took the lead on 21 minutes from the penalty spot after a wonderful piece of skill from Adam Hammill met Jackson kindly before the forward who was bundled to the deck. The Canadian stepped up, crashing his spot kick in off the underside of the bar to the delight of the 750 plus travelling support. 

Alfie Jones did well to deny Jesse Curran an equaliser on 30 minutes. The Dundee full-back looked well placed to slam the ball home, but for the on loan Saints defender to make up ground well to block Curran's attempt.

But Dundee found a leveller four minutes later. A low ball across the box from Kallman was met by Kenny Miller. The veteran striker didn't need to do more than get his foot on the ball to help it across the line.

The home side finished the half the stronger of the sides but could only muster up a Darren O'Dea header that wasn't troubling Craig Samson.

A quiet beginning to the second half was stirred up near the hour mark with Samson having to push away a deflected Curran effort.

Both sides were struggling to create any real clear cut opportunities that would really test Samson or his opposite number Jack Hamilton. Ryan Edwards and the returning Kyle Magennis, who captained the side, both saw weak efforts held by Hamilton, while ex-Saint Paul McGowan curled high and wide. 

Saints finished brightly and were frustrated to be denied another penalty deep in stoppage time. A free kick from 25 yards was floated into the box by Magennis where it met the head of Lee Hodson. Hodson headed across goal where it looked like it might meet substitute Danny Mullen. The striker went down under a challenge but Bobby Madden was unmoved as the game finished 1-1.

Full Time: Dundee 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, Hodson, Jones, Ferdinand, Erhahon (Smith 82), P.McGinn, Magennis, McShane (S.McGinn 61), Edwards, Hammill (Mullen 66), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Baird, Willock, Cooke

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Ralph, Woods, Kusunga, O'Dea, Kamara, C.Miller (Nabi 64), Kallman (Moussa 72), Curran, K.Miller (McGowan 77)
Subs Not Used: Parish, Inniss, Spence, Lambert

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: Alastair Mather
Assistant Referee: Graham McNeillie
Fourth Official: Greg Aitken

Attendance: 5,552 (773 St Mirren supporters)

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

Saints were unlucky to fall to defeat they went down 2-0 to Rangers at the Simple Digital Arena.

The Buddies had the better of the first half, Ian McShane and Ryan Edwards bringing the best out of Allan McGregor before Paul McGinn passed up a good opportunity in stoppage time.

Rangers stepped things up after the break but it looked as if it would be a frustrating afternoon for Steven Gerrard's side before Daniel Candeias scorched in a screamer with 10 minutes left.

To rub salt into the wounds, Alfredo Morelos added a second in injury time before Candeias was sent off in the aftermath.

Oran Kearney can at least be happy with the performance, if not the result, produced by his much changed side. McShane and Ethan Erhahon were handed their first starts of the season with Danny Mullen and Matty Willock restored to the team. Rangers gave a debut to Eros Grezda with McGregor back in goals.

McShane nearly marked his return to the team in style, his early free-kick clipping the top of the wall only to be turned behind by McGregor. Rangers countered from the corner that followed but Anton Ferdinand was in the right place to block Ovie Ejaria's shot. Saints skipper Stephen McGinn then tried to add to his collection of spectacular goals against the visitors, the ball breaking to him just inside their half and, with McGregor out of position, he thumped it towards goal only to see it go wide.

The Buddies were causing the visitors some problems in the final third, Edwards outmuscling the defence to get on the end of McShane's cross but his shot was parried by McGregor before it fell onto the roof of his net. Connor Goldson had a header from a Rangers corner blocked before his side had a penalty appeal turned down for a challenge on Ejaria.

As Saints tried to break, play was stopped for Goldson's challenge on Simeon Jackson but the message didn't seem to reach Jack as he then clattered into Mullen, the midfielder being booked for his troubles. Scott Arfield followed him into Willie Collum's book a few minutes later for a challenge on Stephen McGinn, Erhahon soon joining him for a foul on Ryan Kent.

The Liverpool loanee nearly gave his side the lead just before the break, firing the ball across goal and beyond Craig Samson but also the far post, his shot just beyond the reach of the onrushing Morelos. Saints went even closer in the final seconds of stoppage time, Edwards playing a corner back into the mix and when McGregor spilled it Paul McGinn pounced but the fullback poked it into the side netting.

Perhaps there was something wrong with the goalmouth as Samson had the same problem early in the second half, spilling a shot from Ejaria before Erhahon blocked Grezda's attempt from the follow-up. Rangers were beginning to click through the gears, a fine passing move ending with Grezda hitting the post when it looked like he'd mark his debut with a goal. It was to prove his last involvement as he was immediately replaced by Candeias.

Willock looked to have sent Jackson through on goal only for the offside flag to go up, although McGregor blocked the striker's shot with his legs anyway. There was then a huge let-off for Saints as Rangers tried on numerous attempts to force the ball home, Samson and his defenders flinging themselves in front of everything. They seemed to have escaped only for the ball to be cleared as far as Jack at the edge of the box, however he shot wide.

The Gers were fortunate to get a free-kick in a dangerous position after McShane was harshly booked for a challenge on Ejaria but thankfully James Tavernier curled it a few yards over the bar.

The visiting fans were getting increasingly frustrated with their side's decision making in the final third, something which heightened when Tavernier bizarrely lobbed the ball over the goal when he had far better options open.

However, with 10 minutes left all that was forgiven as Rangers took the lead with the sort of goal their manager would have been proud of. Candeias picked up the ball just outside the box and took one touch to steady himself before sending a scorcher into the top corner. There was nothing Samson could do – even if there were suggestions the winger was trying a cross rather than a shot. He was perhaps a bit too pleased with himself as he was booked for his celebrations – something which would soon prove costly.

Edwards headed wide from Jackson's cross as Saints looked to grab a deserved point but instead they fell further behind in stoppage time. The ball was slipped through to Morelos and, with the flag staying down, the striker made no mistake in rattling it into the far corner.

In the aftermath, Ferdinand was booked after an altercation with Candeias, whose all-action cameo display was brought to a premature halt when he was shown a second yellow card  

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Jones, Ferdinand, Erhahon, Willock (Kirkpatrick 61), McShane, S. McGinn (MacPherson ), Edwards, Mullen (Cooke 82), Jackson.
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Baird, Hammill, Smith

Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Worrall, Goldson, Jack, Ejaria (Rossiter 87), Kent, Halliday, Grezda (Candieas 55), Arfield, Morelos
Subs Not Used: Foderingham, Flanagan, Katic, Coulibaly, Middleton

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Fourth Official: Steven Kirkland

Attendance: 6,033

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography and John Millar - Millar Pictures

St Mirren were defeated by Motherwell at the Simple Digital Arena in the first meeting between the two since 2015.

Goals from David Turnbull and Chris Cadden either side of half-time gave the Lanarkshire side all three points on a frustrating evening for Saints.

It was a match that lacked real quality in the opening exchanges with the first opportunity coming on 22 minutes when Stephen McGinn lashed a shot well over from 25 yards. 

Adam Hammill tested Trevor Carson a few minutes later, but his shot from the angle was fairly straight-forward for the Northern Irish goalkeeper.

As the game approaching the 30 minute mark, Motherwell took the lead. A fierce drive from around 20 yards out from David Turnbull squirmed underneath Saints goalkeeper Craig Samson to give the visitors the lead. It was a powerful effort that skidded off the surface and just managed to find its way into the net. 

The visitors really should have doubled their advantage just over five minutes later when a good ball from Chris Cadden met the head Curtis Main who was all on his own inside the Saints box. Somehow the striker could only only nod the ball straight at Samson.

1-0 it remained heading into the interval, but that changed quickly into the second half.

With a little over a minute played after the break, Chris Cadden curled home Motherwell's second from the edge of the area. It was another neat strike, but frustrating from a Saints point of view to concede so early in the second half.

On 57 minutes, Ryan Edwards went down in the box under the challenge of two Motherwell players and it looked like there could be a case for a penalty, though given there was no real protest from the winger about his booking for simulation it may suggest no penalty award was the right decision.

Things went from bad to worse for Saints when Ryan Flynn received his marching orders after a late high challenge on Richard Tait who was bounding up the left wing. 

After a couple of decent home performances without perhaps getting what we deserved there could be no real complaints from the Buddies this evening. 

Full Time: St Mirren 0-2 Motherwell

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Ferdinand, Jones, Hodson, Edwards, McGinn, Flynn, Hammill (Willock 50), Smith (Mullen 50), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Baird, MacPherson, Erhahon, McShane

Motherwell: Carson, Tait, McHugh, Aldred, Hartley, Cadden, Turnbull (Maguire 90) , Grimshaw, Bigirimana (Campbell 71), Bowman, Main (Johnson 82)
Subs Not Used: Gillespie, Frear, Mbulu, Sammon

Referee: Kevin Glancy
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Assistant Referee: Michael Banks
Fourth Official: John McKendrick

Attendance: 4,001

St Mirren fell to a 2-0 defeat away to St Johnstone this afternoon with two second half goals giving the Perth Saints all three points.

The hosts took the lead through David Wotherspoon on the hour mark. They had the chance to extend their lead further but missed two penalty kicks before Matty Kennedy grabbed a second with less than 10 minutes to go.

Craig Samson made a terrific stop to deny the home side an opener. Matty Kennedy's cross met the head of Tony Watt who nodded into the ground, but the Buddies goalkeeper was down well to push the ball over the bar. 

Lee Hodson's was searching for Simeon Jackson at the back post when he swung in a cross on 16 minutes. But it looked like it may have been heading into the top corner with Zander Clark having to tip away.

The Paisley Saints were left frustrated on 22 minutes when referee Andrew Dallas booked Danny Mullen for simulation when it looked like the striker had clearly been fouled inside the St Johnstone box. 

Great work from Paul McGinn on the right just before half time saw the full-back steal the ball from Scott Tanser and charge towards the St Johnstone box. McGinn expertly picked out Mullen in space inside the box but the striker blazed well over the bar.

A minute later it was the home side who went close to breaking the deadlock before the interval with Samson tipping a Kennedy header on to the bar.

Tony Watt spurned a glorious opportunity to put the home side in front three minutes into the second half. The ball was played across the box, Buddies defender Alfie Jones slipped leaving the striker with what looked to be a simple tap-in. But somehow he side-footed the ball well wide. 

The home side had come out strongly after the break and took the lead on the hour mark. Watt tried to get on the end of a cross with an acrobatic effort, but missed the ball completely allowing it to fall to an unmarked Wotherspoon. The midfielder rolled the ball beyond Samson from close range to put St Johnstone in front.

Things looked like going from bad to worse when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Murray Davidson at the back post. Tony Watt stepped up but as he has done so often for St Mirren, Samson was equal to the attempt and pushed it away.

10 minutes later, St Johnstone were given a second penalty of the afternoon with Hodson penalised for a foul in the box. This time it was Liam Craig who assumed responsibility only to slam the ball over the bar. 

The two missed penalties failed to give St Mirren a lift though and it was St Johnstone who would go on to secure all three points with Kennedy on hand to knock home a rebound after Samson had made a good save to deny Jason Kerr. 

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Jones, Hodson, Hammill (Edwards 75), McGinn, Willock (McShane 80), Flynn, Jackson, Mullen (Smith 62)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, MacPherson, Erhahon, Kirkpatrick

St Johnstone: Clark, Tanser, Shaughnessy, Wright, Davidson, Wotherspoon, Kerr, Foster, Craig, Watt (Kane 76), Kennedy (Nydam 87)
Subs Not Used: Hurst, McMillan, Scougall, Gordon, Callachan

Referee: Andrew Dallas
Assistant Referee: Graeme Leslie
Assistant Referee: Ivan Stankovic
Fourth Official: Craig Napier

Attendance: 2,716 (648 St Mirren fans)

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography and John Millar - Millar Pictures

Saints' disappointing run of form continued with a controversial defeat to Kilmarnock in Paisley.

At half-time the Buddies looked on course for their first win since the opening day of the season, Adam Hammill's free-kick missing everyone – apart from maybe Danny Mullen – as it flew into the net.

However, Killie drew level just after the break with a fantastic goal from Alan Power before they scored a debatable winner, the officials ruling Aaron Tshibola's header had crossed the line before being saved by Craig Samson.

Conslusive proof that things really go against you when you're struggling came moments later when Simeon Jackson thought he'd levelled things up – only for the offside flag to cut short his celebrations and any hope of a point.

Hammill's inclusion from the start was a surprise considering he went off injured on his debut against Aberdeen a fortnight ago. Danny Mullen was also back after injury and Matty Willock returned to midfield with Cammy MacPherson and Ryan Edwards the pair dropping out.

Former Buddie Kirk Broadfoot headed an earlier corner wide for the visitors before Saints threatened for the first time, Paul McGinn's attempt to head Ryan Flynn's cross to Mullen being deflected behind for a corner. Hammill's delivery was cleared back to him but as he tried to control the ball he was bundled to the ground. The winger took the resultant free-kick himself and curled it into the box, Mullen throwing his head at the ball as it bounced into the net. The striker seemed to suggest he'd got something on it, however Hammill claimed the goal – not a bad way to introduce himself to the Paisley punters.

Broadfoot headed a free-kick straight at Craig Samson as the visitors tried to respond before the defender gave away a free-kick in a dangerous possession when he clipped Jackson as the striker tried to spin. Hammill was unable to repeat his earlier magic, this time the ball clipping the top of the wall. Play was then stopped so a Killie player could receive treatment, the Saints fans and some players annoyed it resumed with Mr Collum giving Jamie MacDonald the ball. The visitors quickly attacked and Eamonn Brophy should have done better than curl a shot wide before Samson was booked for continuing to protest about how play had restarted.

It was an entertaining game without too much in the way of chances, Tshibola meeting a Killie corner at the back post but he could only head wide. The Saints defence had dealt well with what came its way in the opening 45 minutes but there was a blow when Anton Ferdinand failed to re-appear for the second half, MacPherson taking his place.

The visitors looked a different team after the break, Greg Stewart lashing an early sighter over the bar. Power was next to have a go after being teed up by Chris Burke but his daisy-cutter was easily dealt with by Samson. The keeper was in action again soon after, doing well to turn Stuart Findlay's drive round the post. However, it was merely a brief delay as the following corner was worked to Power at the edge of the D and he crashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner to deservedly bring the visitors level.

Saints had barely got going in the second half but nearly re-took the lead from another Hammill free-kick. This time the winger found Jackson and his close range shot was blocked by MacDonald before hitting the striker and bouncing behind. It was another set-piece that was to prove Saints' undoing as Killie scored from another short corner that was crossed to the back post for Tshibola to head towards goal. It looked as if Samson had kept it out but linesman Douglas Ross and ref Willie Collum decided it had crossed the line before he'd managed to save it, much to the fury of the home players and support.

Initially, they channelled their anger into trying to find an equaliser and thought they'd grabbed it moments later. Hammill's chipped free-kick found Stephen McGinn and his shot was parried by MacDonald before Jackson netted the rebound – only for the joy to be cut short by linesman David Roome's flag going up for offside. It was as close as the Buddies were to get to an equaliser, Killie sub Rory McKenzie heading a late effort wide as the Ayrshire side tried to seal victory.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-2 Kilmarnock

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Ferdinand (MacPherson 45), Hodson, Hammill (Smith 82), McGinn, Willock (Edwards ), Mullen, Jackson
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Jones, McShane, Kirkpatrick

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, O'Donnell, Taylor, Broadfoot, Power, Enobakhare, Findlay, Stewart, Brophy, Tshibola, Burke
Subs Not Used: Bachmann, Boyd, Byrne, Ndjoli

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Douglas Ross
Fourth Official: Barry Cook

Attendance: 5,889

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography