St Mirren continued their impressive league performance this afternoon, with a 2-0 victory over Queen of the South at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

The Saints went into today's match knowing they could increase the gap between themselves and second place with a win, due to Dundee Utd's game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle being postponed earlier in the day.

St Mirren started off very lively, when two minutes into the game Kyle Magennis managed to find space at the edge of the box and struck at goal, only to be denied by Queens goalkeeper Alan Martin, who was equal to it and parried away.

The deadlock was broken only two minutes later though, when Liam Smith found himself in similar space to what Magennis had moments earlier, but this time the on-loan full back made the Queens defence pay, by lashing the ball past Alan Martin into the top right hand corner, scoring his first ever goal for the club.

The Doonhamers did work their way back into the game a bit, after a couple of good attempts from Stephen Dobbie and Ross Fergusson. After a series of corners from the away side they did manage to get the ball over the line eventually, after a rebounded Dobbie strike was touched in. But the assistant referee had flagged for offside, as Jack Ross' men held on to their lead.

The Buddies responded well and started to pile on the pressure as they had a succession of corners. One short corner almost resulted in a goal from Lewis Morgan, but was tipped over from Alan Martin.

The resulting corner was cleared and picked up by Adam Eckersley who attempted a long range effort on goal, but was handled in the box by Queens captain John Rankin. Referee Steven Kirkland had no option but to point to the spot and award St Mirren a penalty.

Strangely, it was central defender Harry Davis who stepped up to the plate, and as cool as you like the Englishman tucked home from 12 yards; sending Martin the wrong way, Davis doubled Saints' lead on the 33 minute mark.

Saints could have been even further ahead before half time: Jack Baird winning a header from a corner that went just wide, and Gavin Reilly managed to get a toe onto a low cross from Liam Smith, which trickled agonisingly past the post. 

Half Time: St Mirren 2-0 Queen of the South

The second half didn't have quite the same action as the first, with most of Saints' attacks reduced to long range efforts. Attempts from Davis, Morgan, Smith and Mullen where not enough to make life difficult for sub goalkeeper Jack Leighfield. 

The last five minutes St Mirren did need to show their resolve though, as Gary Naysmith's side strived to find way back into the game. There was a couple of late attempts from Rankin and Dobbie, but nothing that worried Saints keeper Samson.

The game finished 2-0 to St Mirren, who now hold a 14 point gap over second place Dundee Utd. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-0 Queen of the South

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, Magennis, Flynn (Hill 88), C.Smith (McShane 77), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 65)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, MacKenzie, Sutton

Queen of the South: Martin (Leighfield 59), Rooney, Fordyce, Brownlie, Cameron, Rankin, Dobbie, Thomson, Fergusson (Todorov 70), Mercer (Thomas 45), Dykes 
Subs Not Used: Murray, Bell, Harvey

Referee: Steven Kirkland
Assistant Referee: Willie Conquer
Assistant Referee: Colin McAlpine

Attendance: 4585

Gallery pictures by John Millar © - Millar Pictures

St Mirren extended their lead at the top of the Championship table to 11 points after a hard fought win against Dunfermline Athletic.

The Saints saw out a 2-1 victory at East End Park, with goals from Cammy Smith and Jack Baird either side of half time enough to see all three points belong to the Paisley side.

The game started off brightly, with shouts for a penalty from the home fans, after Declan McManus went down in the box after a well whipped cross from Michael Paton. McManus believed Jack Baird was holding him and prevented him getting on the end of the cross, but referee John Beaton waved play on.

It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken though, as Cammy Smith put the Saints ahead on the 14 minute mark with a goal of the season contender. Some tidy play by Stephen McGinn in the centre of the park saw him slip through Lewis Morgan who broke through the middle. Morgan then played a reverse back heel into Cammy Smith who was through on goal and coolly slotted past Lee Robinson in the Dunfermline goal.

The rest of the first half saw very few chances for both teams. A strike from Saint’s top goalscorer Gavin Reilly aimed straight at Lee Robinson and Kallum Higginbotham doing the same at the other end of the pitch meant St Mirren went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Dunfermline came out in the second half determined to get back in the game, and they succeeded on the 48th minute. A free kick from the right hand side was played high to the back post, where Jean Yves Mvoto headed the ball into the six yard box and Nicky Clark won the race to nod it past Craig Samson to even up the score.

Dunfermline really started to take the game to Jack Ross’ side, with St Mirren’s only chance coming from Kyle Magennis’ dipping freekick from 25 yards which was touched over the bar for a corner.

St Mirren managed to restore their lead on the 64th minute. Another free kick from 25 yards, but instead of taking a pop at goal, Magennis decided to delicately chip the ball to the back post, where Jack Baird was standing alone and volleyed past the Dunfermline goalkeeper to the elation of the travelling support.

Morgan could have put the game out of sight for the Championship leaders on two occasions. The first came after a nice give and go with Adam Eckersley saw Morgan cut in from the left and get away a shot, only to be firmly blocked by Robinson. Then three minutes later Morgan was through again, when Stephen McGinn stole the ball from Dunfermline and played through the overlapping winger who blazed the ball over the bar from 15 yards out.

The remaining few minutes saw the away side really hemmed in which lead to the introduction of Gary MacKenzie for goalscorer Cammy Smith. The Pars plugged away at St Mirren’s defence, but to no avail. Two courageous blocks from goalscorer Baird was enough to prevent Dunfermline and seal a first win away to Pars since 2001.

Full Time: Dunfermline 1-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, McShane (Flynn 61), Magennis, C.Smith (MacKenzie 82), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 78)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Hill, Sutton

Dunfermline: Robinson, Williamson, Talbot, Mvoto, Morris, Paton (Aird 63), Shiels (Craigen 42) Wedderburn, Higginbotham (Ryan 71), McManus, Clark
Subs Not Used: Gill, Martin, Ashcroft, Callum Smith

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland

Attendance: 5,479

Match gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren's hopes of a Scottish Cup run came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the fourth round. 

Adam Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot on eight minutes before Ryan Christie scored twice either side of Gavin Reilly's goal for Saints. The Dons wrapped up the victory thanks to a stunning strike from Gary Mackay-Steven just a minute into second half.

Saints had started brightly with Cammy Smith stabbing the ball through to Lewis Morgan inside the first minute. The winger burst forward having his shot blocked by the Aberdeen defence.

But it was Aberdeen who took an early lead when Adam Rooney netted from the penalty spot. Ryan Christie played the ball wide to Greg Stewart who cut into the box before being tripped by Stelios. Rooney sent Craig Samson the wrong way as he slid the ball into the low left hand corner to put The Dons in front. 

Buoyed by the goal, Aberdeen went on the hunt for a quick second and almost got it when Stewart forced a good stop from Samson with a powerful effort from the edge of the box. 

Saints were still causing problems themselves though with Lewis Morgan and Cammy Smith combining well on the left with the latter back-heeling the ball down the channel for Morgan who broke into the box. The young winger cut the ball back to Kyle Magennis who opened up space for himself before having his drive blocked by Joe Lewis. 

The Dons doubled their advantage a few minutes later when Gary Mackay-Steven reached a ball at the byline. He laid the ball back into the path of an unmarked Ryan Christie who made no mistake as he buried the ball into the net to make it 2-0. 

It was a frustrating blow for Saints but the Buddies soon got themselves back into the match when Gavin Reilly showed good instincts to score his 21st goal of the season. Good work from Stelios saw the Cypriot find Morgan in space inside the box. Morgan lashed goalward with Joe Lewis only able to parry into the path of Gavin Reilly who reacted quickest to knock the ball home.

Saints couldn't build on it and lost a sloppy goal on 33 minutes. Stelios' weak header came off Ian McShane inside the box before finding its way to Shay Logan. The full back threw the ball into the back post to meet Ryan Christie who leaped above the Saints defence to grab his second of the afternoon.

Lewis Morgan nearly reduced the deficit back to one almost immediately after Aberdeen's third. Joe Lewis was found in no mans land with Morgan lifting the ball over the stranded goalkeeper. It took what felt like an eternity to come off the side net. 

Saints' hopes of getting back into the game would be extinguished a little over a minute after the restart. Gary Mackay-Steven nicked in ahead of Liam Smith before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner. It was frustrating for The Buddies to have lost a goal so soon after the break but there was no arguing with the quality of the strike.

That effectively ended the game as a contest. Both sides had half chances to score but Aberdeen were comfortable to see the game out at 4-1 as they progress to the fifth round at Saints' expense. 

Full Time: Aberdeen 4-1 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, S.McGinn, McShane (Flynn 56), Magennis, C.Smith (Hill 76), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 65)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Sutton

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Considine, Reynolds (Harvie 84), O'Connor, Shinnie, McLean, Christie, G.Stewart (May 79), Mackay-Steven (McGinn 66), Rooney
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Harvie, Ball, Wright, Maynard

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Willie Conquer
Fourth Official: David Lowe

Attendance: 9,848 (595 Saints fans)

Gallery pictures by John Millar © - Millar Pictures

St Mirren extended their lead at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship to eight points after a well deserved win over Dumbarton at The Your Radio 103FM Stadium. 

Second half goals from Cammy Smith and captain Stephen McGinn, who was making his 100th St Mirren start, were enough to earn The Buddies all three points. 

Saints started the match strongly winning the first corner of the match on four minutes. The ball in was cleared only as far as Liam Smith who drilled towards goal. It fell to Cammy Smith who looked to wriggle into space to get a shot away but the forward was crowded out by the Dumbarton defence. 

The Buddies had the ball in the net on six minutes when Kyle Magennis rolled home Gavin Reilly's cutback. But the linesman had ruled that the striker had taken the ball out of play before playing across to Magennis. 

St Mirren had started brightly and went close to taking the lead on 11 minutes through Lewis Morgan only to be thwarted by one of Dumbarton's five ex-Saints. Cammy Smith found Morgan on the left with a wonderful pass and the winger got the shot away only to be denied by goalkeeper Scott Gallacher who made a fine block. 

Dumbarton reminded Saints they were still in the match when Tom Walsh sent a long range effort by the post. 

But it was still The Buddies who were in control and they should have opened the scoring just before the half hour mark. Reilly profited from a break of the ball in the middle of the park and raced clear on goal. However, the striker couldn't add to his 20 goals this season as he shot agonisingly wide of the far post. Reilly went close again five minutes later when he was found inside the box by Stelios, but he clipped wide. 

Ex-Saint Tom Walsh, who scored the winner the last time these two sides met, had the last chance of the half after escaped from Liam Smith. But the winger shot straight at Samson who gathered with ease. 

Half Time: Dumbarton 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren had been the team on top in the first half and wasted little time after the break in making their dominance pay. 

On 47 minutes Ian McShane played the ball wide to Stelios who burst forward on the left. The Cypriot put the ball into a good area for Cammy Smith who only had to ensure he got a touch on it to nod beyond Gallacher to put St Mirren 1-0 in front. 

Saints were cleared buoyed by the goal and were playing some great football. Lewis Morgan went on a good run which resulted in his shot being deflected by for a corner. Kyle Magennis whipped in a delightful ball but there were no takers. Stelios did well to find Reilly in the box five minutes later but the striker screwed the shot wide of the target. 

The Buddies' good play would be rewarded with a second goal just before the hour mark and how fitting it was for the captain to score on his 100th start in St Mirren colours. A corner from Magennis found Reilly who had a shot blocked. It found its way to McGinn who coolly stroked the ball into the far corner to double Saints' advantage. 

The second goal killed the game as a contest. Saints would have chances to further their lead with Magennis almost grabbing his first of the season when he forced Gallacher to push away his strong free kick. 

Dumbarton had a few half chances with a long range effort from Alistair Roy and a Walsh snapshot. But in the end Saints were worthy winners and extend their lead at the top to eight points following Dundee United's draw away to Dunfermline.

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McShane, McGinn, Morgan, C.Smith (Sutton 87), Magennis, Reilly (Mullen 61)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Irvine, MacKenzie, Erhahon, Flanagan

Dumbarton: Gallacher, Smith, Dowie, Dick, Barr, Gallagher (Russell 59), Hutton, Carswell, Handling (Roy 60), Walsh, Nade
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Wilson, Johnston, Hill

Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Steven Strang

Attendance: 1652

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

Gavin Reilly became the first Saints player in more than quarter of a century to bag 20 goals in a season as the Buddies edged past Inverness Caley Thistle.

The striker's big moment came just before the half hour mark as he collected a pass from Cammy Smith before thumping the ball high into the net to reach a tally no Saints player had managed since Barry Lavety back in 1992-93.

Jack Ross' side should probably have been further in front by the break, Stelios hitting the bar with a tremendous long-range shot, and it was unlikely they would have things all their own way in the second half.

Sure enough, Caley Thistle looked a different side and felt they'd scored when Liam Polwarth's cross hit the post and headed towards goal, the officials feeling Craig Samson had scrambled it clear before it crossed the line. The keeper also kept out efforts from George Oakley and Connor Bell as Saints made it six games unbeaten.

Oakley started on the bench but was called into action sharpish when new Caley Thistle signing Nathan Robertson had to go off injured. It was the hosts who made all the early running, neat play allowing Lewis Morgan to wriggle some space to get a shot away but Mark Ridgers managed to hold it. A tremendous move then almost gave Saints the lead as Stephen McGinn performed some trickery in the middle of the park, releasing the ball to Morgan just before the captain was clattered. With ref Willie Collum playing advantage, Morgan got to the byline and cut the ball back for Cammy Smith, whose shot was blocked by Liam Polwarth. As Smith claimed for handball, the ball sat up nicely for Kyle Magennis who fired a shot a yard or two over Ridgers' top corner.

Caley Thistle didn't really trouble the Buddies defence until Aaron Doran found former Buddie John Baird, who flashed a shot past Samson's far post. The striker's next effort was deflected over by Harry Davis and moments later Saints took the lead. McGinn slid a great pass to Cammy Smith who found Reilly, the striker's heavy first touch taking him away from his man and setting him up perfectly to thump home his 20th goal of the season.

The visitors tried to respond quickly, Doran shooting tamely at Samson after being picked out by Baird before Joe Chalmers curled a shot wide. However, it was Saints could have doubled their lead before the break, Morgan sending Stelios away and he cut onto his right foot before cracking the bar from long range.

The visitors came flying out of the traps in the second half, Doran shooting narrowly wide before Polwarth went even closer. Samson left the midfielder's cross and could only watch as it hit the post, the Saints keeper scurrying back to claw it away. The Caley Thistle players and fans appealed for a goal and it did look as if the ball had crossed the line before Samson rescued the situation, however the officials remained unmoved.

Saints had been getting forward often enough but seemed reluctant to shoot, Cammy Smith going some way to putting that right when his 20-yard drive was turned behind by Ridgers. Ian McShane also went close as his shot from the edge of the box was deflected narrowly wide. Caley Thistle almost took advantage of their good luck when Carl Tremarco found Oakley a few yards out but he was far too casual with his shot, which was straight at Samson.

Saints had the ball in the net 10 minutes from time but Ridgers had been fouled. Moments later Morgan fired the ball across goal for Reilly at the back post but he couldn't wrap his foot around it to steer it home. Morgan then burst forward before shooting wide before two of Caley's subs almost drew them level, Jake Mulraney charging to the byline and picking out Connor Bell whose close range shot was well blocked by Samson. There was to be one more chance for the visitors but Oakley headed wide as Saints moved six points clear at the top of the Championship.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-0 Inverness

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McGinn, McShane (Mullen 72), Magennis, C.Smith (Irvine 90), Morgan, Reilly
Subs Not Used: Stewart,  MacKenzie, Erhahon, O'Keefe, Sutton

Inverness: Ridgers, Raven, Tremarco, Warren, McKay, Chalmers, Trafford, Polworth, Doran (Mulraney 75), Baird (Bell 81), Austin (Oakley 9)
Subs Not Used: Esson, Brown, Calder, Seedorf, Bell

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence

Attendance: 4,448

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren had to settle for a point in their first match of 2018 after a 1-1 draw in the Renfrewshire derby. 

Lewis Morgan had given the Buddies a first half lead before Morton skipper Thomas O'Ware levelled with 10 minutes remaining to secure a share of the spoils. 

The Buddies started brightly, winning a number of corners in the early proceedings including one inside the first 60 seconds. The closest Saints came in the first 20 minutes when Ian McShane had a shot from outside the box. It fell to captain Stephen McGinn who curled towards the top corner only for Derek Gaston to gather. 

A few minutes later it was Gaston's long kick up the field which created the first chance for the home side as he picked out Jai Quitongo on the left wing. The speedy winger charged down the flank before making his way into the box. But he was closely marshalled by Jack Baird who did enough to ensure Quitongo couldn't get a clear sight on goal as he curled over.

St Mirren would draw first blood three minutes later when Lewis Morgan scored the Buddies' first goal of 2018. McShane played a one-two with Kyle Magennis on the right before swinging the ball into a dangerous area in the penalty box. Danny Mullen went to attack and appeared to be dragged to the ground by Michael Doyle. The forward could have had a strong case for a penalty, but it didn't matter as the ball fell kindly for Morgan who didn't need a second invitation to slot the ball coolly beyond Gaston to make it 1-0. 

Saints deserved the lead and could have doubled it on the half hour mark when Cammy Smith found Mullen inside the box. The striker was dragged wide but still managed to get the shot away from the angle and was unlucky to see it crack off the post before falling into the arms of Gaston. 

Michael Tidser had Morton's best chance of the half six minutes later as he arrived in the box in time to meet a neat cutback from Gary Oliver, but he zipped the ball over Craig Samson's cross bar. 

The Buddies had a few opportunities to extend their lead as the clock ticked towards the interval. Cammy Smith had a shot blocked inside the box before Ian McShane let fly from a free kick that didn't go all that far by the post. 

Saints closed the half with a foul of Mullen drawing a free kick around 20 yards out. Goalscorer Morgan stepped up to take but fired it over the bar. 

Half Time: Morton 0-1 St Mirren

The home side started the second half in search of an equaliser and they could have found it less than a minute after the break when Gary Oliver flashed the ball across the face of goal. There were no takers for Morton as it came off Kyle Magennis before being cleared inside the six yard box by Stelios. 

St Mirren knew a second would make it very difficult for their Renfrewshire rivals to get back into the match and went close when Cammy Smith had a shot blocked and deflected out for a corner. The ball was played short to Liam Smith who curled in to the back post where it met the head of Jack Baird. It was blocked but found its way back to the defender who sent a shot over. 

Both sides would continue to make chances throughout the remainder of the match. Samson did well to save from Quitongo before being able to watch a long range effort from O'Ware harmlessly drift wide. 

Gavin Reilly could have got the all important second goal for St Mirren when he managed to wriggle clear of the Morton defence but his shot from the edge of the box was held by Gaston. 

Morton would grab their equaliser with 10 minutes to go through O'Ware. A corner kick from substitute Scott Tiffoney found the defender unmarked and he nodded beyond Samson to make it 1-1. 

Both sides would have chances to turn one point into three with Saints goes mightily close in the last minute of added time. In the end a draw was probably a fair reflection on how the match had gone as St Mirren continue to lead at the top of the Championship. 

Full Time: Morton 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McGinn, McShane, Morgan, C.Smith (Sutton 87), Magennis, Mullen (Reilly 55)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Irvine, Buchanan, MacKenzie, O'Keefe

Morton: Gaston, Murdoch, O'Ware, Lamie, Doyle, Russell, Tidser, Harkins (Tiffoney 65), Quitongo (McHugh 85), Thomson, Oliver
Subs Not Used: Doohan, Gasparotto, Langan, Armour, Forbes

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: Ralph Gordon
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Fourth Official: David Munro 

Attendance: 4,126 (1,770 St Mirren supporters)

St Mirren head into 2018 five points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship after a 2-0 win over second place Dundee United. 

A second half brace from Lewis Morgan saw the Buddies see off second place United and open the gap going into the new year. 

A fairly quiet opening to the game was awoken on nine minutes when St Mirren won the first corner of the match. The ball was played into the box before finding its way to captain Stephen McGinn on the edge of the box. The skipper registered the first shot of the match with his powerful effort held by Harry Lewis. 

Soon after United won their own corner after a dangerous looking ball from Billy King was turned behind by Stelios. The visitors were then given a glorious opportunity to open the scoring when referee Don Robertson awarded them a penalty after judging that Ian McShane had fouled Mark Durnan. Paul McMullan, who had a six month loan spell at Saints in 2015, stepped up to take but hesitated before seeing his spot kick brilliantly pushed away by Craig Samson. 

There weren't too many chances to test either keeper in the remainder of the first half but it was United who looked more likely to make something happen as time ticked away before the break. Scott Fraser sent a wonderful ball into the path of the unmarked McDonald inside the box on 41 minutes, but the Australian striker headed behind him before Sam Stanton caught Liam Smith in possession and picked out Fraser a minute later only for the midfielder to send the shot wide.  

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dundee United

Saints grabbed the opener just before the hour mark thanks to a wonderful strike from Lewis Morgan. The winger looked keen to impress all night and got his reward on 58 minutes. McShane rolled a free kick around 30 yards out out to Morgan on the left side. He slowly came forward before gliding past McMullan and skipping past Flood before crashing the ball low into the far right bottom corner to put Saints ahead. 

The Buddies searched for a second to try and kill the game off. Morgan had a shot blocked inside the box after being found by Cammy Smith before Kyle Magennis went mightly close with an effort that zipped beyond the post. 

That all important second would come with a little over ten minutes remaining and once again it was Lewis Morgan who proved he was the man for the big occasion. Again it came from a short McShane free kick as the midfielder played the ball into the path of Morgan on the left side. Morgan came forward but was challenged by a United player and lost the ball. It broke to McGinn who helped it back into the path of Morgan and he took a touch to steady himself before rifling beyond Lewis to double Saints' advantage. 

St Mirren had a massive chance to put the cherry on the cake when Cammy Smith found himself clear in the dying embers but the forward's shot was blocked by the legs of Lewis. 

In the end Saints had to settle for two goals, but two goals that earned the side a massive three points in the promotion race as the Buddies open up a five point lead at the top. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-0 Dundee United 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McGinn, McShane, Magennis, C.Smith (MacPherson 90), Morgan (O'Keefe 90), Mullen (Sutton 88)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Buchanan, MacKenzie, Duffy

Dundee United: Lewis, Scobbie, Durnan, Quinn, Robson, McMullan (Keatings 71), Flood (M.Smith 63), Stanton, Fraser (Allardice 76), King, McDonald
Subs Not Used: Deniz, Appere, Chalmers, Ingles

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Joseph Lawson
Assistant Referee: David McKniff
Fourth Official: Steven Reid

Attendance: 6,214

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

If you'd said at 3.06pm this afternoon that Saints would leave Dumfries with all three points, you'd have been accused of overindulging on the mulled wine and brandy butter. And yet, on an incredible afternoon at Palmerston, that's exactly what happened.

Queen of the South made a lightning fast start and were two up before anyone could draw breath. Stephen Dobbie scored the first after less than 30 seconds before teeing up Chris Kane to add the second.

But Saints fought back and halved the deficit after some confusion between Darren Brownlie and Alan Martin allowed Gavin Reilly to nip in to head home. Some more suspect defending from Brownlie allowed Reilly in to rattle in the equaliser 10 minutes before the break.

The second half wasn't anywhere near as exciting but all Saints fans will care about is that Gary MacKenzie bundled home Ian McShane's corner to complete a dramatic turnaround that sees the Buddies top of the tree at Christmas.

Dobbie went into the game looking for his 100th Queens goal and his search was over inside the first 20 seconds, the striker being given far too much space as he ran at the defence before firing past Craig Samson. Lewis Morgan shot over before things went from bad to worse for the Buddies as Gary MacKenzie failed to cut out Dobbie's tremendous through pass and Kane found the net with the help of the post. The loss of Adam Eckersley to injury completed a horrific opening as Stelios took his place.

Saints looked for a glimmer of hope to cling on to, Cammy Smith dragging a shot wide after Morgan and Stephen McGinn combined to create an opening. Andy Stirling had a shot deflected into the arms of Samson who promptly claimed a bizarre assist. The keeper thumped the ball forward and it looked as if opposite number Martin had things covered, only for defender Brownlie to head the ball over him. Reilly didn't need to be asked twice and charged in to nod the ball into the unguarded net. Game on.

Dobbie shot just wide after again being given too much room, Morgan unlucky to see a shot hacked off the line after he skinned Scott Mercer. Queens were then forced to make their own change due to injury as Callum Tapping replaced Kyle Jacobs, who had come off worse in a challenge with Stelios. There was a huge left-off for Saints when the new arrival's free-kick was knocked on for Jason Kerr whose shot thundered off MacKenzie, Brownlie then hammering the loose ball well over.

It was to prove costly as a few minutes later Saints were level. Brownlie made a mess of a through ball and Reilly was in, composing himself before slotting past Martin to square things up. The striker didn't celebrate against his old club but he must have been the only calm Buddie, the vocal travelling support going wild with delight.

Unbelievably, their side could have been in front moments later, Cammy Smith and Kyle Magennis both shooting wide, in between times Martin denying Jack Baird with a great save. The half ended with some controversy as Reilly tried to block Martin's kick-out and the ball flew wide. The keeper was incensed and ref Steven McLean gave a free-kick – although he appeared to have his back to the action at the time.

It took Dobbie a bit longer to get a sight of goal in the second half, Samson denying him twice in the first five minutes. Morgan charged at the Queens defence before unleashing a shot that went a yard or two over but the hosts were looking the more likely side to score, Dobbie and Kane continuing to cause problems for the Saints defence. Despite that, Reilly was given a chance to complete his hat-trick when Baird found him with a delightful pass, however the forward's first touch was poor and the ball bobbled wide.

Instead it was left to MacKenzie to put Saints in front. McShane's corner bounced through to the back post and the big defender forced it over the line, much to the delight of him and every Buddie else. Queens were forced to replace Jordan Marshall with Shaun Rooney due to injury before Reilly's hopes of a hat-trick were ended when he came off for Danny Mullen. The final roll of the home defence saw Stirling replaced by Derek Lyle as Queens got ready to throw the kitchen sink at the visiting defence, however the waves of attack never materialised and Martin was the busier keeper as he saved from Mullen.

At the other end, Samson was barely troubled as Saints comfortably saw the game out to ensure they'll go into next week's crucial clash with Dundee United top of the Championship.

Full Time: Queen of the South 2-3 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley (Stelios 9), McGinn, McShane, Morgan, C.Smith (MacPherson 85), Magennis, Reilly (Mullen 71)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Buchanan, O'Keefe, Sutton

Queen of the South: Martin, Marshall (Rooney 68), Brownlie, Stirling (Lyle 75), Rankin, Kane, Dobbie, Jacobs (Tapping 29), Kerr, Mercer, Dykes
Subs Not Used: Leighfield, McFadden, Murray, Bell

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: Michael Banks
Assistant Referee: Derek Crothers

Attendance: 2,019 (646 St Mirren fans)

A first half Cammy Smith goal was enough to send St Mirren back to the top of the Ladbrokes Championship after a tough fought 1-0 win over Dunfermline. 

The forward's ninth goal of the season gave Saints a big three points and saw them move one clear of Dundee United and 12 clear of The Pars. 

It was the visitors who went closest to opening the scoring in the early exchanges when, with just five minutes on the clock, Ryan Williamson burst into the Saints box and saw his effort deflected by for a corner. 

The game had it's fair share of controversial moments, the first coming just before 10 minutes when Sean Murdoch was lucky to escape red when he wiped out Gavin Reilly on the edge of the box. The Saints striker had broken on to a terrific long ball from Lewis Morgan and just as he looked to round the Pars keeper he was brought down. Referee Craig Charleston awarded a free kick and consulted with his linesman before deciding only to book the goalkeeper much to the annoyance of the Saints support. Ian McShane stepped up to take but sent it over.  

Dunfermline had a few half chances in the next period of the match with Adam Eckersley doing well to block a Nicky Clark shot before a corner kick led to a scramble in the box which Saints eventually managed to get clear.

Reilly wasn't far away from netting against the side he was on loan at last season on 23 minutes. A Nat Wedderburn handball saw The Buddies awarded a free kick on the right hand side. McShane swung the ball into the Dunfermline box where Morgan nodded into the path of Reilly who then flicked goalwards with Murdoch doing well to palm away. 

The Buddies took the lead on 38 minutes after Cammy Smith finished off a nice move from the Saints. Kyle Magennis sent through a wonderful pass to find McShane who had run into the box. It really was a pass of the highest quality with McShane cutting it across the box to Gavin Reilly. The striker, who had his back to goal, took the ball in and on the turn had it pinched off him by Smith who knocked beyond Murdoch to put Saints in front. 

Saints had a huge chance to double their advantage when McShane picked out Reilly who found himself clear on goal. Murdoch raced off his line with Reilly electing to try and lob the keeper but sent the ball over the bar. 

Half Time: St Mirren 1-0 Dunfermline

While St Mirren were well worthy of their first half lead on the balance of play, the second half saw the home side have to dig deep to eek out the three points. But they could have made it 2-0 very early into the second half when a Kyle Magennis ball in from the left was headed just wide by Jack Baird.

Joe Cardle went mightily close for Pars on 51 minutes when his effort from the edge of the box whistled just beyond Craig Samson's post.

Nicky Clark will feel he should have done better on 63 minutes when he was found unmarked by Jason Talbot's cross but he sent his header wide. 

A minute later saw the game's second big controversial moment when Craig Charleston awarded Dunfermline a penalty as Ryan Williamson fell under the challenge of Adam Eckersley. The Saints team were angered at the award as it looked like Williamson had dived anticipating contact. The referee consulted with his linesman and came to the conclusion that no penalty should be awarded with Williamson picking up a yellow card for simulation. 

Dunfermline were having a lot of pressure but weren't creating many clear cut chances. Substitute Fraser Aird would have been desperately disappointed he didn't get them level with just a few minutes remaining when he was picked out in the box. The Canadian had time and space but blootered the ball over the bar. 

In the end St Mirren held out to pick up another vital three points in their quest for promotion and move to the top of the league following the abandonment of Dundee United's match away to Queen of the South.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-0 Dunfermline

St Mirren: Samson, L. Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, McShane, Magennis, C.Smith (MacPherson 88), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 75)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Buchanan, MacKenzie, Kirkpatrick, Sutton

Dunfermline: Murdoch, Williamson, Talbot, Morris, Ashcroft, Higginbotham (Paton 82), Shiels, Wedderburn, Cardle (Aird 82), McManus, Clark
Subs Not Used: Gill, Martin, Mvoto, Ryan, Callum Smith

Referee: Craig Charleston
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Assistant Referee: Scott Leslie

Attendance: 3665

A year ago tomorrow an early second half strike from Lewis Morgan secured St Mirren a first home league win of the season as the Buddies saw off Raith Rovers 1-0 at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. On April 29th 2017, Saints again defeated Rovers at home - this time by a more emphatic 5-0 scoreline - to gain their ninth and final league win of the 2016/17 campaign. 

Today, 364 days after Saints won their first home league match of last season, the Buddies surpassed last season's total of nine wins as goals from Gavin Reilly and Cammy Smith gave Jack Ross' side a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brechin City at Glebe Park to secure a 10th league win of the season. 

It's a testament to the job the gaffer, his backroom staff and the players have done since the beginning of 2017 as Saints keep the pressure on Dundee United at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship.  

A lifeless opening 15 minutes was quickly stirred into action when Jack Baird appeared to be fouled in the Brechin box after Ian McShane floated in a free kick. The defender, trying to attack the ball, appeared to be hauled to the deck by a City defender. Referee Colin Steven was unmoved much to the chagrin of Baird who punched the deck in frustration. 

The Buddies didn't let that phase them and took the lead a little over five minutes later when Gavin Reilly notched his 17th goal of the season. The Brechin defence failed to deal with a through ball from Stephen McGinn. Reilly gambled and with the ball finding its way to his feet, he found himself one-on-one with Brechin goalkeeper Graeme Smith. The 24 year-old showed great composure to curl the ball home to draw first blood for the visitors. 

But Saints couldn't build on that lead with the hosts getting back on level terms on 27 minutes. A long ball forward saw Isaac Layne out-muscle Baird and race through on goal. Craig Samson had raced off his line, but that allowed Layne the space to slot the ball into the net to make it 1-1. 

Buoyed by the goal, Brechin finished the half strongly with ex-Saints striker Kalvin Orsi going close with a chip before Samson made terrific saves to deny Layne and Sean Crighton putting City ahead. 

Half Time: Brechin City 1-1 St Mirren

Orsi almost got Brechin ahead quickly into the second half when he screwed a shot mere inches by the post on 47 mins. 

Five minutes later it was Saints' turn to almost go in front. A tremendous through ball from Adam Eckersley found Lewis Morgan with the young winger racing clear down the left hand side and making his way into the box. His effort had Graeme Smith beaten only for Gary Fusco to be on the line to whack the ball clear. 

St Mirren were awarded a penalty just after the hour mark when Cammy Smith, making his return to the team after missing last week due to injury, was brought down by Graeme Smith. The Brechin players protested the decision, but Colin Steven was adamant the forward had been fouled. With The Buddies' regular penalty taker, Ian McShane, having been substituted it fell to Cammy Smith to take and he made no mistake as he coolly slotted the ball into the net sending Graeme Smith the wrong way. 

The home sides had a few chances in the remaining part of the match to grab themselves a point. Euan Spark found himself all alone inside the Saints box but hit his shot straight at Samson. Then, in the dying embers of the match, Brechin substitute Andy Jackson cracked the post when he looked odds on to score. 

With the referee's final whistle came another big three points for St Mirren in the Ladbrokes Championship to keep them just one point behind leaders Dundee United at the top. 

Full Time: Brechin City 1-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, McShane (Sutton 61), Morgan (Buchanan 87), C.Smith (Kirkpatrick 90), Magennis, Reilly
Subs Not Used: Stewart, McCart, O'Keefe, Duffy

Brechin City: G.Smith, McLean, Dyer (Lynas 17), Fusco, Watt (Graham 76), Spark, Crighton, Sinclair, E.Smith, Layne, Orsi (Jackson 79)
Subs Not Used: P. O'Neil, Love, C. O'Neill 

Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant Referee: Alastair Mather
Assistant Referee: Ryan Oliver

Attendance: 812 

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography