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

St Mirren lost only their second home league game of the season tonight, after a late comeback from Falkirk to make the score 2-1.

The Champions were winning with less than 10 minutes remaining, before some slack defending let The Bairns get back in the game and inevitably go on to win.

It was a particularly slow first half of the game, as both teams saw lots of the ball, but couldn't turn any possession into chances. The first glimpse of any action came from the visitors, when Louis Longridge went on a good run down the right hand wing and whipped in a good cross. However, the cross evaded everyone and eventually went out for a St Mirren throw in. The same happened with Saints, as Danny Mullen sprung free down the right, but he couldn't find Myles Hippolyte who was waiting in the box.

Falkirk had a few long range efforts on goal in a pretty dull first half. The first came from Joe McKee from a 35-yard freekick; he strikes the ball well, but it was never threatening Craig Samson's goal. Next up was Alex Jakubiak, when he created a bit of space on the edge of the area, but his effort was right at The Buddies keeper. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Falkirk

The second half started a bit livelier with Saints creating a great opportunity within two minutes of the restart. A good ball into the box was met by the head of Danny Mullen who turned it goal-ward, but Joe Thomson was equal to it. 

The deadlock was broken on the 54th minute, when a freekick from the left was delivered into the box and Alan Muir pointed to spot after Danny Mullen went down from a challenge from Bairns defender Paul Watson. Myles Hippolyte stepped up to the mark against his former team and sent the keeper the wrong way to make the score 1-0 to St Mirren. 

Hippolyte could have doubled the score and his tally five minutes later. Stelios Demetriou made a run down the left wing and managed to cut in on Falkirk captain Aaron Muirhead, then played the ball to Hippolyte who was free - but the big forward just couldn't beat Thomson in the Falkirk goal as he parried it away.

The only other chance for St Mirren fell to Jack Baird from a corner. An in-swinging corner from Kyle Magennis was met at the back post from the towering central defender, but sub goalkeeper Conor Hazard managed to block the attempt and scramble the ball away for another corner.

Another penalty was awarded on the 81st minute, this time for Falkirk. There was an adjudged shove from Jack Baird, in similar fashion to the penalty that was awarded earlier. Lewis Kidd stepped up to the plate, but he was denied by a great save from Craig Samson, who was determined to hold on to his clean sheet record.

Sadly it wasn't to be though, as one minute later Falkirk equalised. After a cross came in to the back post Samson made a save, but the ball spilled to Joe McKee who only had to touch the ball into the empty net from three yards out to make the score 1-1.

As everyone thought the game was going to trickle out as a draw, Craig Sibbald had other ideas. After the ball made it's way down the left for Jakubiak, he put in a tempting ball again to the back post. Stelios seemed to get caught under the ball though, and Sibbald ran in to volley the ball into the back of the net on the 91st minute to give the Bairns all three points. 

Full Time: St Mirren 1-2 Falkirk

St Mirren: Samson, Irvine, Baird, Donati, Stelios, McShane (Magennis 58), McGinn, Hill, Mullen (Morgan 69), Hippolyte, Reilly (C.Smith 80)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Erhahon, Glover, Sutton

Falkirk: Thomson (Hazard 60), McGhee, Muirhead (Kidd, 70), Grant, Watson, McKee, Taiwo, Sibbald, Longridge, Harris (O'Hara 64), Jakubiak
Subs Not Used: Tumilty, Blair, Mitchell, Welsh

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: Ivan Stankovic
Assistant Referee: Steven Traynor 

Attendance: 3761

St Mirren are champions!

The Buddies clinched the Ladbrokes Championship and gained promotion back to the Premiership after a 0-0 draw with Livingston at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

Saints almost got the day off to the perfect start with Neil Alexander making a finger tip save to deny a fine Lewis Morgan strike that seemed destined to nestle into the top corner. The winger drove forward and let rip from distance with veteran goalkeeper Alexander clawing away.

Jack Ross' men started brightly and seemed determined to make it a day to remember. Cammy Smith was close to opening the scoring on 10 minutes when he lifted the ball over Alexander, but it just didn't fall quickly enough as it came off the roof of the net.

Ryan Flynn had a good opportunity from the edge of the box, but the winger didn't catch it well enough and it flew wide. Cammy Smith then had a go from similar range but dragged his effort wide. 

The visitors began to grow into the game with Declan Gallagher doing well to meet a Rafa De Vita cross. However, the defender's header was easy enough for Craig Samson. Ryan Hardie wasn't all that far away when he met a cross with his head a few minutes later. 

A foul on Danny Mullen saw Saints awarded a free kick in a good area just outside the box. Morgan stepped up to take but curled over. 

As the game edged towards the interval there was one last opening for the Buddies with Morgan drilling the ball across the face of goal only for it to be narrowly missed by Cammy Smith and Ryan Flynn who would have opened the scoring with the slightest touch.

Samson had to be alert 10 minutes into the second half as he gathered a Hardie header at full stretch.

Danny Mullen almost netted his third St Mirren goal against his former side when he rose the highest to meet a Stephen McGinn free kick. The forward was up like a salmon but stuck the header just by the post. 

With time ebbing away Kyle Magennis looked like he might settle things for the Buddies with a pile-driver from the edge of the box. It looked certain that it was going to fly into the bottom corner only for a vital intervention by a Livi defender.

In the end Saints earned the vital point that clinched the Championship title and a return to the Premiership.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-0 Livingston 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, MacKenzie, Davis, Eckersley, Flynn, McGinn, Magennis, Morgan, Mullen (Reilly 72), C.Smith (Hippolyte 85)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Baird, McShane, Sutton

Livingston: Alexander, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Frizzell (Cadden 45), Pitman, Byrne, De Vita (Mullin 72), Longridge, Miller (Thompson 51), Hardie
Subs Not Used: McMillan, Jacobs, Robinson, Buchanan

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Stuart Stevenson
Assistant Referee: Chris Phillips

Attendance: 6,172

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

St Mirren's hopes of winning the Ladbrokes Championship were put on hold until Saturday at least after a narrow 1-0 loss to Dundee United at Tannadice.

Billy King's second minute opener was enough for The Terrors to pick up all three points and see the champagne put back on ice for Saints.

It was a frustrating beginning to a big night for The Buddies as the home side took the lead inside Saints got off to the worst start as United took the lead inside two minutes. Paul McMullan stole in ahead of Liam Smith and played the ball across the box into the path of Billy King who steered the ball home to put United in front.

Saints reacted fairly well with Kyle Magennis sending a free kick just by the left hand post after Cammy Smith had been fouled on eight minutes.

But United troubled The Buddies a few minutes later with Gary MacKenzie having to nod away a curling McMullan shot which looked dangerous.

St Mirren started to step it up though with captain Stephen McGinn playing a wonderful cross-field pass which expertly picked out Lewis Morgan. The winger drove into the box but his effort was blocked. 

Adam Eckersley almost added to his strike at Tannadice earlier in the season when he cracked the crossbar on 23 minutes. McGinn played the ball into the path of Ryan Flynn who found Cammy Smith driving forward. Smith sprayed the ball left to Eckersley with the full back bursting into the box and hitting the woodwork from a tight angle. 

It was Eckersley who was involved again a few minutes later when his dangerous low ball across the box was only just turned behind by Willo Flood. The corner in found Gary MacKenzie's head and he wasn't a million miles away with a United defender in the six yard box scrambling clear. 

The Buddies were desperately unlucky not to be level on the half hour mark. Cammy Smith knocked the ball down the right to Liam Smith who played a lovely low ball into the area where it was met by a quick flick of Danny Mullen's boot but it crashed off the underside of the bar with United blocking Morgan's follow up attempt. 

United began trying to draw Saints into a physical battle and had three players booked with Thomas Mikkelsen and Paul McMullan cautioned for poor late challenges on Ryan Flynn and Liam Smith. Mark Durnan joined his teammates in the book before half-time for a foul on Mullen. Morgan attempted the spectacular from the free kick 35 yards out but sent it over.

Half Time: Dundee United 1-0 St Mirren

Saints began the second half brightly and had a penalty claim five minutes after the break when the ball looked like it may have come off a United hand inside the box. Referee Andrew Dallas was unmoved.  

The Buddies had a number of set pieces opportunities from free kicks and corners but were failing to make the pressure count. United seemed to grow in belief after the hour mark with Mikkelsen going close but he blasted his effort straight into the arms of Craig Samson.

With 15 minutes to go, Kyle Magennis will have felt he should have done more to test United keeper Deniz from a free kick around 25 yards from goal but the effort was straight at the Turkish goalkeeper.

United could have put the seal on the three points when Billy King tried to wriggle clear of the Saints defence. The ball fell for Sam Stanton who found himself one-on-one with Samson who made a strong save to deny the forward. 

John Sutton, a member of the 2005-06 St Mirren league winning side, looked like he might be the hero in the dying embers of the game when he latched on to a long ball inside the box only for Deniz to block.

In the end United hung on and St Mirren's next chance to win the title comes at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Saturday when second place Livingston visit.

Full Time: Dundee United 1-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, MacKenzie, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn (Sutton 74), Magennis, Flynn, C.Smith (Hippolyte 79), Morgan, Mullen (Reilly 63)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Baird, McShane

Dundee United: Deniz, Ralston, Durnan, Mohsni, Murdoch, Gillespie, Flood, Stanton, King (Glass 90), McMullan (Briels 86), Mikklesen
Subs Not Used: Lewis, Scobbie, Robson, M.Smith, Mason

Referee: Andrew Dallas
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill
Assistant Referee: Ross MacLeod

Attendance: 5,905

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

St Mirren are just a point away from clinching the Ladbrokes Championship after a hard-fought win away to basement side Brechin City.

It had looked like it may have been Saints day with Livingston being held by Morton heading into the last 10 minutes. But a late Alan Lithgow goal for Livi delayed the celebrations, with Jack Ross now able to secure the title on Tuesday night when they head to Tannadice to face Dundee United.

The Buddies got off to a bright start threatening the hosts inside the first minute. Lewis Morgan gave Brechin's Graeme Smith something to think about with a long-range effort on five minutes but the goalkeeper gathered on the second attempt. 

It took Saints just seven minutes to make the breakthrough though with Kyle Magennis opening the scoring for the Buddies. The 19 year-old showed good pace and strength to break away from Callum Tapping to meet an Adam Eckersley throw-in. He took one touch with his left foot to move it on to his right before unleashing a powerful drive that flew past Graeme Smith into the far right corner.

Saints were doing there bit and were boosted by the news that Morton had taken the lead over Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena. 

The game hit a bit of a lull with neither side managed to conjure up any real opportunities. That changed on 28 minutes when Brechin's Jordan Sinclair cracked the cross bar from distance.

The Buddies weren't far away from doubling their lead on three occasions before the interval. The first seeing Morgan curl a free kick just by the left post after he was fouled, before Harry Davis' header from a Magennis free kick was blocked by Smith. Finally, Davis was on the end of a corner but the crowded box denied Saints the opportunity to poke the ball into the net from the following stramash.

Half Time: Brechin City 0-1 St Mirren

Brechin took kick-off in the second half and looked to threaten early on with Sinclair having a shot blocked from the edge of the box and Finn Graham having a go from distance, though it was easily gathered by Samson.

Gary MacKenzie recovered well to make a good block to deny Isaac Layne the chance to go one-on-one with Samson on 56 minutes and from there Saints seemed to kick on as they created a number of chances in the minutes that followed. Danny Mullen's ball across the box met the sliding in Cammy Smith whose effort came off the side netting. A minute later Mullen was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet after beating Graeme Smith with a chip only for Euan Smith to clear off the line. Brechin keeper Graeme Smith then did well to save a shot from Morgan as Saints tried to wrap up the three points.

Morgan went close late on for Saints with an effort that went just by the post while Dylan Mackin saw a shot pushed away by Craig Samson up the other end.

With Livingston sealing a late win against Morton, it meant this afternoon wasn't the day Saints officially sealed the title and promotion back to the Ladbrokes Premiership. But things are in the Buddies' hands come Tuesday as they know that if they take anything against Dundee United at Tannadice, they will be crowned Champions.

Full Time: Brechin City 0-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Davis, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Magennis, McGinn, Flynn, C.Smith (Reilly 68), Morgan, Mullen (McShane 77)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Baird, Stelios, McShane, Hippolyte, Sutton, Reilly

Brechin City: G. Smith, Dyer, Fusco (Lynas 50), Dale, Tapping, Graham (Morrison 75), Layne, Spark, Orsi, Sinclair (Mackin 62), E.Smith
Subs Not Used: O'Neill, Watt, Mackin, Costello

Referee: David Munro
Assistant Referee: Anthony Cooper
Assistant Referee: Will Smith

Attendance: 2447

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

St Mirren had to settle for a point away to Inverness this afternoon despite being 2-0 in front.

The Buddies took a fourth minute lead when Harry Davis converted from the penalty spot. The defender missed the chance to double Saints’ lead before the interval when he saw another spot kick saved. 

Lewis Morgan scored with less than 20 minutes to go to give the Buddies a two goal advantage, but two goals in three minutes saw the hosts grab a share of the spoils at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Danny Mullen was hauled to the ground by Coll Donaldson with just three minutes on the clock. There was no denying it was a penalty with Alan Newlands pointing to the spot. Harry Davis stepped up and coolly slotted the ball low into the far left corner beyond Mark Ridgers.

Saints were playing like a team possessed in the early stages with Mullen causing the Inverness defence all sorts of problems in the opening 10 minutes. He had another claim for a penalty when he fell in the box on nine minutes but the referee waved play on. 

Liam Smith was unlucky not to make it 2-0 on 13 minutes. The full back charged on to a short corner, cut inside before driving an effort towards the far top corner. Ex-St Mirren goalkeeper Mark Ridgers made a great save to deny the loanee his third St Mirren goal.

Ridgers made another excellent stop on 28 minutes - this time to deny Lewis Morgan. The winger was found in acres of space on the left and smashed a shot at the near post with Ridgers tipping wide.

The Inverness stopper's day wasn't about to get any easier with the keeper forced into three vitals saves in a short space of time five minutes before half time. He saved a low shot from Morgan giving St Mirren a corner. Danny Mullen got on the end of it with Ridgers clawing away the forward's header.The ball was curled back into the box where Davis was pushed to the ground and Saints were given a second penalty of the match. The defender stepped up to take but couldn't add to his earlier goal with Ridgers denying the attempt with his trailing foot.

Half Time: Inverness 0-1 St Mirren

The opening 10 minutes of the second half were a quiet affair but it was stirred into life on 57 minutes when - from 25 yards out - Iain Vigurs curled the ball towards the top left corner. It looked certain to nestle into the postage stamp but crashed off the bar and went over.

Inverness had an appeal for a penalty waved away with Aaron Doran picking up a yellow card for simulation after he fell inside the box under pressure from Liam Smith just after the hour.

Mark Ridgers had been in fine form all afternoon and was at it once again when he made a brilliant stop to deny Lewis Morgan on 69 minutes. 

But Inverness couldn't get the ball clear and it was worked back to Morgan on the left who was brought down right on the edge of the area to win Saints a free kick. Morgan who stepped up to take and he gave Ridgers no chance with this one as he curled it into the far corner and into the back of the net via the aid of the post. It was the forward's fourth goal in three games and it seemed like Saints were on their way to picking up all three points, but Inverness had other ideas.

They pulled a goal back through captain Gary Warren who got ahead of the St Mirren defence to head home from a corner kick on 78 minutes. Their tails were up and just three minutes later they had a leveller. The Caley Jags won a free kick around 25 yards from goal on the left side. Polworth was the man for it and he drilled it into the far right corner to earn a point for the hosts.

Full Time: Inverness 2-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, MacKenzie, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, Magennis, Morgan, C.Smith (Baird 73), Flynn, Mullen (Reilly 65)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, McShane, Hippolyte, Sutton

Inverness: Ridgers, Tremarco, Warren, Donaldson, McKay, Trafford, Oakley, Vigurs, Polworth, Doran (Calder 67), Austin (Mackay 59)
Subs Not Used: Esson, Chalmers, Seedorf, Elbouzedi, Bell

Referee: Alan Newlands
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Simon Maclean

Attendance: 3,025

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

St Mirren cruised to victory over Dumbarton to take a step closer to a return to the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Lewis Morgan's 15th goal of the season, along with Cammy Smith's 32nd minute strike had Saints on easy street heading into the break. 

Danny Mullen then added his first home goal after the break, before substitute Gavin Reilly made it goal number 22 for the season. Lewis Morgan put the seal on a brilliant win with a stunning strike on 86 minutes. 

Saints were right up for it from the off with Cammy Smith going close on three minutes when he cut in from the left, but his shot was blocked by ex-St Mirren goalkeeper Scott Gallacher. 

The Buddies were awarded a free kick in a good position on the edge of the penalty box when Stephen McGinn was fouled by Liam Dick. Morgan, who scored from a similar position against Queen of the South last weekend, stepped up to take but sent it over the bar. 

But just seven minutes later the winger was on the scoresheet with a lovely curling finish to put St Mirren one-nil in front. Ryan Flynn did brilliantly to steal the ball from Craig Barr before sending it into Cammy Smith's path. Smith spotted Morgan who had peeled away on the left with the 21 year-old having the time to pick his spot to send beyond Gallacher. 

Cammy went close on 23 minutes only for his shot to be blocked, while Kyle Magennis almost scored in fortuitous fashion when his corner kick flew over everyone and had to be headed off the line by Barr. 

St Mirren's persistence paid off on 32 minutes when Cammy Smith bundled home following a goal-line scramble to make it 2-0. 

While Saints were cruising, the visitors almost pulled a goal back a minute after our second with Craig Samson making a world class save to deny Kevin Nesbit and continue his home clean sheet record.  

Jack Ross' men were rampant and continued to plug away in search of a third goal before the interval. Stephen McGinn drilled an effort just past the post before Ryan Flynn slid in at the back post sending over Morgan's ball across the box.

Half Time: St Mirren 2-0 Dumbarton

While Saints couldn't get a third in the first half, it didn't take them long after the interval to find it. Danny Mullen was on the end of a neat move and finished nicely beyond Gallacher to score his first goal at The Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

The Buddies were so in control and the match had shades of the 5-0 win over Raith Rovers towards the end of last season. Mullen was so unlucky not to grab a second when his header from a corner was deflected behind. 

Substitute Gavin Reilly got the much deserved fourth for St Mirren on 71 minutes. The striker's initial shot was blocked by Gallacher, but he showed his instincts to follow in the rebound to score his 22nd goal of the season.

The best was yet to come, but come it did on 86 minutes when Lewis Morgan scored his second of the night. It was an absolute screamer from the winger who drove forward and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to put the seal on a brilliant night for the Buddies. 

Full Time: St Mirren 5-0 Dumbarton

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, MacKenzie, Davis, Eckersley (Stelios 60), McGinn, Magennis (McShane 77), Flynn, C.Smith, Morgan, Mullen (Reilly 67)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Baird, Hippolyte, Sutton

Dumbarton: Gallacher, D.Smith, Dowie, Dick, Barr, Nesbit (Gallagher 55), Burt (Wilson 72), Carswell, Hutton, Froxylias (Walsh 63), Stirling
Subs Not Used: Ewings, McLaughlin, Hill, M.Stewart

Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant Referee: Graham McNeille
Assistant Referee: Colin McAlpine

Attendance: 3,964

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

St Mirren faced off with Queen of the South on what was a cold and Breezy day at Palmerston Park. Two changes to last week's squad, with Jack Baird coming in for Harry Davis, and Gavin Reilly drops out for the return of Lewis Morgan after missing last week due to tonsillitis.

The league leaders knew going into the game that win would take them ever closer to their end goal of winning the Scottish Championship, and that’s exactly what they did, defeating The Doonhamers 3-1 to move 12 points clear at the top. 

It was a slow start to the game, with neither team creating very much. It took to the 9th minute before saints had their first attempt on goal - a 25 yard hit from Mullen which sailed over the crossbar, never troubling goalkeeper Jack Leighfield.

The first big chance of the game fell to St Mirren on the 15th minute, after some nice work down the right by Liam Smith, Ryan Flynn whipped the ball into the box and Kyle Magennis got a head onto it, as it narrowly crept past the post. Seconds later Cammy Smith had a shot from the just outside the box that was directed straight at Leighfield, who fumbled the ball over his own crossbar instead of collecting it comfortably, like he should have.

17 minutes into the game and the deadlock was broken. A jinky run from Lewis Morgan, cutting inside from the right, resulted in Morgan slipping in Danny Mullen who managed to drill the ball across Leighfield to get his first goal for The Buddies. A finish any forward would have been proud of.

After 21 minutes though, The Doonhamer’s equalised, as Jordan Marshall sprinted past Liam Smith on the left wing, and with only Craig Samson to beat he slipped the ball past the Saint’s number one to even the score at 1-1.

Queens nearly put themselves into the lead on 33 minutes, as captain John Rankin found plenty of space in the middle of then park. He continued his run towards goal untouched, all the way to the 18 yard line before his shot drifted wide of Samson’s right hand post.

The Buddies last chance in the half came from another long range effort from Mullen, which went well wide of the target, as St Mirren struggled to get back in the game after Queens equaliser. Just before half time the team from Dumfries had a chance to take the lead through Dominic Thomas, who worked a bit of room on the edge of The Saint’s box, but his shot went straight down the middle and was an easy save for Samson in the end. 

Half Time: Queen of the South 1-1 St Mirren

Right after the restart Saints had a decent chance to restore their lead. Two minutes into the second half the ball was put into the box by Liam Smith and was only half cleared from Queens, before Morgan’s half volley was always rising as it went over the crossbar.

On the 52nd minute a free kick was awarded to Saints 20 yards from goal, after a foul on Lewis Morgan. The winger stepped up to take the free kick himself and made no mistake as he curled it low into the bottom left hand corner to restore the Paisley side’s lead to 2-1.

A big chance for Saints came on the 55 minute mark. A McGinn in-swinging freekick from about 40 yards out landed at the feet of Gary MacKenzie in the six yard box. With the goal at his mercy, the big centre couldn’t turn the ball goalwards, as the Queens keeper collected the ball.

64 minutes into the second period and The Buddies increased their lead to 3-1 and all but put the game out of reach for Gary Naysmith’s side. A delicate little touch from Lewis Morgan in the middle of the park released Kyle Magennis, who managed to storm past the home defence and power the ball across Jack Leighfield in a fantastic solo effort. No question about it being his goal this time.

There was very little in the way of chances for the rest of the game after St Mirren’s third, as Jack Ross’ team remained in full control for the remainder of the match. The only other chance of the game came on the 91st minute, when Gary MacKenzie’s header from a McGinn freekick was goalbound. However, a terrific stop from Leighfield managed to tip the ball wide to prevent The Buddies from extending their lead any further.

Full Time: Queen of the South 1-3 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley (Stelios 49), Magennis, McGinn, Morgan, C.Smith (McShane 88), Flynn, Mullen (Reilly 80)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Donati, Hippolyte, Sutton

Queen of the South: Leighfield, Marshall, Mercer, Fordyce, Cameron, Rankin, Thomson (Dykes 69), Jacobs, Thomas, Fergusson (Todorov 69), D.Lyle
Subs Not Used: C. Lyle, Rooney, Brownlie, Murray, Beerman

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: Andrew MacWilliam
Assistant Referee: George King 

Attendance: 1,902

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

St Mirren kept a sixth clean sheet in a row at home as they picked up a deserved three points this afternoon.

Goals from Harry Davis and Liam Smith helped The Buddies see off Dunfermline and stretch their lead to the top of the Ladbrokes Championship to 11 points. 

Saints were well worthy of the win as they put in a classy showing from start to finish.

It was, however, Dunfermline who had the first glimpses at goal with Daniel Armstrong sending a shot just over in the opening two minutes before Pars top scorer Nicky Clark curled wide from the edge of the box on five minutes.

Danny Mullen, who had his best performances in a St Mirren jersey, was causing problems for the visitors early on and his cross almost allowed Cammy Smith to score his 13th of the season, but the forwards header went just over. Mullen then tested Lee Robinson in the Dunfermline goal with an overhead kick after appeals for a penalty when Gary MacKenzie went down inside the box.

Kyle Magennis would have felt he could have done better from a good free kick opportunity on 16 minutes. It was Mullen who was felled right on the edge of the box and Magennis, who scored a super free kick in the win over Brechin two weeks ago, lined up to take. But the midfielder put too much on it as it flew over the cross bar. 

Saints almost broke the deadlock three minutes later when Stephen McGinn's rifled effort had to be flicked over the bar by Robinson. 

The home side were on top, but Craig Samson had to be alert to deny Clark an opener on 24 minutes. There was a hairy moment just before the break when a pass back to Samson bobbled over his foot and rolled towards the net. However, the keeper was able to recover the situation with ease. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dunfermline

St Mirren could have gotten off to the perfect second half start when the excellent Ryan Flynn found Cammy Smith in good space inside the box. The forward had the time to compose himself though his shot was straight at Robinson. 

The visitors passed up a glorious opportunity to take the lead a few minutes before the hour mark. Pars burst forward with James Craigen found in acres of space on the left hand side of the box. Somehow the midfielder cannoned the shot wide when he looked poised to make it 1-0.

Saints hadn't fallen asleep but the missed Pars chance seemed to give them an extra jolt with Cammy Smith unlucky not to have scored his third goal against Dunfermline this season. The forward showed great skill and pace to break forward, but slid the ball wide of the goal with Gavin Reilly waiting in the centre.

Mullen was soon to be denied his first goal for St Mirren twice in a few minutes. The first saw Robinson push his shot away as it looked to head in to the near left hand post on 62 minutes. Then, five minutes later, the striker was brought down by Jason Talbot as he looked to pull the trigger inside the six yard box. Referee Nick Walsh showed no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and going to his pocket to show Talbot a second yellow card to send him for an early bath.

Harry Davis, who scored from the spot in the 2-0 win over Queen of the South last month, stepped up once again and made no mistake to put St Mirren into the lead on 69 minutes. Nice. 

The Buddies doubled their advantage three minutes later after an absolute howitzer from Liam Smith put Saints firmly in control. The ball fell nicely to the full back on the edge of the area and he slammed the ball beyond the Robinson to seal the three points.

Full Time: St Mirren 2-0 Dunfermline

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Davis, MacKenzie, Eckersley, McGinn, Magennis (McShane 87), Flynn, C.Smith, Mullen (Baird 80), Reilly (Hippolyte 85)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Hill, Sutton

Dunfermline: Robinson, Williamson, Talbot, M'Voto, Ashcroft, Craigen (Martin 71), Beadling, Vincent, Armstrong (Cardle 57), McManus (Morris 74), Clark
Subs Not Used: Gill, Morris, Martin, Cardle, Wedderburn, Higginbotham, Ryan

Referee: Nick Walsh
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland
Assistant Referee: Kevin McElhinney

Attendance: 4,240

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

St Mirren regained their 11 point gap at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship with a 1-0 win over Brechin City at The Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

The Buddies controlled the match for large spells of the first half and took the lead through a Kyle Magennis free kick. Ian McShane had the chance to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot but saw his effort saved by Brechin goalkeeper Patrick O'Neil. In the end one goal was enough to see Saints pick up all three points and get back to winning ways. 

Saints got off to a quick start winning a succession of corners in the opening few minutes but couldn't profit from any of them despite the returning Gary MacKenzie going mightily close.

St Mirren cranked up the pressure with Cammy Smith having an effort from 25 yards saved by Patrick O'Neil before a good run from Liam Smith saw the full back get into a good position inside the box, but he fired over. 

A goal looked inevitable after the start made and it would come with 15 minutes on the clock. Gavin Reilly was fouled around 25 yards and referee Steven McLean awarded Saints a free kick. Kyle Magennis stepped up and powered his effort off the bar and into the net via a bounce off Brechin goalkeeper O'Neil. It was awarded as an own goal but it would be harsh to take the strike away from Magennis as he opened his account for the season.

Saints were in total control of the match and didn't seem keen to settle for just one goal. Cammy Smith pounced upon a poor clearance from O'Neil but scooped his shot over the bar. Then captain Stephen McGinn almost added his name to the scoresheet a minute later.  A blocked Lewis Morgan shot was played into the skipper's path by Reilly but his curling shot was pushed away by O'Neil. 

From the resultant corner The Buddies were awarded a penalty as Kostadin Gadzhalov brought down a Saints player inside the box. Ian McShane, returning to the side, stepped up to take the spot kick, but was denied by O'Neil who dived to his right to push the attempt away.

But The Buddies still created good openings with Cammy Smith the next to be thwarted by the Brechin goalkeeper. Cammy then found Liam Smith inside a good area in the box five minutes later with the loanee firing just over the cross bar. 

Saints continued to push for a second early after the interval - this time Cammy Smith was denied by the bar rather than O'Neil as the forward smashed the ball from distance. 

The woodwork then came to St Mirren's rescue three minutes later as Brechin almost found themselves level. Liam Watt had a go from distance and has goalkeeper Craig Samson beaten only for the shot to smack off the post. 

The game went a bit flat with neither side creating much. Brechin's Dylan Mackin was denied on 75 minutes by a good save from Samson. The Buddies tried to grab a second to kill the match in the final 10 minutes with substitute Jack Baird sending a header over from a corner and Lewis Morgan shooting into the arms of O'Neil.

One goal proved to be enough though as Saints regained their 11 point lead over Livingston heading into the final 10 matches of the season.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-0 Brechin City

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, MacKenzie, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, McShane (Flynn 60), Morgan, C.Smith (Baird 78), Magennis, Reilly (Hippolyte 68)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Hill, Mullen

Brechin: O'Neil, Dyer (Layne 68), Dale (Storie 76), Tapping, Watt, Spark, Morrison (Orsi 53), Gadzhalov, Crighton, Mackin, E.Smith
Subs Not Used: G. Smith, Fusco, Graham

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: Stuart Stevenson
Assistant Referee: David McKniff

Attendance: 4,358

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