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

St Mirren fell to a 4-1 defeat at Pittodrie as three goals in 15 first half minutes helped Aberdeen on to three points in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The Buddies began positively, restricting a lot of Aberdeen’s attacks. Saints, who had conceded in the opening 20 minutes of their two previous trips to Aberdeen, contained the Dons well in the opening stages and threatened with the first real chance on nine minutes. Stephen McGinn won the ball deep in the Aberdeen half and fed it through to 

The Dons were growing into the game and looking more threatening as the game wore on with Gary Mackay-Steven and Shay Logan causing problems down the right-hand side.

It was Mackay-Steven who nearly put the hosts ahead after 20 minutes. He cut inside the box curved a shot just wide of the Saints' goal.

But The Dons made the breakthrough on 26 minutes when Shay Logan whipped in a cross just outside the box. As it dipped towards the six yard box, a diving Sam Cosgrove connected and headed the ball past the hand of Craig Samson.

It was a similar story for Saints from the previous trip to Pittodrie as the side never seemed to recover from the goal. Only four minutes later Abderdeen doubled their lead. Graeme Shinnie rolled the ball back to Logan, who hit the ball first time towards the edge of the box where it was met by Connor McLennan. As he slipped he smashed the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net.

Simeon Jackson was lively for Saints and still trying to make something happen going forward. He turned two defenders just past the halfway line and sent a ball through to Ryan Edwards, but the Australian's shot went wide of the target.

Just as the Saints were beginning to settle again Aberdeen found a third goal. The hosts were working the ball around the Saints box until Mackay-Steven took a shot at the edge of the area. His effort deflected off a defender and found its way to an unmarked Max Lowe. With all the time in the world, Lowe took a touch for control before dispatching the shot to make it 3-0. 

Saints looked more solid at the start of the second half and tried to find a way back into the match. And it nearly came on 50 minutes. Jackson again was involved and almost got his first goal for the club in bizarre fashion. The striker chased down a pass back to Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis. As Lewis tried to clear the ball it cannoned off Jackson and looped over the goalkeeper, forcing him into a diving save to claw it away. Then Jackson sent the rebound crashing into the side netting.

Aberdeen put the final nail in the coffin just after the hour mark. Max Lowe ran down the left wing and went through McGinn as he squared the ball to Sam Cosgrove, whose shot was palmed onto the post but still crept in over the line to make it 4-0 to the hosts.

St Mirren would get a consolation goal with just under 15 minutes remaining. Substitute Cammy Smith intercepted a loose pass from Lowe and as he ran towards the Aberdeen box he played through to Jackson who calmly chipped over Joe Lewis for his first goal with St Mirren. It didn’t mean much in the terms of the contest, but allowed the Canadian to get off the mark for Saints after a lively start to his Buddies career.

Full Time: Aberdeen 4-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Ferdinand, Hodson, MacPherson, McGinn (Smith 56), Flynn, Edwards, Hammill (McShane 34), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Heaton, Erhahon, Kirkpatrick, Jamieson

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Considine, Devlin, Shinnie, Mackay-Steven, Ball (Gleeson 71), Lowe, McLennan (Forrester 55), Ferguson, Cosgrove (Anderson 77)
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Campbell, Ross, MacKenzie

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: Ralph Gordon
Fourth Official: David Dickinson

Attendance: 14,003 (375 away fans)

Gallery pictures by John Millar © - Millar Pictures

St Mirren were edged out by Hibernian at The Simple Digital Arena despite a spirited performance against Neil Lennon's side.

The goal came 14 minutes in with the first chance of the game. An in-swinging corner from Stephen Mallan found David Gray at the back post who headed into the ground with the ball bouncing into the roof of the net.

Almost 20 minutes in and St Mirren created a half chance, with debutant Simeon Jacksons cross just failing to connect with the boot of Ryan Edwards. The Saints attack was really struggling to breakthrough Hibernian’s defence.

Moments later and at the other end Hibs had another opportunity, this time Mallan found himself free on the edge of the box and just sliced the ball over Samson’s goal.

Saints rallied with Cameron MacPherson whipping a fast ball into the visitor’s box, just missing several St Mirren heads as it went out for a goal kick.

Just after the half hour mark The Buddies had their first real chance of the game. Paul McGinn played a one-two with Cammy Smith, Smith’s smart chip over the Hibs defence found McGinn, who fired the ball into the stand-off of his weaker left foot.

As Hyndman charged towards the Buddies box he played a pass wide to David Gray, looking for his second of the game, his low shot forces Samson into a diving save.

With seconds left before the referee blew for half-time David Gray made one last chance for the visitors - his low cross bounced around the box before it fell to the head of Horgan, who guided the ball into the path of Craig Samson for a routine save. The Irishman would have been disappointed to pass up a great opportunity from close range.

It was a difficult first half for the Saints, but Kearney’s men started to come into the game as the half came to a close. 

At the beginning of the second half Agyepong nearly made it 2-0 to the visitors. The winger intercepted the a loose pass from Lee Hodson close to the St Mirren box. The pacey winger got a shot away but Jack Baird threw himself in front of the shot to protect the St Mirren goal.

Simeon Jackson created a golden opportunity on the 50th minute as he looked to mark his Saints debut with a goal. He outmuscled Efe Ambrose and charged into the box. His low curling shot forced Adam Bogdan into a good save, as Hibs cleared the ball, barely preserving their lead.

St Mirren nearly found themselves caught on the counter. Agyepong was again causing problems, his break down the wing came to Mallan, whose shot just curved wide of the Saints goal.

The Saints had started to take control of the game, leaving Hibs to counter attack, with Agyepong continually causing problems with his pace. But overall the home side were starting to cause some serious problems. The only thing lacking is that final touch in the box, with a number of chances going wide of the opposition’s goal.

On the 77th minute Stephen McGinn swung a beautiful ball over the Hibs, with Cammy MacPherson running in behind to meet the ball. But MacPherson's touch could only guide his shot mere inches wide of Bogdan’s goal. 

As the game entered the closing minutes the Saints started to really press the visitors, keeping them pressed within their half. But despite the late pressure Hibs were able to hang on to all three points.

For Kearney they’re still positives to take. Strong performances from both debuting Simeon Jackson and youngster Sam Jamieson will leave him with good options up front.

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Ferdinand, Hodson, McGinn, Flynn, MacPherson, Edwards, Smith (Jamieson 77), Jackson
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Heaton, Kirkpatrick, McShane, Willock, Erhahon

Hibs: Bogdan, Gray (Whittaker 64), Ambrose, Porteous, Stevenson, Mallan, Milligan, Hyndman (Shaw 64), Horgan, Agyepong (Slivka 84), Kamberi
Subs Not Used: Laidlaw, Bartley, Nelom, McGregor

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: David Doig
Fourth Official: Kevin Clancy

Attendance: 6,082

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

St Mirren suffered a disappointing loss away to Hamilton as The Buddies were defeated 3-0 at The Hope CBD Stadium this afternoon.

Two goals in four first half minutes from Fredrik Brustad and Mickel Miller gave Accies a comfortable lead heading into the break. Miller put the seal on a good day for the home side with a tremendous effort on 66 minutes. 

It was a frustrating afternoon for Saints from the outset with Jack Baird picking up a calf knock in the warm up that saw him have to be replaced in the starting eleven by Cammy MacPherson.

The home side started the brighter of the sides winning a few early corners. It was from one of these corners that Accies would have felt they should have taken an early lead. With just 10 minutes on the clock Dougie Imrie found Shaun Want in acres of space inside the box, but the Hamilton defender chested towards goal when he should have nodded home which allowed Craig Samson to tip over the bar. 

Despite that early scare though Saints would go on to have their best spell of the match. Cammy Smith won a free kick in a promising position after being fouled by Darian MacKinnon. MacPherson, who agreed new contract with The Buddies yesterday, stepped up and went mightily close as he curled it just by the right-hand post. 

Accies had to be alert on a few occasions with vital blocks denying Ryan Flynn and Danny Mullen just a few moments apart. The experience of Hamilton defender Matthew Kilgallon showed as he made a great challenge to stop Mullen who was breaking clear on goal. 

Saints won another free kick in a good area but this time MacPherson sent it straight into the arms of Gary Woods.

It wasn't a match of the highest quality and real clear cut chances for either side were few and far between in the opening half hour, but Accies began to take a grip of the contest. On 35 minutes, Mickel Miller drove a powerful effort from distance that flew just by the post. 

The warning sign was there and a minute later the hosts would take the lead. A quick counter saw the ball played out to Steven Boyd who bore down on goal. He looked certain to slam home only for Samson to make a really good stop. But Norwegian striker Frederik Brustad was on hand to knock home the rebound. 

It was another blow for Saints, who also lost Hayden Coulson to injury a few minutes before with the Englishman replaced by Jordan Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick, making his first appearance since an injury picked up at Rugby Park in July, conceded a penalty just four minutes later after bringing down Dougie Imrie inside the box. There was no arguing with the decision as Miller stepped up to slam home and double Accies' advantage. 

The two goals in quick succession really seemed to take the wind out of Saints' sail and they couldn't get going in the second half. Hamilton looked the most likely to make anything happen and they indeed stretched their lead further on 66 minutes. It was a quality strike from Miller it has to be said with the forward smashing into the net via both posts from 25 yards out. 

And so that capped off a frustrating afternoon for St Mirren who face Neil Lennon's Hibernian at The Simple Digital Arena next Saturday. 

Full Time: Hamilton 3-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, McGinn, MacPherson, Ferdinand, Hodson, McGinn, Flynn, Edwards, Smith (Brock-Madsen 62), Coulson (Kirkpatrick 31), Mullen (Willock 85)
Subs Not Used: Muir, Breadner, Erhahon, Jones

Hamilton: Woods, McGowan, McMann, Kilgallon, Imrie, Miller, MacKinnon (Taiwo 42), Want, Martin (Tshiembe 73), Boyd, Brustad (Bingham 55)
Subs Not Used: Fulton, Gordon, Keatings, Kelly

Referee: Greg Aitken
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: Graeme Leslie
Fourth Official: Bobby Madden

Attendance: 2,830

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

Oran Kearney got his Saints' managerial career off to a fine start as his side picked up a deserved point against champions Celtic.

The Buddies were the better side in the first half, Ryan Flynn and Lee Hodson going closest with the many chances the side created. And when Olivier Ntcham was sent off for two yellows before the break it gave Saints a great chance of picking up their first win since the opening day of the season.

But in the second half Celtic dominated possession, the hosts unable to get out of their own half for large parts of the game. However, it wasn't until the final quarter that the champions started creating chances and when they did they were denied by poor finishing or Craig Samson. They thought they'd finally made the breakthrough in the dying seconds of injury time when Leigh Griffiths found the net but the flag was already up for offside. Had the goal stood, it would have been a cruel end for a Saints team who worked their socks off for their new manager.

Kearney made five changes for his first game in charge, Friday signing Anton Ferdinand the most notable as he started in defence alongside Jack Baird. There was also a debut for Hearts loanee Ryan Edwards and Danny Mullen was the lone man in attack with Paul McGinn returning at rightback. Celtic started with Odsonne Edouard up front and there was a debut for defender Filip Benkovic, former Buddie Lewis Morgan out through injury.

Edwards made a lively start to his Saints career he was booked inside two minutes after a coming together with Kieran Tierney. Seconds later the Buddies could have been front, Ntcham being penalised for handball and Cammy Smith firing in a free-kick that Craig Gordon palmed away. The bright start continued as Kyle Magennis lashed a shot over from a tight angle after the ball broke kindly for him before Celtic got a sight of goal for the first time, James Forrest robbing Hodson and charging forward only to drag his shot across goal.

Saints were creating by far the better chances, Hodson delivering a great cross for the flying Flynn but he headed over. Smith was denied by Gordon at close range before Ntcham was finally booked for persistent fouling after a poor tackle on Edwards. Saints went close again when a corner found Jack Baird and he turned before trundling his shot wide.

The Buddies had looked by far the better in attack and almost took the lead when Paul McGinn's cross was only knocked out as far as Hodson, his drive being deflected inches past the post with Gordon beaten. Celtic then went even closer, Kris Ajer heading on a corner for Dedryck Boyota whose header was nodded off the line by Flynn. The champions had suddenly come to life but were dealt a blow when Ntcham was sent off. The midfielder had continued to run about fouling folk after his yellow card and when he flew in late on Stephen McGinn it was obvious what was coming next – the tackle almost worthy of a straight red, let alone a second booking.

Despite being a man down, Celtic controlled the early stages of the second half as Saints seemed happy to let them have plenty of possession. However, they weren't able to do a great deal with it so Leigh Griffiths was introduced at the expense of Benkovic in the hope he could make the breakthrough. His arrival added some fresh impetus as Celtic quickly forced a corner but Ajer's shot was blocked before Tierney sent a hopeful shot well wide.

Saints were sitting deeper and deeper and the defending was a bit frantic at times, clearances going straight to the opposing backline. Tom Rogic was booked for shoving over Mullen after winning a free-kick before Griffiths blazed a shot over after being set up by Forrest. Ferdinand had strolled through his Saints debut but a lack of match fitness meant it came to an end 20 minutes from the end, Cammy MacPherson taking his place. Another change soon followed, the tiring Smith replaced by Hayden Coulson. Scott Brown was booked after halting Mullen's run before his team created a great chance, Samson unable to hold Edouard's shot only for Callum McGregor to knock the ball by the post. 

Excursions into the visiting half had been few and far between for Saints after the break but a ball over the top allowed Mullen to race through only for Brown to intercept his pass. McGregor fashioned himself a chance as he danced past a Saints defender but his weak shot was easy meat for Samson. As the final five minutes approached the hard-working Mullen was replaced by Matty Willock as Celtic replaced Edouard with Ryan Christie. Just before the changes, Stephen McGinn had given away a free-kick for a foul on Forrest. The initial ball was only cleared as far as the winger at the edge of the box but his attempt to chip Samson was plucked out of the air by the keeper. 

The visitors looked to be getting closer and closer to snatching all three points, a corner bouncing around the box before Boyota headed over then Samson held a header from Christie. In virtually the final second of the game Griffiths was sent through but before he could pull the trigger the flag was up for offside, much to the relief of the Saints fans who were soon able to celebrate a point. They had witnessed a tremendous display from a well organised team that gave everything for their new boss, providing plenty of optimism for the weeks ahead. 

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Ferdinand (MacPherson 73), Hodson, Magennis, McGinn, Flynn, Smith (Coulson 78), Edwards, Mullen (Willock 86)
Subs Not Used: Muir, Coulson, Jones, Kirkpatrick, Willock, Erhahon

Celtic: Gordon, Boyata, Ajer, Benkovic (Griffiths 60), Tierney, Ntcham, Brown, McGregor, Rogic, Forrest, McGregor, Edouard (Christie 87)
Subs Not Used: Bain, Lustig, Mulumbu, Sinclair, Johnston

Referee: Andrew Dallas
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Fourth Official: Nick Walsh

Attendance: 7,288

St Mirren were defeated 4-1 at Tynecastle this afternoon as Steven Naismith scored a first half hat-trick for Hearts. 

The veteran forward opening the scoring from the penalty spot with just four minutes on the clock. Referee Kevin Glancy had deemed that Uche Ikpeazu had been fouled in the box and Naismith made no mistake from 12 yards despite Craig Samson diving the right way. 

But Saints had a great chance to get level only a minute later when the ball was slid through to Stephen McGinn. The captain had time and space inside the Hearts box but dragged his attempt by the far post. 

Jimmy Dunne and Ben Garuccio had chances to double the Jambos' advantage, with Dunne nodding wide from a corner and Garuccio sending a fierce drive from the edge of the box just over. 

On 17 minutes, Hayden Coulson had an opportunity similar to Stephen McGinn's early attempt but like the skipper he sent the ball wide. 

Saints would find themselves level two minutes later though after some nice work from Cammy Smith. The forward was back in the side after having been benched against Livingston a week previous. He did well on the left to break into the box and get to the byline before sending the ball across the six yard box where it deflected off Dunne beyond Zdenek Zlamal. 

The Buddies had arguably deserved to be level at that point but the home side were still threatening with Alfie Jones having to make a good block to deny Steven MacLean on 25 minutes.

Hearts re-took the lead on the half hour mark after slack defending from the Saints defence. Ikpeazu's ball into the box was cushioned down into the path of Olly Lee by Naismith. The English midfielder didn't need a second invitation to slam the ball beyond Samson to make it 2-1.

And that second goal seemed to buoy Hearts who would go on to score two goals in the space of three minutes to effectively end the match as a contest before half time. 

That, however, was not before the returning Demetri Mitchell, who re-signed for the Jambos on loan from Manchester United earlier this week, almost made it a second debut to remember with an ambitious overhead kick that cracked off the bar.

That was the warning sign for Saints who would concede 60 seconds later with Naismith grabbing his second of the game. The Buddies couldn't get their lines clear at a corner kick with the ball worked to the near post where Naismith managed to squeeze the ball over the line with a header.

Naismith would complete his hat-trick just before half-time after being found with acres of space and an abundance of time in the box to steady himself before rolling an effort beyond Samson and into the back of the net via the post. 

The game was over at half-time, but both sides had opportunities after the interval. 

Mitchell drove an effort over the bar after a succession of corners 10 minutes into the second period. 

Saints had two big chances in the space of six minutes with Lee Hodson smashing the ball into the side netting after getting into the box, before Matty Willock really should have reduced the deficit when he found himself one-on-one with Zlamal but he elected the chip the keeper rather than try to beat him with power which allowed John Souttar to get over to clear off the line. 

Alfie Jones spurned a glorious chance with just 10 minutes to go after Nicolai Brock-Madsen headed the ball down to the defender inside the six yard box, but he couldn't connect properly allowing Zlamal to smother. 

Full Time: Hearts 4-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, Hodson, Jones, Baird, Kpekawa, Coulson, McGinn, Willock (Flynn 74), Magennis, C. Smith (Mullen 79), Brock-Madsen
Subs Not Used: Muir, MacPherson, Erhahon, O'Keefe, King

Hearts: Zlamal, Smith, Dunne, Souttar, Haring, Lee (Djoum 74), Mitchell (Morrison 60), Naismith, Garuccio, MacLean (Wighton 76), Ikpeazu
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Bozanic, Cochrane, Mulraney

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence
Fourth Official: Mike Roncone

Attendance: 17,714 (568 St Mirren fans)

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

St Mirren were looking to make it four straight top flight home wins for the first time in their history when they welcomed Gary Holt's Livingston to the Simple Digital Arena.

The Saints began the stronger of the two sides as a quick counter down the left hand side led to an early cut back across goal from Kyle Magennis, sadly no one was there to put it home.

After losing early goals in trips to Rangers and Aberdeen, St Mirren were lucky not to have faced the same story with Livingston, when Livi striker Jack Hamilton hit the post from close range after just eight minutes.

That chance was a clear warning from Gary Holt’s men because on the 13th minute St Mirren found themselves behind, as a loose ball in the box got headed into the path of Jack Hamilton, who slotted home from five yards out to give the visitors the lead.

Samson was forced into a fine save at his far post yet again, as Livingston began to cause more problems from set pieces. But outside those few chances large sections of the first half were played in the midfield, with both teams struggling to break down the others defence.

Six minutes later and Lawless nearly found Hamilton again, as he connected with the ball, but it was guided into the hands of Samson.

Matty Willock tried to break through the visitors defence with a strong run from deep but he was boxed out by the defender, with Liam Kelly claiming the loose ball.

On the 35 minute mark Livingston scored their second, as they converted from another corner. Defender Alan Lithgow got above the Saints defence and headed past Samson at the near post.

At half-time Alan Stubbs men mainly had themselves to blame for being behind. The early stages of the second-half played out the same way as the first ended, with both teams really struggling to break into each other’s box. Although the Saints came closest with a cut back to Danny Mullen being blocked by a defender.

Mullen started to really come into the game in the second half, another opportunity four minutes later was sent just over the bar, but still left the home side goalless.

The Buddies continued to get forward, while lacking that clinical touch in the final third of the pitch. With the visitors' defence managing to stifle any real chances into the box. But much like the first-half Livingston managed to cause serious issues from the set piece, coming close on multiple occasions to getting that third and decisive goal.

With five minutes left Craig Samson was challenged from close range one last time, managing to push the ball away from his goal to keep the scoreline down.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-2 Livingston

St Mirren: Samson, Hodson, Kpekawa (Baird 50), Jones, Coulson, Flynn, McGinn, Willock (Smith 63), Magennis, Brock-Madsen (Cooke 82), Mullen
Subs Not Used: Muir, MacPherson, Erhahon, King

Livingston: Kelly, Lamie, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Byrne, Pittman, Robinson, Lawson (Jacobs 45), Lawless (Cadden 80), Hamilton (Kaja 63)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Crane, Blues, McMillan

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Fourth Official: Colin Steven

Attendance: 4,347

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