A dramatic 20 minute spell saw Saints produce a dramatic fightback to knock Alloa out of the Scottish Cup.

It looked as if Buddies legend Jim Goodwin would come back to haunt his old club as his current side charged into a 2-0 goal lead at the Break, Alan Trouten and Kevin Cawley scoring either side of new boy Brad Lyons being dismissed for simulation.

And there was little sign of a Saints comeback until midway through the second half, Simeon Jackson's shot proving too hot for keeper Neil Parry and the alert Cody Cooke pounced to force the loose ball home.

Five minutes from the end the Buddies drew level as Kyle McAllister and Stephen McGinn combined to set Ethan Erhahon up for the equaliser. Before anyone could start thinking of a replay McAllister struck again, the winger curling a tremendous shot past Parry to break the part-time side's hearts.

The on-loan Derby man would have to for his return to action as he started on the bench along with fellow loanee Jordan Holmes. Lyons was in from the start as were fellow new signings Vaclav Hladky, Mihai Popescu and Greg Tansey joining him in the team. A gentleman's agreement meant former Buddies skipper Jim Goodwin was unable to include ex Saint Jordan Kirkpatrick in his Alloa team but there was a start in midfield for Jon Robertson.

Hladky was tested early on when he turned Connor Shields' effort round the post. Stephen McGinn and Jackson both dragged shots wide as Saints began to threaten, Lyons unlucky to see his header hit the bar from Tansey's corner. Hladky was in action again as he did well to palm away Cawley's drive. The visitors went close again moments later as Shields' cross made it through to Trouten at the back post and when he failed to connect properly, Jack Baird tried to clear it – the ball hitting off of Dario Zanatta before bouncing inches past the post.

It was end-to-end stuff, Tansey's shot from Jackson's cutback being deflected behind and Baird's header from Stephen McGinn's cross being beaten away by keeper Parry. Alloa went back on the attack and silenced the home crowd when they took the lead, Liam Dick finding Trouten with a great pass and he side-footed into the bottom corner.

If that was bad, things were about to get a lot worse for the Buddies. Lyons had already been booked for a foul on Andy Graham and when he went down under a challenge from the defender, ref Don Robertson felt the on-loan Blackburn man had dived and showed him a second yellow. It seemed somewhat harsh and Saints found themselves with a huge mountain to climb. Alloa looked to take advantage of their numerical advantage immediately, Robertson's 20-yarder being straight at Hladky. A few minutes later Cawley did rather better, the ball breaking to him at the edge of the box and he thundered it into the top corner, Saints' new goalie having absolutely no chance.

The playing numbers could have been levelled up when Zanatta escaped with just a booking for an elbow on Baird, Saints boss Oran Kearney then deciding enough was enough as he replaced Ryan Flynn with Cooke in a bid to turn the tide. The Wasps were still looking for a third before the break as Cawley headed over from Steven Hetherington's free-kick.

The early signs of the second half weren't particularly encouraging for the hosts, Shields blazing over from a decent position. McAllister was handed his second debut at the expense of Tansey. It initially made little difference, although a frustrated Popescu did hit a shot a few yards wide, the defender then doing well to snuff out danger from Zanatta at the other end.

Saints had barely threatened but with a quarter of the game left they were handed had a lifeline. Jackson tried his luck from range and when Parry failed to hold his shot, the alert Cooke nipped in to tuck the ball away and bag his first Buddies goal.

Suddenly there seemed some belief that Saints could dig themselves out of their rather large hole, although in pushing for an equaliser they left themselves somewhat exposed on the break. Zanatta had a great chance to restore Alloa's two goal lead as he wrong-footed Baird before rattling the post, the defender perhaps wary of putting in a tackle and risking being shown a second yellow.

There had been little for the home fans to get excited about after Cooke's goal but that was about to change in a dramatic final few minutes. McAllister was able to slide a pass through for Stephen McGinn and he squared the ball across goal for Ethan Erhahon to thump high into the roof of the net for both the equaliser and his first senior goal.

A replay now loomed but Saints – and in particular their skipper and McAllister – weren't finished yet, the delights of a midweek trip to Clackmannanshire clearly not that appealing. The celebrations for the equaliser had barely stopped before the Buddies support were on their feet again as McAllister passed to McGinn, who returned the ball with a perfect backheel and the winger barely broke stride as he curled a wonderful shot beyond the despairing grasp of Parry to complete an incredible turnaround.

There was still a few minutes to see out but the Buddies needn't have worried. Alloa were broken – if not physically then at least mentally – and there was little danger of them bagging an equaliser. It was harsh on the Championship side but all Saints will care about is being in the fifth round draw.

Full Time: St Mirren 3-2 Alloa Athletic

St Mirren: Hladky, P.McGinn, Baird, Popescu, Erhahon, Hodson, S.McGinn, Tansey (McAllister 56), Flynn (Cooke 38), Lyons, Jackson
Subs Not Used: Holmes, Ferdinand, MacPherson

Alloa: Parry, Taggart, Dick, Roscoe, Graham, Hetherington, Cawley, Robertson, Trouten (Brown 71), Zanatta, Shields (Aitchison 83)
Subs Not Used: Henry, Aloulou, Karadachki, Peggie

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Michael Banks

Attendance: 2,760

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren were edged out by Kilmarnock in the final game of 2018 as the Ayrshire side won 2-1 at Rugby Park.

Two quick goals from Stuart Findlay and Jordan Jones had Killie in control, but Simeon Jackson pulled one back for Saints. But the Buddies couldn't find an equaliser 

It was a disastrous start for Saints with the home side opening the scoring with just four minutes on the clock. Stuart Findlay got away from his marker to get on the end of a Chris Burke corner and head beyond Dean Lyness.

Kilmarnock doubled their lead on 11 minutes when Greg Stewart danced through the Saints defence and teed the ball off to Jordan Jones who swept home from close range. 

Killie kept on the offensive with Greg Taylor having a shot blocked and Stewart, causing the Buddies problems down the left side, teeing up Eamonn Brophy who fired over inside the opening 20 minutes.

But Saints managed to weather the storm and even pulled a goal back on 22 minutes. Adam Hammill's ball into the box from the right was met by Simeon Jackson who guided his header into the bottom corner.

St Mirren finished the half strongly and had a big chance to level just after the half hour mark after Cammy Smith robbed Findlay of the ball inside the Kilmarnock box. The forward laid the ball across the box into the path of Hammill who smashed over the bar. 

Very little was created by either side in the second half. Stephen O'Donnell smashed an effort off a Saints defender on 56 minutes, while Lee Hodson had a powerful effort drive blocked on the edge of the Kilmarnock box. 

Greg Stewart had the best chance of the second 45 when he drove through on goal but his effort was straight at Lyness. 

Oran Kearney made a change with just over five minutes remaining when Sam Jamieson came on for Cammy Smith. But the Buddies couldn't fashion any chances in the remainder of the game to take a point back to Paisley.

Full Time: Kilmarnock 2-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Lyness, P.McGinn, Baird, Jones, Ferdinand, Erhahon, Hodson, S.McGinn, Hammill, Smith (Jamieson 83), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Flynn, Breadner, Kirkpatrick, Glover, McShane

Kilmarnock: Bachmann, O'Donnell (Millen 56), S.Boyd, Findlay, Taylor, Power, Dicker, Burke (McKenzie 83), Jones, Stewart, Brophy (Ndjoli 75)
Subs Not Used: MacDonald, Waters, Tshibola, K.Boyd

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Fourth Official: Grant Irvine 

Attendance: 7,131 (1,002 St Mirren fans)

St Mirren's last home game of 2018 ended in heartbreak as St Johnstone grabbed all three points in the last minute.

After a forgettable first half, things livened up after the break with the Buddies threatening through Paul McGinn and Cammy Smith. However, the better chances fell to the Perth Saints with Buddies goalie Dean Lynnes doing well to deny Richard Foster.

When Chris Kane wasted a great chance to score for Tommy Wright's men it looked as if the points would be shared, but in the final few seconds Tony Watt popped up to score the only goal and give his side a late Christmas present.

Smith was back in the side at the expense of the injured Cody Cooke with Adam Hammill returning in place of Ryan Edwards. The Saintees had lost narrowly at home to Rangers on Sunday and made just one change, Danny Swanson coming into midfield in place of Ross Callachan.

The opening exchanges suggested we were in for a Christmas cracker as Hammill fizzed an early free-kick across goal before Watt headed wide at the other end. Another Hammill free-kick produced another chance as it was only knocked out as far as Smith, but his volley was easily held by Zander Clark. The visitors were then denied a penalty for Stephen McGinn's challenge on Murray Davidson, their frustration compounded by Davidson having to go off injured and Callachan replacing him after just 15 minutes.

After that the first half fizzled out, a few St Johnstone crosses causing problems in the home defence before the danger was eventually cleared. Just before the break, Hammill was involved in a charge forward but when he got his shot away it was well wide – the winger appealing in vain for a corner.

Simeon Jackson was just unable to get onto Lee Hodson's through ball thanks to the efforts of Joe Shaghnessy early in the second half before the Saintees passed up a good chance to take the lead. After regaining possession, Alfie Jones tried to hack the ball clear from the byline but instead kicked it straight to Callachan at the edge of the box, only for him to drill his shot wide. The midfielder went down rather easily inside the box a few minutes later, ref Kevin Clancy booking him for his dive.

The game was beginning to open up a bit more, Hodson lofting the ball into Clark's grasp with what seemed to between a shot and a cross from the on-loan Rangers man. Watt had another penalty appeal turned down before doing well to get the better of Anton Ferdinand only for his shot to be deflected across goal and behind.

It took the Buddies more than an hour to force a corner but it was almost worth the wait, Ethan Erhahon taking it short to Hammill whose cross was stabbed goalwards by Jones before being cleared. Paul McGinn and Smith both saw shots blocked as the Paisley Saints continued to push for the opener. However, Dean Lyness was the busier of the keepers as he tipped over Richard Foster's shot before comfortably saving Callachan's header.

The visitors were finishing the game more strongly and twice came close to going in front. Lyness did well to get something on Scott Tanser's fierce cross but the ball flew straight at Erhahon, bouncing off the youngster before thankfully going past the post. There was then another huge let-off when Jason Kerr knocked a free-kick down for sub Kane but he somehow shot wide from close range when it looked easier to score.

It was a warning and it was one that wasn't heeded as the Saintees snatched the winner with little more than 60 seconds left. David Wotherspoon found Tanser with a quick throw and his pinpoint cross was headed home by Watt to give the visitors all three points. It was harsh on Oran Kearney's side, who probably didn't do enough to win the game but definitely didn't deserve to end up with nothing.

St Mirren: Lyness, P.McGinn, Ferdinand, Baird, Jones, Erhahon, Hodson, S.McGinn, Smith (Flynn 75), Hammill, Jackson (Breadner 84)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Kirkpatrick, McShane, Edwards, Jamieson

St Johnstone: Clark, Foster, Tanser, Shaughnessy, Kerr, Alston, Swanson (Wotherspoon 69), Craig, Davidson (Callachan 16), Kennedy (Kane 78), Watt
Subs Not Used: Hurst, Gordon, Anderson, McMillan

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: Douglas Ross
Assistant Referee: Joseph Lawson
Fourth Official: David Dickinson

Attendance: 4,891

St Mirren picked up their first away win since April as Simeon Jackson's second half goal gave the Buddies an important 1-0 victory at Fir Park.

Oran Kearney made two changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Aberdeen last weekend.

Paul McGinn returned from injury in place of Cameron MacPherson, while Cody Cooke made his first league start for Saints with Adam Hammill dropping to the bench. 

There wasn't much to write home about in an even first half where neither side created much.

A neat bit of play just after the half hour mark saw Stephen McGinn whip a tremendous ball out to the right to meet his brother Paul. Paul charged forward before sending a low cross into the arms of Mark Gillespie in the Motherwell goal.  

The best chance of the first 45 came two minutes later when Richard Tait's ball into the box met Curtis Main. The tall Englishman got on the end of it but sent a tame header into the welcoming arms of Dean Lyness. 

Saints started the second half brightly with Lee Hodson sending the ball wide to Ethan Erhahon who ploughed into acres of space on the left. The Motherwell defence failed to deal with his low ball into the box allowing it to fall to Simeon Jackson. But the striker failed to connect properly allowing it to trickle into the arms of Gillespie. 

Just 60 seconds later the home side had a good opportunity when Richard Tait picked out Danny Johnson inside the area. The striker took it first time but slammed over.

Oran Kearney made a couple of changes for the Buddies, with Cammy Smith and Adam Hammill entering the fray just before the hour mark.

Those changes coincided with Saints having their best spell of the game without really creating anything.

But they would soon be rewarded for their play on 68 minutes when Simeon Jackson opened the scoring.

Cammy Smith raced clear after a long ball forward and found himself one-on-one with Gillespie. The keeper saved Smith's effort but it fell kindly for Jackson who rolled into the empty net from just a few yards out.

Motherwell came at Saints as they looked for an equaliser - Lyness making good saves to deny Main and Turnbull either side of a Paul McGinn chance for St Mirren. 

There was time for late drama for both sides with Hammill almost grabbing Saints a second with just minutes to go. Then, with the game in the dying embers, Lyness made a top save to block a Motherwell header at the near post to help the Buddies on to all three points.

Full Time: Motherwell 0-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Lyness, P.McGinn, Ferdinand, Jones, Baird, Erhahon, Hodson, McGinn, Edwards (Smith 58), Cooke (Hammill 56), Jackson (Flynn 88)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Breadner, McShane, Kirkpatrick

Motherwell: Gillespie, Tait (Bowman 81), McHugh, Aldred, Campbell (Sammon 81), Main, Grimshaw, Dunne, Mbulu (Bigirimana 61), Johnson, Turnbull
Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Taylor-Sinclair, Frear, Rodriguez-Gorrin

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Alan Mulvaney
Assistant Referee: Andrew McWilliam
Fourth Official: Kevin Glancy

Attendance: 4,540 (678 St Mirren fans)

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

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