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

Ten-man St Mirren lost at home for the first time since January as Tom Walsh netted late on to give Dumbarton a 1-0 win.

The Buddies were reduced to 10 men minutes before the interval when Stelios Demetriou was given his marching order for a stray elbow on Sam Wardrop. 

Ex-Saints loanee Tom Walsh scored the winner for the visitors with around 10 minutes to go to give them all three points. In truth, Dumbarton deserved the win on a day where the Buddies were flat.

It was Sons who started brightly with Walsh going close to giving them the lead inside the first minute, but Craig Samson did well to push behind for a corner. Walsh did well on 12 minutes when he broke free only to curl his shot straight into the arms of Samson.

Saints gradually started to grow into the game without causing Dumbarton too many problems. Stelios almost connected with a Kyle Magennis cross before the latter drilled just wide of Scott Gallacher's post from outside the area. From the Magennis effort, Sons broke up the park with Liam Smith having to make a vital intervention to deny Alistair Roy a free header at the back post.

Liam Smith almost nodded Saints ahead two minutes before the interval when his looping header went just over the bar. 

The Buddies were reduced to ten men just before half-time when Stelios was shown a red card after elbowing Dumbarton defender Sam Wardrop. There were no complaints from the Cypriot as he marched off down the tunnel.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dumbarton

The visitors started the second half on top with a tame Walsh shot gathered easily by Samson before Roy headed just wide from Calum Gallagher's cross. 

Stuart Carswell had a shot pushed away by the Saints keeper moments later and then, on the hour mark, Chris McLaughlin's decent run saw the full back shoot tamely into the arms of Samson. 

Samson had to deny Walsh a few moments later which resulted in Sons being awarded a corner kick. McLaughlin rose the highest, but nodded just wide. 

Alistair Roy should have put the visitors ahead on 73 minutes when he was played in by Walsh. The forward was one-on-one with Samson but somehow conspired to roll the ball past the post when it looked easier to score.  

That miss seemed to jolt St Mirren into life with an increased sense of urgency seeing Liam Smith's driven ball into the box causing panic in the Dumbarton defence though they eventually scrambled clear. 

With just 10 minutes remaining, Dumbarton grabbed the lead when Walsh's fine solo run saw him create space in the area before squeezing the ball into net at the right hand post. 

Saints sent on Ross Stewart to play alongside fellow sub John Sutton but neither could help the Buddies muster up an opportunity to steal a point late on. 

Full Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dumbarton 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McShane (Stewart 82), McGinn, Morgan, Magennis, Stelios, Reilly (Sutton 75)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Buchanan, McCart, Kirkpatrick, Stewart, Duffy, Sutton

Dumbarton: Gallacher, Barr, Dowie, Wardrop, McLaughlin, Walsh, Carswell, Hutton, Gallagher (Nade 71), Stewart (Roy 7), Morrison (Froxylias 63)
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Wilson, Johnston, Hill, Froxylias, Nade

Referee: Andrew Dallas
Assistant Referee: Willie Conquer 
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane 

Attendance: 3,591

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren returned to the top of the Ladbrokes Championship after coming from behind to defeat Livingston at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

The visitors stunned the Paisley crowd on 30 minutes when Dale Carrick opened the scoring. But second half goals from Lewis Morgan, Adam Eckersley and Ian McShane sealed the comeback and earned Saints another valuable three points. 

Much like Saturday's clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the match started off slowly with the first real chance of the game not registered until the 14th minute. Morgan sent across a nice ball into the area where it was met by the head of Kyle Magennis. The 19 year-old leaped above the Livingston defender to get the flick on it but the ball drifted just by the right hand post. 

The Buddies had the ball in the net just after 20 minutes when Cammy Smith headed home from a corner. But referee Gavin Duncan quickly blew his whistle to rule out the effort after judging their to be a foul on Livi keeper Neil Alexander. The Lions quickly burst up the park and almost caught Saints out with Craig Samson making a good stop to deny Nicky Cadden. 

Livingston took the lead on the half hour mark when Carrick netted against Saints for the second time this season. The midfielder, who scored in Livi's Betfred Cup triumph over St Mirren in July, was on hand to fire home after Josh Mullin's initial attempt had been blocked by Samson. 

Gavin Reilly fashioned himself a good chance when he outmuscled Craig Halkett to get himself one-on-one with Alexander. But his strike was straight at the goalkeeper from a tight angle. Stephen McGinn also had a go five minutes before half-time but his long range shot on his weaker foot was held by the Livi goalkeeper. 

Saints looked to have grabbed a leveller just minutes before the break when an Adam Eckersley cross came crashing off the underside of the bar and hitting off Alexander before then coming off the post and a Livingston player as it rolled out for a corner. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-1 Livingston

Livingston almost extended their lead five minutes into the second half when a great ball across the box looked set to be met by the head of Keaghan Jacobs, but the Livi player couldn't get himself on to what would likely have been a tap-in from close range. 

And before they knew it, Saints were back on terms. Morgan took a short corner to McShane who played the ball back to the winger. He burst into the box and unleashed a shot that squirmed under the arms of Alexander. 

The Buddies could have had a quickfire second after a wonderful move ended in Cammy Smith finding Ian McShane in a good area in the box, but the midfielder ballooned the effort high and wide. 

St Mirren would take the lead though when Adam Eckersley helped the ball into the net on 66 minutes. The defender burst forward and took the ball from Morgan before beating Alexander. The ball was cleared off the line by Declan Gallagher only for it to cannon off the goalkeeper's back and nestle into the net. 

Saints sealed the points with a little over 10 minutes to play when Ian McShane netted from the penalty spot. Jack Baird was fouled as the ball came into the box from a corner and the referee showed no hesitation as he awarded the Buddies a spot kick. McShane who scored the opener in Saturday's win over Inverness with a penalty made no mistake as he sent Alexander the wrong way from 12 yards to put St Mirren 3-1 ahead. 

That was enough to give Saints all three points and put them back to the top of the table - two points clear of Dundee United. 

Full Time: St Mirren 3-1 Livingston

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McShane, McGinn, Magennis (Stelios 88), C. Smith (Buchanan 79), Morgan, Reilly (Sutton 89)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, McCart, Kirkpatrick, Duffy

Livingston: Alexander, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Byrne, Pittman, Longridge, Jacobs, Mullin (De Vita 60), Cadden (Mackin 70), Carrick (Todorov 60)
Subs Not Used: Maley, Penrice, Knox, Henderson

Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee: Gavin Harris
Assistant Referee: David Doig

Attendance: 3,177

St Mirren picked up three points on their return to Ladbrokes Championship action as they defeated Inverness at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Second half goals from Ian McShane and Gavin Reilly sealed a huge league win as the Buddies moved to within a point of first place Dundee United with a game in hand.

The match was stirred into life on 10 minutes after a quiet opening spell when Liam Polworth let fly from distance with Saints goalkeeper Craig Samson doing well to push the ball away with his fingertips. A few moments later, from a corner kick, Samson was alert to deny Carl Tremarco’s header at the near post.

Saints should have taken the lead on the half hour mark when Lewis Morgan managed to break clear. David Raven was trying to get back to cover the winger, but Morgan got himself one-on-one with ex-St Mirren goalkeeper Mark Ridgers, only to slide his effort by the post.

Inverness weren’t creating many clear cut opportunity but had a few shots from distance that troubled Saints. It was Polworth again causing the problems with two long range strikes that went close. The first was drilled just wide before Samson gathered his second attempt a minute later. Joe Chalmers had a go from range a further 60 seconds later, but again Samson was equal to it as he pushed the shot away. 

Samson's Inverness counterpart was made to work on 38 minutes when he tipped over a stinging drive from Ian McShane on the edge of the box.

But it was the hosts who would close out the half the stronger of the two with Samson denying John Baird and Iain Vigurs in quick succession on the lead up to the interval.

Half Time: Inverness 0-0 St Mirren

While Inverness finished the first half as the better side, it was the Buddies who came out brightly after the break.

The rain and snow had lashed down on the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium throughout the whole match and even through the interval. Its effects were beginning to tell early in the second half with puddles on the park holding up the ball slightly before Kyle Magennis rifled an effort at Ridgers on 49 minutes.

Saints’ strong start would be rewarded on 51 minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty kick. Morgan danced his way into the box before being nudged over by David Raven with referee John McKendrick showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Ian McShane who sent Ridgers the wrong way to open the scoring.

Caley nearly found themselves level four minutes later though with Samson making another magnificent save to deny Joe Chalmers from distance.

The game hit a lull with a Vigurs free kick crashing off the Saints wall before Morgan curled one of the bar for the Buddies.

But it would soon flash into life again when Vigurs was given his marching orders with a little over 10 minutes to play. Booked in the first half for a coming together with Cammy Smith, the midfielder was shown a second yellow after bringing down McShane in the St Mirren box before screaming in the goalscorer’s face. This prompted Samson to rush out to have a go at Vigurs with the referee also booking the Saints keeper once the melee had calmed down.

Saints brought on Stelios Demetriou for Cammy Smith as they looked to close out the result. And the Cypriot played a major part in St Mirren claiming all three points. With Inverness charging forward in search of an equaliser, the ball fell to Stelios on the edge of the Saints box. He launched it towards Gavin Reilly who knocked it beyond a Caley defender to find himself rushing through one-on-one with Ridgers. The striker showed great composure to knock the ball beyond the goalkeeper to score his 50th career league goal and earn Saints a big three points.

Next up for the Buddies is their game in hand against Livingston on Tuesday night. Both sides go into the midweek fixture knowing a win for either would be enough to send them top of the Ladbrokes Championship.

Full Time: Inverness 0-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McShane, McGinn, Magennis, C.Smith (Stelios 83), Morgan, Reilly (Duffy 90+3)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Buchanan, McCart, Kirkpatrick, Duffy, Sutton

Inverness: Ridgers, Raven, Tremarco, Chalmers (Oakley 75), Donaldson, Warren, Polworth, Vigurs, Mulraney (Calder 53), Bell, Baird (Trafford 82)
Subs Not Used: Mackay, Elsdon, Doran, Oakley, Calder, Seedorf, Trafford

Referee: John McKendrick
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Assistant Referee: David Dunne

Attendance: 2,687

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren became the first name to make the Scottish Cup fourth round after an emphatic 7-1 win over Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale. 

The Buddies scored all seven goals in a blistering first half with Gavin Reilly netting four to safely secure Saints passage into Monday's draw. 

It was the East of Scotland hosts who had the first chance when Grant Munro scooped the ball over the bar in the first minute from a corner. 

But St Mirren took an early lead with just four minutes played when Stelios found Lewis Morgan in space inside the area with the winger crashing the ball into the far corner of the net to open the floodgates. 

It was 2-0 just five minutes later when Jack Baird's hopeful flick into the box found the returning Harry Davis who composed himself before sliding the ball across the face of goal to Reilly who scored his first of the afternoon. 

The Buddies further extended their lead less than ten minutes later when Baird headed home from a corner kick to make it 3-0. 

Three soon became four when Cammy Smith scored his seventh goal of the season. The forward seized upon a poor clearance from Lothian 'keeper Kevin Swain before lifting it over the helpless stopper from 25 yards. 

St Mirren were in the mood and made it 5-0 eight minutes later as Reilly notched his second of the afternoon when he calmly stroked the ball beyond Swain. And five minutes later, the striker would earn the match ball as he completed his hat-trick.

Reilly almost had a fourth on 41 minutes as he broke clear on goal, only to be denied by a decent save from the goalkeeper. But it was only delaying the inevitable as he found himself with a similar chances 60 seconds later. This time there was to be no denying the 24 year-old as he tucked the ball home for his fourth of the afternoon, St Mirren's seventh and his 15th of the season heading into half-time. 

The visitors pulled a goal back two minutes after the interval when Sean Wringe, who had scored a brace in the previous round, blasted beyond Craig Samson from the edge of the box. 

St Mirren manager Jack Ross made three changes in the second half to try and spark Saints back into life with Dale Hilson, Ross Stewart and John Sutton all coming on. All three had opportunities to get themselves on the scoresheet with Hilson hitting the side netting twice, Stewart having an effort deflected behind for a corner and Sutton cracking the outside of the post in stoppage time. 

In the end, the seven half goals were more than enough for Saints who made it through to the next round with ease. 

Full Time: Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 1-7 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Samson, MacPherson, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McGinn, McShane (Hilson 57), Magennis, Smith, Morgan (Sutton 71), Reilly (Stewart 67)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Buchanan, Kirkpatrick, Duffy

Lothian Thistle: Swain, Sherlock, Munro, Crawford, Moore (Hare 57), Muir, Brown, O'Donnell (Hutchison 70), Swanson (Nhamburo 73), Wringe, Devlin
Subs Not Used: Robertson, Mungall, Simpson, Shala

Referee: David Lowe
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: Blair Fraser

Attendance: 1,132

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography