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

St Mirren's Betfred Cup campaign came to an end at Pittodrie this afternoon after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Aberdeen.

Three goals in 10 first half minutes had The Dons in control, before a second half penalty kick put the seal on a frustrating day for Saints. 

Alan Stubbs named the same starting eleven that featured against Rangers with new signing Alfie Jones having to settle for a place on the bench.

The hosts signalled their intent early with just eight seconds on the clock when Craig Samson was forced into a smart stop at the near post to deny Stevie May. 

Samson made a great fingertip save on five minutes to deny Lewis Ferguson's header. It was Ferguson who went close from the resultant corner, and the teenager will have been disappointed he didn't hit the target. 

Saints had a glorious chance to take the lead on 13 minutes as Cammy Smith won a free kick on the left side, deep in the Aberdeen half. It was a nice free kick from Hayden Coulson which met the head of Nicolai Brock-Madsen, but the Danish forward headed over.  

Three minutes later, Aberdeen were in front. Lewis Ferguson bounded down the left and floated a cross to the back post. Gary Mackay-Steven waited for it to drop before volleying into the net via a deflection off Coulson. 

The Dons doubled their advantage just four minutes later with Mackay-Steven turning provider this time. The tricky winger sent a cross from the right to the back post where it met Graeme Shinnie who dived in ahead of Cammy Smith to bullet home. 

The home side further extended their lead on 26 minutes. Craig Samson's attempted pass for Cole Kpekawa was pounced upon by Scott Wright. The winger rounded the goalkeeper and laid the ball across to Stevie May with the striker tucking home into the empty net from all of 15 yards. 

Brock-Madsen was denied a first St Mirren goal after good play from Smith saw the on-loan striker go one-on-one with Joe Lewis. But the English goalkeeper saved with his legs with Matty Willock heading over from the resultant corner.

Aberdeen continued to threaten before the end of the half with Shinnie instrumental for the Dons. He zipped a dangerous ball across the Saints box which just missed the toes of May on 35 minutes before heading over a Dom Ball cross two minutes later. As the game ebbed towards the interval it was Shinnie who went close again - denied by a good save from Samson.

The hosts almost had a fourth five minutes into the second half after strong play from Wright saw the 21 year-old get away from Jack Baird, but Samson once again denied the Dons with May unable to force home the rebound.

Gary Mackay-Steven got his second for the Dons a few minutes before the hour mark from the penalty spot to make it 4-0. As the winger looked to dance into the Saints box he was brought down by Coulson with referee Steven McLean pointing to the spot. Samson went the right way but couldn't keep the effort out. 

The game petered out with the contest over long before the final whistle. Saints are back in league action next Saturday as we play host to Livingston at the Simple Digital Arena. 

Full Time: Aberdeen 4-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Kpekawa (Jones 51), Coulson, McGinn, Magennis, Willock, Smith (MacPherson 63), Mullen, Brock-Madsen (Cooke 81)
Subs Not Used: Muir, Heaton, McShane, King

Aberdeen: Lewis, Ball, Devlin, Considine, Shinnie, Gleeson, Ferguson, Ross (Forrester 61), Mackay-Steven, Wright (Anderson 70), May (McLennan 79)
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Cosgrove, Campbell, Roscoe

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: David Doig
Assistant Referee: Michael Banks
Fourth Official: Alan Newlands

Attendance: 9,011 (361 St Mirren fans)

PICTURE COURTESY OF AFC MEDIA

St Mirren suffered just their first loss of the season as The Buddies fell to a 2-0 defeat at Ibrox this afternoon.

Alfredo Morelos and Connor Goldson had the hosts in front before Ross McCrorie was sent off on the half hour mark. Danny Mullen and Cammy Smith both went close for Saints but couldn’t force the goal that would have put Rangers under pressure.

Alan Stubbs made one change from the side that defeated Dundee last week on the opening day with new recruit Nicolai Brock-Madsen coming in in place of the departed Ross Stewart.

The home side had the first chance of the game when Alfredo Morelos brought the ball down on his chest and lashed an effort into the side-netting. Saints responded with Smith dragging an effort wide two minutes later.

Morelos, who was cleared to play this afternoon after Gers successfully appealed his red card from last weekend, was the danger man for the home side and Buddies goalkeeper Craig Samson had to be alert to a Ryan Kent effort after Colombian forward Morelos had slipped in the on-loan winger.

It was indeed Morelos who would open the scoring for Gers on 14 minutes. Saints were caught in possession defensively when Jack Baird lost the ball. Jamie Murphy funnelled the ball to Morelos who took a touch before slamming beyond Samson.

Rangers doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Connor Goldson headed home from a free kick. Kyle Magennis tripped Kent deep in the Saints half. Gers debutant Borna Barisic floated the ball into the box to meet the head of Goldson who nodded past Samson.

The Buddies could have found themselves a way back into the match had Brock-Madsen not been wiped out by Ross McCrorie as he beared down on goal.

The Dane latched on to a lovely through ball from Stephen McGinn but as he moved one-on-one with Allan McGregor he was scythed down on the edge of the box by midfielder McCrorie who was shown a straight red by referee Don Robertson. Hayden Coulson stepped up to take the resultant free kick on the edge of the box but it cannoned off the wall before going out for a corner.

Despite being down to 10 men, Rangers almost grabbed a third on 37 minutes when Goldson again was the highest at a corner but he headed off the post before Saints cleared.

As the game ebbed towards half-time Saints had their best opportunity of the game after nice footwork from Mullen saw the striker shift the ball onto his right foot and crack an effort off the cross bar.

There weren’t too many attempts for either side after the interval with St Mirren searching for a way back into the match.

Mullen had a go from distance after the hour mark which McGregor took two attempts to gather.

With 10 minutes remaining Cammy Smith went close twice in the space of a minute. The first saw his shot take a deflection and loop over the head of McGregor going just by the far post. From the corner the ball eventually found its way to Smith on the edge of the box with the forward volleying not too far over.

In the end Saints couldn’t find the goal that would have given them the chance to make life difficult for Rangers and all attention now turns to next Saturday’s match against Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup.

FULL TIME: Rangers 2-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Kpekawa, Coulson, Willock (McShane 75), S.McGinn, Magennis, Smith, Mullen, Brock-Madsen (Flynn 69)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Heaton, MacPherson, King, Cooke

Rangers: McGregor, Flanagan, Goldson, Katic, Barisic (Tavernier 62), Coulibaly, McCrorie, Kent (Halliday 69), Murphy, Ejaria, Morelos (Sadiq 77)
Subs Not Used: Foderingham, Hodson, Middleton, Candieas

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland
Fourth Official: Euan Anderson

Attendance: 49,680

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

St Mirren secured all three points on our return to the Premiership thanks to a Danny Mullen brace.

The striker scored in both halves to give Saints a winning start to the 2018/19 campaign. 

It was a frantic match that could have gone either way, but in the end all three points remained in Paisley in Alan Stubbs' first league match as Buddies gaffer. 

Saints got off to a quick start with Cole Kpekawa heading over from a corner kick with just two minutes on the clock. 

Two minutes later the Buddies were awarded a free kick in a promising position on the right hand side when Paul McGinn was bundled to the ground. Kyle Magennis sent a tempting ball across but there were no takers in black and white. 

The opening exchanges were back and forth, evidenced by two quick chances for the visitors soon after. Jean Mendy found himself in plenty of space inside the Saints box but headed straight at Craig Samson. Then, just a minute later, ex-Saint Paul McGowan set Sofien Moussa free, though the striker dragged the effort by the post. 

It was The Buddies who would draw first blood with Danny Mullen netting St Mirren's first Premiership goal of the season. Good persistence from Cammy Smith saw the forward manage to force the ball out wide to Paul McGinn. The right back's first time cross was pinpoint finding the head of Mullen who flicked beyond Dundee goalkeeper Jack Hamilton to send the Paisley crowd wild.

The joy would be short-lived though with the visitors finding themselves level three minutes later. Saints failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Elton Ngwatala around 25 yards from goal. The French midfielder struck it with an incredible amount of venom to find the bottom right corner to make it 1-1.

Saints had two good chances in the space of a minute around the 25 minute mark. Matty Willock may well feel he could have done better with a header from close range going over the bar, before Smith saw a fizzing effort fly just by the right post.  

Paul McGinn almost caught out Hamilton at his near post on 35 minutes with a powerful strike that the goalkeeper had to push wide. 

Both sides would go close as the game eked towards the interval. Dundee captain Josh Meekings was on the end of a Mandianga ball but sent a looping header just over with Craig Samson at full stretch. It was Saints turn just before the break with the ball falling to Smith on the edge of the area. The forward turned and lashed an effort which Hamilton parried past the post. 

Half Time: St Mirren 1-1 Dundee

Dundee started the second half brightly and would have been disappointed they didn't do better with an opportunity on 48 minutes. Jesse Curran sent the ball across the box where it looked prime for Mendy to smash towards goal, but the striker fluffed his lines as he failed to get an effort away. 

The Dark Blues were given a glorious opportunity to take the lead just a few minutes before the hour mark. A miscommunication between Kpekawa and Samson saw Mendy racing through one-on-one with the Saints keeper. Samson attempted to claw the ball away as the striker attempted to round him but clipped the leg of the Frenchman. Referee Alan Muir didn't hesitate with his decision, awarding Dundee a penalty and giving Samson a yellow card. Moussa stepped up but Samson, as he has done so often in St Mirren jersey, pushed away the spot kick to keep the scores level. 

The goalkeeper was forced into action again on 62 minutes when an attempted Willock clearance ricocheted into the path of Mendy. Samson did well to block with his feet from close range and Saints got the ball clear. 

With just over seven minutes remaining, Mullen was in the right place at the right time to grab the winner for Saints. It was a moment that opposition goalkeeper Hamilton will want to forget. Good pressing from substitute Ryan Flynn saw the goalie slip on the ball, allowing Flynn to race towards the empty net. From a tight angle he sent the ball across the six yard box for Mullen to slam home. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-1 Dundee 

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Kpekawa, Baird, Coulson, McGinn, Willock, Magennis (Kellermann 90), Smith (McShane 86), Mullen, Stewart (Flynn 77)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Heaton, King, Cooke

Dundee: Hamilton, Kerr, Caulker, Meekings, Curran, McGowan (Wighton 87), Ngwatala, Madianga, Spence, Mendy, Moussa
Subs Not Used: Parish, Ralph, Kusunga, Nabi, Henvey, Moore

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Assistant Referee: Michael Banks
Fourth Official: Steven Kirkland

Attendance: 5,470

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography.

A second half goal spree saw Saints through to the next phase of the Betfred Cup as they thumped Dumbarton.

The scoring started after less than 60 seconds as Hayden Coulson shot past Grant Adam with Cammy Smith nodding in the second 10 minutes before the break. When Ross Stewart headed in the third just after half-time it was game over but a further three goals followed to ensure the Buddies finished as one of the best second placed teams.

Skipper Stephen McGinn scored a spectacular fourth with a fantastic shot from 25 yards and late on Jim Kellerman came off the bench to force home his first goal for the club. Moments later Smith rounded things off with a sensational strike from 35 yards to cap a tremendous afternoon for Alan Stubbs' side.

The Buddies have struggled in front of goal in their League Cup campaign but you wouldn't have known it as they took the lead inside the first minute. Stephen McGinn released Coulson down the left and the fullback charged into the box before smashing past Adam for his first senior goal. Having made such an early breakthrough, Saints were keen to extend their advantage quickly as Adam saved Smith's long range effort before Willie Dyer hacked the ball off the line as Danny Mullen tried to divert a Josh Maggenis corner home.

New boy Matty Willock gave a glimpse of what he is capable of as he beat one man before he surged forward and attempted to chip Adam, who plucked the ball out of the air. The Sons keeper was in action again moments later as he denied Smith, the visitors then being forced into a change as they lost Ross Perry to injury, Andy Little taking his place.

The stoppage seemed to disrupt Saints' flow a little bit and it took them a wee while to get it back, a Magennis drive flashing past Adam's far post. Coulson went even closer to getting Saints' second soon after, exchanging passes with Smith as he burst forward again before rattling a shot off the post. The lead was finally doubled 10 minutes before the break, Mullen finding Paul McGinn down the right and his tremendous cross was head in by Smith.

Any doubts that Saints were heading for their first win of the season were wiped out early in second half as a cross from the byline was deflected up in the air and Stewart outjumped everyone to head past Adam. It could have been four soon after, Willock going on another run only to drag his shot wide of the far post before Mullen curled an effort wide.

It was merely delaying the inevitable and when the fourth arrived it was a screamer. Coulson found McGinn around 25 yards out and the skipper composed himself before launching a shot that flew into the top corner despite Adam getting something on it. There was little to get excited about after that, Saints having plenty of the ball but creating nothing of note with Craig Samson a virtual spectator at the other end.

Late on there were two more things to cheer. First Jim Kellermann, who had replaced Magennis, bagged his first Saints goal when he scrambled the ball home from a corner. A couple of minutes later Smith got his second and the Buddies' sixth as the ball broke to him midway inside the Dumbarton half and he sent it sailing over Adam's head from 35 yards to finish the scoring in spectacular style.

The two late goals meant Saints had secured one of the last 16 spots on offer to the best performing second placed sides – the first time the Buddies have made it that far since the group stage was introduced in 2016.

Full Time: St Mirren 6-0 Dumbarton

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Kpekawa, Baird, Coulson, S.McGinn, Magennis (Kellermann 62), Willock (Flynn 56) Smith, Stewart, Mullen (King 70)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Heaton, Erhahon, King, Cooke

Dumbarton: Adam, Dyer, Dowie, Perry (Little 15), C.Barr, Carswell (Russell 75), Hutton, Forbes, Barr, Paton, Loy (Gallagher 68)
Subs Not Used: McGowan, Ballantyne

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: Ralph Gordon
Assistant Referee: Ivan Stankovic

Attendance: 1,610

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography.