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.

St Mirren picked up a bonus point following a penalty shoot-out for the third Betfred Cup match in a row.

The Buddies were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Queen's Park at Hampden this evening, but a 5-4 sudden death shoot-out win saw Saints claim a bonus point to keep hopes of qualification from Group H alive.

Saints had an early shout for a penalty on seven minutes when burst into the box and looked like he may have been tripped by Gerard McLaughlan, but the referee decided the defender won the ball fairly. 

Cole Kpekawa saw a header from a Cammy MacPherson corner gathered by Jordan Hart three minutes later, while a nice ball from Hayden Coulson just evaded Cammy Smith's reach on 24 minutes.

Saints best chance of the first half came on the half hour mark when Danny Mullen forced a save from Hart. Stephen McGinn played a terrific ball over the top that was brought down by Mullen inside the box. The striker's attempt was low but lacked enough power to really trouble Hart in the Queen's goal, though the former Ayr United goalkeeper had to be at full stretch to gather. 

The hosts responded and on 33 minutes Craig Samson was made to work when he pushed away a ferocious Jamie McKernon drive from 20 yards. It was struck sweetly by the ex-St Mirren player, with Samson diving across his goal to put it out for a corner. The Saints goalkeeper would be called upon from the corner. Dean Kindlan ghosted in at the back post and saw his effort blocked by Samson before Saints got it clear.

Into the second half, Alan Stubbs made changes with Kyle Magennis making his return to first team action, while Ross Stewart came on in place of Cammy Smith. 

Stewart was unlucky not to find himself through on goal after Scott Gibson made a vital intervention to deny the forward the chance to go one-on-one with Hart. 

Heading into the final few minutes, Stephen McGinn switched play out to the right where the ball found his brother Paul. Paul kept the ball in play before whipping it into the box to meet the head of Danny Mullen. The striker rose the highest but glanced the effort by the post.

There was one last chance in the match and it was hearts-in-mouth stuff for Saints as a ball across the box found Kurtis Roberts in space. It look like the Spider's player would roll the ball into the net but for a superb block from Cole Kpekawa. 

And with that the game went to penalties once again with The Buddies triumphing 5-4 after sudden death. 

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

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Kpekawa, Baird, Heaton, Coulson, S. McGinn, MacPherson (Magennis 55), Flynn, Smith (Stewart 67), Mullen
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Kellermann, Erhahon, King, Cooke

Queen's Park: Hart, Lachlan, Summers, McKernon, McLauchlan, Gibson, Roberts, Dean Kindlan (Peters 74), Osadolor (Sharpe 66), Mortimer, Martin (McGrory 71)
Subs Not Used: Nimmo, Grant, Daniel Kindlan, Dunlop

Referee: Nick Walsh
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Colin McAlpine

Attendance: 1,493

St Mirren suffered a disappointing friendly defeat as they lost 6-0 to English League One side Sunderland.

Goals from Joshua Maja and Lyndon Gooch had the visitors 2-0 in front at the interval, before the pair both struck again in the second half along with strikes from George Honeyman and Luke Molyneux sealed the emphatic win for The Black Cats. 

It was Sunderland who created the first opening of the match after a quiet opening 10 minutes when Gooch dragged a shot wide. Saints responded, breaking up the park and winning a corner. The ball was worked into the box where it eventually met Danny Mullen whose terrific overhead kick was pushed wide by Jon McLaughlin.

A minute later a good move between the two McGinns and Cammy Smith saw the latter get a shot away but it was held by McLaughlin. 

Sunderland took the lead on 22 minutes with a neat finish from Maja. Adam Matthews played a lovely ball over the top that was brought down well by Scot, Chris Maguire. The forward laid it off into the path of Maja who stroked home. 

The visitors doubled their advantage 10 minutes later after being awarded a penalty. Gooch broke into the right hand side of the box and was brought down by Cole Kpekawa who mistimed his challenge. Their was no doubt in the award and Gooch stepped up, sending Craig Samson the wrong way to make it 2-0. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-2 Sunderland

The Buddies started the second half brightly. Immediately from kick-off, Hayden Coulson got the ball and went on a terrific solo run, but when he got into the box he sclaffed the effort wide. 

But 10 minutes later, Sunderland were 3-0 up. Maguire moved in on goal and saw a powerful effort blocked by substitute Danny Rogers. Maja kept the ball alive and found Gooch who got his second of the game. 

Substitute Jeff King saw a shot blocked by McLaughlin with 20 minutes remaining before Saints fell apart in the final stages.

A quick Sunderland break saw Maja grab his second of the game with a low drive from the edge of the box. George Honeyman made it five from close range on 77 minutes with Luke Molyneux rounded it off with a sixth for the visitors just a few minutes remaining.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-6 Sunderland

St Mirren: Samson (Rogers 45), P.McGinn, Baird, Kpekawa, Coulson, S. McGinn (Kellermann 82), Mullen (King 61), Trialist A (Flynn 45), MacPherson (Erhahon 61), Smith (Trialist C), Trialist B (Stewart 72)
Subs Not Used: Heaton, McShane, Cooke 

Sunderland: McLaughlin, Matthews, Ozturk (Taylor 84), Flanagan, Love (Hume 80), Cattermole (Mumba 74), McGeouch (Hackett 84), Honeyman (Kimpioka 84), Gooch (Molyneux 78), Maja, Maguire
Subs Not Used: Stryjek

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Fourth Official: Greg Aitken

St Mirren survived a real scare from Lowland League champions Spartans at the Simple Digital Arena tonight - coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 and claim a bonus point after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win.

The Buddies were stunned as the Edinburgh side scored either side of the break through Jason Stevens and Scott Maxwell. 

But substitutes Stephen McGinn and Danny Mullen pulled Saints level, before 

Alan Stubbs took charge of St Mirren for the first time at the Saints' home ground and made six changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Kilmarnock on Friday night.

Ian McShane came into the team, while Danny Rogers and Josh Heaton were given debuts. There were also first starts for Jim Kellermann, Cody Cooke and Jeff King. Dropping to bench were Craig Samson, Cole Kpewaka, Stephen McGinn, Cameron MacPherson and Daniel Mullen, with Jordan Kirkpatrick missing out due to injury.

It was the visitors who took the lead in bizarre circumstances with just six minutes gone. The far side linesman raised his offside flag as Jason Stevens ran on to a pass by Jack Smith. The whole Saints defence stopped still at the sight of the flag, but Stevens ran through to slot beyond Danny Rogers. The forward looks despondent to see the linesman's flag being raised only for the referee to allays his fears and award the Lowland League champions the goal. The Saints players were furious, but found themselves 1-0 down. 

Cody Cooke, making his home debut for Saints, will feel he should have done better on 20 minutes when he rose highest to meet a decent Paul McGinn cross. But the striker's header was easy for Blair Carswell in the Spartans goal. 

Jim Kellermann, another home debutant, spurned a glorious chance to put Saints level five minutes before the break when he got on the end of an inch perfect cross form Jeff King. The midfielder was unmarked, but bulleted the header past the post.  

Half Time: St Mirren 0-1 Spartans 

Alan Stubbs clearly wasn't pleased with what he saw in the first half and responded by bringing Danny Mullen on at the interval in place of Kellermann.

Saints looked to spark themselves into life and had a good free kick opportunity when Cody Cooke was felled right on the edge of the box with the second half just a little over 20 seconds old. Half time sub Mullen and Jeff King stood over it with the latter curling a low shot straight at Carswell. 

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, the visitors almost doubled their lead with Danny Rogers at full stretch to deny Stevens a second with the striker's effort creeping into the top corner. 

It was only a mere delay though as Spartans would get their second just a minute later. Rogers came to punch clear, but only succeeding in pushing the ball straight to Scott Maxwell. With the keeper off his line, Maxwell lifted the ball high over him before it nestled into the back of the net to stun the Paisley crowd.

Alan Stubbs reacted by making two quick changes. Ross Stewart came on in place of Cody Cooke, while Stephen McGinn replaced Ian McShane. 

And trust the skipper to step up when it mattered. Less than three minutes after coming on, the midfielder rifled home after a corner to reduce the arrears. 

Just two minutes later Saints really ought to have levelled when Stewart, another sub, was sent racing clear on goal. The forward got on the end of a ball over the top but slammed his effort over. 

There was a scare for the home side when Jack Smith found himself in space inside the Buddies box but his attempt was straight at Rogers.

After that St Mirren battered the Lowland League side in an attempt to get on level terms. Stewart missed a good chance with a header over from around six yards out and Hayden Coulson crashing a curling free kick off the cross bar. 

Saints would be given a penalty with just 15 minutes to go when Ryan Flynn was tripped on his way into the box. Mullen stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-2.

Spartans were living a charmed life heading into the final 10 minutes Carswell denying a Mullen header at point blank range and then making another big save from Cammy Smith. Mullen protested that he had scored when a header came off the underside of the bar, before Carswell made a stunning stop to deny Smith once again.

And so, for the second game running, Saints would head to penalties. Like Friday night, the Buddies would claim this bonus point with Ross Stewart, Paul McGinn, Ryan Flynn, Danny Mullen and Cammy Smith all netting from 12 yards. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-2 Spartans (St Mirren win 5-3 on penalties to gain bonus point)

St Mirren: Rogers, McGinn, Baird, Heaton, Coulson, McShane (McGinn 56), Flynn, Kellermann (Mullen 45), Smith, King, Cooke (Stewart 55)
Subs Not Used: Samson, Kpekawa, MacPherson, Erhahon

Spartans: Carswell, Cennerazzo, Brown, Tolmie, Corbett, Herd, J.Smith (Girdwood 78), McFarland, Greenhill, Maxwell (Bremner 62), Stevens (Atkinson 70)
Subs Not Used: Costello, Bremner, Stevenson, Dawson, Dishington

Referee: Alan Newlands
Assistant Referee: Andrew McWilliams
Assistant Referee: David Burns

Attendance: 1,430 

Alan Stubbs' St Mirren earned themselves two points in Betfred Cup Group H as they drew 0-0 with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The Buddies were impressive throughout and gained a bonus point after a 3-2 win on penalties after the full time whistle. 

The opening exchanges were fairly uneventful but Saints were seeing a lot of the ball without creating much. 

But with 13 minutes on the clock Killie were denied the opportunity to take the lead thanks to a good block by Craig Samson. Jordan Jones robbed Jack Baird of the ball on the left wing and centred the ball for Lee Erwin. Unmarked, the striker looked odds onto give the hosts an early lead, but the Saints goalkeeper did well to block the effort.

Five minutes later it was The Buddies turn to go close with Ryan Flynn sending a delightful ball into the six yard area. Danny Mullen was just inches away from getting a toe on it which would have surely given Saints the lead.

Hayden Coulson, who would go on to pick up the man of the match award, went on a lung-bursting run on 24 minutes before sliding the ball wide to Cammy MacPherson. MacPherson's cross was deflected into the box where the Killie defence failed to deal with the danger. It was headed down into the path of Cammy Smith who shot into the ground and watched as his effort crash off the bar. 

Both sides created chances in an exciting first half. Killie were next to go close when Gary Dicker's dinked pass picked out Eamonn Brophy. The striker brought it down on his chest before cracking a shot just over the cross bar. 

The two Cammy's combined for Saints five minutes later as MacPherson slid the ball through to Smith. Smith played it across the box where he found an unmarked Jordan Kirkpatrick and the midfielder really ought to have scored with the goal gaping but dragged his attempt wide. 

MacPherson impressed throughout for Saints and almost scored his first senior goal after breaking forward from own half he had a shot palmed away by MacDonald.

A few minutes after the restart Mullen was brought down right on the edge of the Kilmarnock box and won Saints a freekick. Smith and Kirkpatrick stood over it with the latter curling it low just by the far post. 

Just after the hour mark, Saints could, and perhaps should, have been ahead when Jeff King's cross was met by Mullen who forced a superb fingertip save from MacDonald. The ball fell kindly for Saints with Jack Baird following up but he poked it over the bar. 

The game ebbed and flowed for the remainder with both sides trying to create chances to pick up all three points but neither having anything clear cut. 

In the end it would go to penalties to see who would earn a bonus point. Craig Samson saved from both Lee Erwin and Kirk Broadfoot while Gary Dicker slammed one over the bar. Paul McGinn and Hayden Coulson scored for Saints allowing Danny Mullen to net the winning spot kick to get Saints off to a good start in Group H.

Full Time: Kilmarnock 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Baird, Kpekawa, Coulson, MacPherson, McGinn, Flynn (Kellermann 80), Kirkpatrick (King 55), Smith (Cooke 82), Mullen
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Heaton, MacKenzie, Stewart

Kilmarnock: MacDonald, Millen, Broadfoot, Findlay, Waters, Jones (Burke 83), Dicker, Power, McKenzie (Kiltie 69), Erwin, Brophy (Ndjoli 69)
Subs Not Used: Mackay, Higgins, Frizzell, Thomas

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: Jordan Stokoe
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Fourth Official: Alan Muir

Attendance: 4,026 (827 Saints fans)

The curtain came down on St Mirren's season today, as they lost 1-0 to Falkirk for the second time in 11 days.

With both clubs' fate already decided for next season, there was nothing at stake in today's match; but the Paisley side were hoping to end an incredible season on a high, but it wasn't to be.

There was a nice reception before the game for Alex Smith, who Saints fans will know from the role he played in our 1987 Scottish Cup win. He received a standing ovation from both sets of fans, as he is set to retire from football.

St Mirren started the game very well, looking confident on the ball as they had their first chance of the game. Stelios Demetriou found himself in plenty of space on the left, as he drove in on goal and unleashed a wicked shot from 20 yards which was deflected behind by Falkirk keeper Robbie Mutch.

This strike on the sixth minute was the best chance both teams had the entire half, with most efforts coming from long range. Despite the lack of goal threat, there was still some nice football being played by both teams.

Late on in the first half, Louis Longridge picked up on a loose ball deep in Saints half and tried to manoeuvre his way into the box. The tricky winger was close to succeeding, but Mark Hill stayed with him the whole way and made a great tackle on the midfielder to clear the ball from danger.

Right on the stroke of half time The Buddies had a decent effort to put themselves in front. Myles Hippolyte, who caused their defence problems all day, burst through the centre of the park and slipped the ball forward to Gavin Reilly in the danger area. The ball was running away from goal though, so the team's top goalscorer didn't get a great connection as the ball was held comfortably by the Falkirk stopper. 

Half Time: Falkirk 0-0 St Mirren

The second half was a bit more livelier than the first, as Falkirk had a freekick on the edge of the box only one minute after the restart. It was a good effort from Joe McKee as it narrowly went over the crossbar, but Craig Samson appeared to have it covered anyway.

The home side had an excellent chance to put themselves ahead five minutes later. A ball from the right was floated to the back post where Craig Sibbald was standing alone and struck a fine volley on goal, only to be denied by a wonder save from Craig Samson.

Saints started to grow into the game though. On the 63rd minute Hippolyte waltzed past Falkirk's Jordan McGhee and delivered a great cross into the box which was cleared only as far as Morgan on the edge of the area. The winger tried a first time effort, but just never caught the ball correctly as he blazed it over the bar and into the crowd.

Reilly then had an effort from similar range eight minutes later. This time though Reilly found the target and it was in all the way, but a very smart save from Mutch managed to turn it away for a corner.

Another good chance for Saints fell on the 76th minute, when Hippolyte won a feekick on the left side of the box. Morgan stepped up to take it and nearly scored, when he decided to shoot instead of cross - which caught out the Falkirk keeper. It was a good, clean strike, but was just ever so slightly high of the goal, as The Buddies were getting closer and closer.

St Mirren's best chance of the game came on the 84th minute though, as Morgan broke away from the Falkirk defence near the halfway line and like only he can, pulled away from them with ease. He was clean through on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his effort was somehow blocked by Robbie Mutch.

The team were left to rue their chances two minutes later, when Ryan Blair, having only been on the park for three minutes, unleashed an unstoppable strike that struck Samson's left post and went in to send the Bairns fans wild. 

The game ended 1-0 to Falkirk as The Saints were left gutted after another late winner from Paul Hartley's team. The Paisley faithful didn't care though, as they rounded off one of the most successful season's in the club's history.

Full Time: Falkirk 1-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Hill, Stelios, McShane, Erhahon (Mullen 56'), Flynn, Morgan, Hippolyte, Reilly (Sutton 80')
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Irvine, Donati, Glover, C.Smith

Falkirk: Mutch, Kidd (Harris 66'), McGhee, Grant, McKee (O'Hara 66'), Sibbald, Longridge, Jakubiak, Robson, Watson, Welsh (Blair 82') 
Subs Not Used: Hazard, Tumilty, Mitchell, Dunne

Referee: Stephen Finnie
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland
Assistant Referee: Simon MacLean

Saints celebrated lifting the Championship trophy in style as they saw off Morton to reclaim the local bragging rights.

Danny Mullen looked to have set the tone when he scored after just 10 minutes, however any thoughts that this was going to be a romp to victory were dispelled when Michael Doyle after half an hour.

There wasn't much to get excited about in the second half, however a tremendous a classic Saints move conjured up the winner, Gavin Reilly and Cammy Smith combining to release Lewis Morgan to score what could end up being his final Buddies goal.

After making a string of changes for Tuesday night's game against Falkirk, Saints boss Jack Ross fielded a team along more familiar lines. It was pretty much the same side that started against Livingston a week ago, the only change being Stelios starting instead of Adam Eckersley. The visitors started with former Saint Gary Harkins in the team and another ex Buddie on the bench in the shape of John Baird.

Saints started well, Gary MacKenzie heading over from Morgan's cross and Cammy Smith seeing his shot blocked. Michael Tidser fired wide as Morton tried to threaten before Saints took the lead, Morgan sliding a wonderful pass through to Mullen who composed himself before coolly placing the ball past Conor Brennan for the opener.

The champions were in no mood to sit on their lead, Kyle Magennis not really troubling Brennan with a long range shot. Soon after the visitors should have been level, Harkins being given too much time and space as he strode forward before passing to Gary Oliver, who was unlucky to see his 20 yard effort crack against the bar. Stelios looked to have the rebound covered but hadn't realised Oliver was breathing down his neck, the fullback eventually scrambling the ball behind after half-hearted appeals for a penalty. A claim a few minutes later for handball against Magennis also fell on deaf ears.

The game was flying along, Mullen curling a shot past Brennan's far post before Saints lost MacKenzie through injury, Jack Baird taking his place. Morton tried to take advantage of any uncertainty in the backline, Craig Samson doing well to save Harkins' shot. However, seconds later the visitors were level, Doyle heading home at the back post from Frank Ross' cross

Morgan tested Brennan from range as Saints looked to retake the lead, however they almost fell behind when defensive hesitancy let Oliver in but Samson did well to turn the shot behind, Harkins curling an effort over from the corner that followed. Saints hadn't looked great since taking the lead but they threatened just before half-time as Mullen found Cammy Smith, whose shot was turned over by Brennan. Right on half-time Mullen headed against the post but it didn't matter as the flag was already up.

It took the best part of 20 minutes of the second half for something to happen, Morgan going on a trademark run before firing into the side netting from the edge of the box. A dire half was livened up by Saints scoring a cracking counter-attacking goal that was typical of the style of play they have produced all season. Gavin Reilly, who had just replaced Flynn, turned at the half way line and released Cammy Smith, who galloped forward before unselfishly sliding the ball across for the unmarked Morgan who made no mistake as he swept the ball past Brennan. It was a fitting way for the winger to mark his final appearance in Paisley in the black and white stripes and he left the field to a standing ovation when he was later replaced by Myles Hippolyte.

Before that happened Saints almost put the game to bed, Reilly looking particularly keen to score as he was denied by a late challenge from Doyle before flicking the ball over from the resultant corner. Mullen also went close as he got the better of the Morton defence before his shot was saved by Brennan.

In the end, the third never came but it didn't need to, the victory the cherry on the icing on the cake of what has been a fantastic season.

Full Time: St Mirren 2-1 Morton

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, MacKenzie, Davis, Stelios, McGinn, Magennis, Flynn, C.Smith, Morgan, Mullen
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Irvine, Baird, Hill, McShane, Hippolyte, Reilly

Morton: Brennan, Murdoch, O'Ware, Lamie, Doyle, Oliver, Tidser, Harkins, Tiffoney, Ross, Iredale
Subs Not Used: Gaston, Fraser, Langan, Baird, Russell, McHugh, Thomson

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: David McKniff

Attendance: 6422