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

St Mirren suffered just a third league of the season as they fell to a 2-1 loss away to Dundee United. 

A late wonder strike from Adam Eckersley wasn't enough to avoid defeat as goals from Mark Durnan and Sam Stanton gave the Tangerines all three points. 

United started the better of the two sides with Scott McDonald going close with just five minutes on the clock when he got on the end of a corner. But Saints goalkeeper Craig Samson gathered with ease. 

Scott Fraser would have been disappointed that he didn't open the scoring two minutes later after being expertly picked out by Matthew Smith in a good area inside the Buddies box. He looked set to knock the ball beyond Samson only for the ball to get caught up in his feet allowing the keeper to grab hold.

The home side would take the lead on 12 minutes through Mark Durnan. A freekick deep in St Mirren's half was fired into the box by Fraser, with Mark Durnan stooping low to flick a header into top of the Saints net. It looked as though Samson expected it to head over the bar, but to the Buddies disappointment it looped in to draw first blood for United. 

St Mirren could have found themselves level mere moments later when Cammy Smith picked out Magennis in the box. It was all set up for the midfielder to equalise but for a good block from Thomas Scobbie. 

Saints grew more and more into the game and had two great chances in the space to equalise before the break with Lewis Morgan dragging two shots from good positions wide.

Just as the game was heading towards the interval and vicious shot from Billy King almost saw United double their advantage with the effort fizzing just over the bar. 

Half Time: Dundee United 1-0 St Mirren

It was King who had the first real chance after the break with Samson making a good stop to deny the forward. 

Then, on the hour mark, a loose pass from Morgan searching for Jack Baird was pounced upon by Fraser who burst through the centre of Saints defence to break clear on goal. But his shot was clawed away by Samson to keep the score at 1-0. 

Saints had a number of set pieces opportunities in the second half but were failing to make any count with United keeper Harry Lewis having little to do. 

Dundee United thought they had made a set piece of their own count when a free kick launched into the Saints box was put into the net by Scobbie only to be denied by the offside flag.

The Tangerines were starting to turn the screw as they searched for a killer second with time ticking away. Samson did well to save from Fraser on 77 minutes, but two minutes later they'd have their all important second. Substitute Fraser Fyvie played a brilliant ball into the box where he found Scott Fraser, United's best player on the day, in acres of space. The midfielder took it down on his chest before rolling it into the path of Sam Stanton who slammed home to double their advantage. 

Saints grabbed a consolation deep into injury time when Adam Eckersley scored a goal of the season candidate with a wonderful volley from 25 yards out. The left back brought the ball down on his chest before lashing it over Harry Lewis and in off the underside of the cross bar. 

But coming on 94 minutes it was too little too late for Saints who remain top of the Ladbrokes Championship on goal difference. 

Full Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, McCart, Eckersley, McGinn, McShane, Morgan, C.Smith, Magennis (Sutton 63), Reilly (Hilson 72)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Buchanan, MacPherson, Stewart

Dundee United: Lewis, Murdoch, Durnan, Scobbie, Robson, Fraser, Flood, Stanton, King, M.Smith (Fyvie 69), McDonald (Keatings 83) 
Subs Not Used: Deniz, McMullan, N'Koyi, Edjenguele, Allardice

Referee: Greg Aitken 
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Ross Haswell

Attendance: 6,836

St Mirren had to settle for a point in a controversial Renfrewshire derby as Morton came from behind twice to draw 2-2. 

Ian McShane gave Saints a second half lead from the penalty spot before Andy Murdoch levelled almost immediately for the visitors. Gavin Reilly scored his 11th goal of the season to put the Buddies back in front on 72 minutes. But Morton equalised with just over 10 minutes to play when Gary Harkins scored the game's second penalty as both sides shared the spoils.

The visitors almost took an early lead when a mix up between Liam Smith and Jack Baird saw Jai Quitongo race through on goal. The striker tried to break away but was closely followed by Gregor Buchanan who did enough to put off him and take the sting out of his eventual shot which Craig Samson pushed wide.

Lewis Morgan went close twice in quick succession as Saints looked to take an early lead. Countering from a Morton corner, Stephen McGinn slipped a lovely through ball for Cammy Smith who rode the challenge of a Morton defender before picking out Morgan inside the area. The winger created a bit of space inside the box but the connection on the ball wasn't clean as the ball rolled just by the post. He did, however, go close four minutes later with a swerving shot on the edge of the box was well pushed over the bar by Derek Gaston.

The Buddies were on top and almost grabbed the lead when Gavin Reilly found himself in good space, rifling a shot just over the bar after the half hour mark.

The game hit a bit of a lull, but Andy Murdoch almost caught out Samson with a good hit from the edge of the box that was moving in the wind. The Saints keeper did well to push the powerful drive away as half time approached. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Morton

St Mirren started the second half brightly, winning a corner within the first minute of the restart. Then, two minutes later, Morton goalkeeper Gaston was forced into a terrific save by Lewis Morgan. The winger was found alone inside the box and rattled the ball towards the top corner with the keeper doing well to touch it over the bar. 

With around 25 minutes to play, Saints were awarded a penalty kick as Lewis Morgan was pulled down. Question marks surrounded whether the foul had taken place in or out of the box, but referee Steven McLean pointed to the penalty spot. The Buddies have made a bit of a habit of missing penalties over the last year or so, but made no mistake as Ian McShane sent Gaston the wrong way to draw first blood in the derby. 

But St Mirren wouldn't be allowed to enjoy the lead for long as the visitors got themselves level two minutes later. A ball in from the left was headed out the box where it met the oncoming Andy Murdoch who drilled it sweetly into the bottom corner from 25 yards out to make it 1-1.

The game had well and truly burst into life with Saints regaining the lead a little over three minutes later. Cammy Smith's searching ball into the box was swept home first time by Reilly for his 11th goal in the black and white of St Mirren. 

And Reilly almost wrapped the game up soon after when he clipped a shot just beyond the post as the Buddies searched for a third. 

But the derby day drama wasn't done there as Morton were awarded a penalty of their own with just over 10 minutes to go. Gregor Buchanan was judged to have brought down Ton defender Thomas O'Ware inside the box as a corner was swung in. Ex-Saint Gary Harkins stepped up and stroked the ball beyond Samson to make it 2-2. 

Saints looked to be denied a second penalty when Gavin Reilly was scythed down as he burst into the box. Remarkably, the referee booked the striker for simulation despite clear contact. 

In the end it was only a point for the Buddies who still remain two points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship.

Full Time: St Mirren 2-2 Morton 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Buchanan, Stelios, McGinn, McShane, Magennis (Stewart 61), C.Smith, Morgan, Reilly
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Irvine, McCart, MacPherson, Hilson, Sutton

Morton: Gaston, Murdoch, O'Ware, Lamie. Doyle, Oliver, Forbes, Quitongo (McHugh 55), Harkins (Armour 88), Tiffoney (Thomson 75), Russell
Subs Not Used: Doohan, Langan, Barr, Hynes

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland

Attendance: 5,496

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren earned a hard-fought point away to Falkirk this afternoon as they drew 0-0 with the Bairns at The Falkirk Stadium.

Both sides had chances throughout the 90 minutes to get themselves a goal, but neither could make a breakthrough as they shared a point. 

The point keeps the Buddies top of the Ladbrokes Championship ahead of next weekend's Renfrewshire derby. 

It was Saints who created the first opening on ten minutes when Ian McShane slid the ball through to Cammy Smith inside the box after a neat passage of play from the Buddies. The forward took the ball in well and forced Falkirk goalkeeper Robbie Thomson into a good save from the angle. 

A smart corner routine ten minutes later saw McShane and Smith link up to create the next big chance of the match. McShane played it short to Smith who got beyond his man to the byline before cutting it across the box where he found Gavin Reilly. The striker, who scored his tenth goal of the season last weekend, couldn't get a clean connection on the ball as he clipped it just by the post. 

St Mirren had started well but the hosts gradually began to grow into the game during the first half. Nathan Austin should have given Bairns the lead on 34 minutes when he found himself one-on-one with Craig Samson. He burst into the box but somehow managed to rattle his effort into the side-net.

The striker almost had the chance to redeem himself a few moments later as Myles Hippolyte attempted to slip him in but Samson was quickly off his line to snuff out the danger. 

Austin had another huge opportunity to open the scoring five minutes before the interval. James Craigen played the ball deep to the back post where Austin met it with the header but nodded into the ground with the ball bouncing over the bar. 

Saints would end the half strongly and would have felt unlucky not to have nabbed the lead heading into the break. First, Lewis Morgan swung in a brilliant corner that was begging to be met by a player in the red and white of St Mirren, but no one was forthcoming. And then, two minutes later, the winger was denied from a stunning opener when his powerful effort from the edge of the box was brilliantly pushed wide by Thomson.

Half Time: Falkirk 0-0 St Mirren

Morgan had St Mirren's first chance of the second half when he came on to a lay-off from Gavin Reilly, but curled the ball over from 20 yards. 

Hippolyte, who was booked for pulling Morgan back in the first half, was penalised for a foul on Cammy Smith deep in the Falkirk half. The ball was swung into the box where Gregor Buchanan got on the end of it but flicked his header wide. 

A minute later both sides had good openings to take the lead. Reilly worked himself into a good position but his shot didn't have enough power in it as it was held by Thomson. Immediately from that shot Falkirk broke up the field with Hippolyte going mightily close as he cannoned an effort inches over the bar.

The last two chances to snatch a winner came from Cammy Smith who could count himself unlucky not to have scored with either. He picked the ball up in the centre of the park on 89 minutes and had a go from distance which whistled by the far post. Then, deep into stoppage time, a ball over the top from Adam Eckersley found the 22 year-old inside the box only from Thomson to come off his line quickly and block the shot. 

That was the last opportunity of the game for either side with Saints picking up a point ahead of next weekend's derby clash against Morton at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

Full Time: Falkirk 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Buchanan, Baird, Eckersley, McGinn (MacPherson 79), McShane, Morgan, Magennis (Sutton 51), C.Smith, Reilly (Kirkpatrick 74)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, McCart, Stewart

Falkirk: Thomson, McGhee, Muirhead, Balatoni, Grant, Harris (Dunne 59), McKee, Kerr, Craigen (O'Hara 82), Hippolyte, Austin (Miller 79)
Subs Not Used: Mutch, Gasparotto, Shepherd, Gallacher

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: Greg Soutar

Attendance: 5,080

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren won away to Dumbarton for the first time since 1996 to end the first quarter of the season on top of the league. 

Goals from Gavin Reilly and John Sutton saw the Buddies win 2-0 and extend their lead at the top to three points. 

Saints looked in the mood from the off - almost taking the lead with less than two minutes gone. Adam Eckersley swung a ball in from the left to the far end of the box where it met Ross Stewart. The striker, making his first league start for St Mirren, had ex-Saints goalkeeper Scott Gallacher beaten only for experienced Sons defender Andy Dowie to head off the line. 

Dumbarton quickly broke up the field as they looked to grab an early opener, but Mark Stewart glanced his header wide. 

The match's frantic pace wasn't about to slow down with Stephen McGinn going close to breaking the deadlock on four minutes. A short corner routine found the captain in acres of space inside the box. He took a touch to compose himself before seeing his effort blocked by the feet of Gallacher. 

Both goalkeepers were made to work in the early exchanges with Craig Samson making a terrific save to deny Dimitris Froxylias. The Cypriot winger was found on the right before cutting inside and curling an effort towards the far post with Samson's fingertips clawing the ball wide. Froxylias went close again on 19 minutes when he curled a similar attempt by the post. 

Sandwiched between those Froxylias effort's, Gallacher had to be alert when a snap shot from Cammy Smith bounced in front of the keeper. He did well to push it wide before Jack Baird headed just by the post from the resultant corner. 

After an opening 20 minutes in which it was hard to catch breath the game hit a bit of a lull until 33 minutes when Gavin Reilly looked destined to open the scoring. He was slipped in by Cammy Smith but the slightest of touches from Gallacher sent his shot wide. 

Reilly wouldn't be denied though as he opened the scoring three minutes later. McGinn, who looked like he could have gotten a shot away from the edge of the box, sent a nice ball out to the left to Adam Eckersley. The left back chipped the ball into the path of Reilly who got ahead of the Dumbarton defence to nod beyond Gallacher to give Saints a deserved lead. It was the striker's 10th goal since joining from Hearts in the summer and gave the Buddies the advantage going into the break. 

Half Time: Dumbarton 0-1 St Mirren

The home side started the second half the better of the two as they attempted to get back into the match. 

Christian Nade picked out ex-Saints loanee Tom Walsh in a good position inside the box only for the winger to fire over. Mark Stewart then spurned a decent opportunity when he hit an effort straight at Craig Samson. Sons were then awarded a soft free kick when Froxylias went down, but the Cypriot swung the ball beyond the post. 

Ian McShane, who arguably had his best game in a St Mirren jersey, almost caught out Gallacher with a free kick. It was driven low with the goalkeeper spilling the ball and Dumbarton managing to get it clear. 

The hosts then had a succession of corner kicks as they looked to grab an equaliser on the hour mark. Twice, Craig Samson had to tip the ball over the bar before Saints eventually dealt with the pressure. 

Lewis Morgan, back from international duty with the Scotland U21s, almost grabbed the all important second for Saints when he drove forward and unleashed a hell of a shot from 25 yards out. It was a fierce effort which had to be pushed wide by Gallacher.

Saints would get that second goal on 70 minutes to give themselves a cushion. Substitute John Sutton rose above the Sons defence to bullet home his 45 goal in the black and white of St Mirren to all but seal the three points. That goal took the stuffing out of Dumbarton and effectively killed the game. 

There was a nice moment for Kyle Magennis as he made his return to first team action after injury in pre-season to a thunderous ovation from the Saints support. 

St Mirren saw the match out and ended the first set of fixtures this season with seven wins from nine while extending their lead at the top of the table. 

Full Time: Dumbarton 0-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Buchanan, Eckersley, Morgan (Magennis 84), McShane, McGinn, C.Smith, R. Stewart (Sutton 55), Reilly (Stelios 87)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, MacPherson, Kirkpatrick, Duffy

Dumbarton: Gallacher, Wardrop, Dowie, Barr, McLaughlin, Froxylias, Wilson, Hutton, Walsh (Johnston 84), M.Stewart (Roy 75), Nade (Morrison 75)
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Gallagher, Prior

Referee: Alan Newlands
Assistant Referee: Gordon Crawford
Assistant Referee: Scott Leslie

Attendance: 1,178

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren's hopes of emulating last season's run to the IRN-BRU Cup final were ended as they fell to defeat at the hands of Raith Rovers. 

Saints had dominated for the first hour or so and took a well deserved lead through Gavin Reilly. But goals from Lewis Vaughan, Greig Spence and Bobby Barr saw the Buddies knocked out by the League One side. 

Jack Ross made seven changes to the side that defeated Brechin last weekend. In came both Ross Stewarts, Gary Irvine, Adam Eckersley, Gregor Buchanan, Dale Hilson and 16 year-old Ethan Erhahon in place of Craig Samson, Liam Smith, McCart, Stephen McGinn, Jordan Kirkpatrick, Cammy Smith and Morgan. 

It was a quiet opening with neither side creating many chances in the first part of the match. The first real opportunity to open the scoring came for the visitors on 22 minutes and they really should have been ahead.

After a Jack Baird header was blocked from an Ian McShane corner, the visitors broke up the park and won their own corner when Barr's shot was deflected behind. It was swung in deep to the back post where it was met by the head of John Herron. His effort was palmed away by Ross Stewart but fell invitingly for Greig Spence who somehow stuck it over the bar from just a few yards out. 

Saints were having the best of the territory and their first big chance of the half came on 28 minutes when Dale Hilson unleashed a shot from 25 yards with strong hands from Graeme Smith pushing it away. 

The Buddies went close again with Smith doing well to deny Gary Irvine his first ever St Mirren goal on 36 minutes. The ball was laid off to the right back by Gavin Reilly and he cracked a fierce attempt from the edge of the area which the goalkeeper had to push over.

After a bit of a flat start the Buddies, who had been dominating possession, were beginning to look livelier and had another chance soon after. A deep corner found Ross Stewart at the back stick with the striker cracking the outside of the post. 

Gavin Reilly drew an excellent save from Raith keeper Smith a few minutes before half time. A neat exchange of passes saw the striker found inside the box with the visiting goalie getting his fingertips on it to push wide.

The crowd were urging the side on before half-time and the breakthrough goal almost came just before the half-time whistle. Jack Baird rose above the visiting defence to power a header off the bar. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Raith Rovers

Saints started the second half on top, forcing a number of corners but failing to make their dominance of possession count. The Buddies were pressuring the League One leaders with Gregor Buchanan and Ross Stewart both seeing efforts block from a corner before Stelios fired wide. 

But Saints would finally make the breakthrough on 63 minutes. Dale Hilson's neat ball across the face of goal was weighted beautifully for Reilly who tapped home from a few yards out to score his ninth goal of the season and give Saints a deserved lead.

But they couldn't make it count with Raith levelling less than a minute later thanks to a lovely strike from Lewis Vaughan on the edge of the box. 

Things got worse for Saints as the visitors took the lead nine minutes later through Spence. A nice ball into the box was met by an equally good cushioned header by Vaughan into the path of Spence who found himself in plenty of space to stab the ball beyond Ross Stewart to give the League One side the advantage. 

Saints misery was compounded on 81 minutes as Raith stretched their lead. Bobby Barr was picked out on the edge of the area and he curled it beautifully beyond Ross Stewart to give the visitors a two goal advantage. 

In the end Saints couldn't muster anything to get themselves back into the match and defeat sees the Buddies fall out of the competition at the last 16 stage while ending their record breaking run of form at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

Full Time: St Mirren 1-3 Raith Rovers

St Mirren: Stewart, Baird, Buchanan (C.Smith 75), Eckersley, Irvine (MacPherson 56), McShane, Erhahon, Stelios, Hilson, Stewart, Reilly (Duffy 75)
Subs Not Used: Samson, McGinn, Kirkpatrick, Sutton

Raith Rovers: G. Smith, Thomson, Herron, Murray, Watson, Spence (Court 90), Berry, Vaughan, Barr, Matthews, McKay
Subs Not Used: Brian, Opoku-Berchie, Valentine, J.Smith, Stevenson, Bell

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: Jordon Stokoe
Assistant Referee: Kylie Cockburn
Fourth Official: Mike Roncone

Attendance: 1,970

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren returned to the top of the Ladbrokes Championship with a hard fought 2-1 win over Brechin City.

The Buddies extended their winning run at the Paisley 2021 Stadium to eight matches as goals from Cammy Smith and Dale Hilson helped see off the stuffy Angus side. 

Jordan Kirkpatrick, making his first league start for the Buddies, registered the first real chance on goal when his low effort on 10 minutes was deflected out for a corner.

A neat bit of play nearly yielded the opener 13 minutes in when a terrific cross-field pass from Ian McShane found Liam Smith galloping up the right side. He swung in a tremendous ball that found Stephen McGinn but the captain's touch was heavy, denying himself a chance to get a shot away. He turned back and found Lewis Morgan who had a go from the edge of the area. His shot was deflected into the path of Cammy Smith whose low effort was held by the Brechin goalkeeper.

Just a minute later though the Buddies were ahead. A nice ball over the top from McGinn was met by Cammy Smith who side-footed the ball beyond Graeme Smith to draw first blood. 

Saints may have taken the lead but struggled to find their groove. Connor McLennan sent two shots wide for the visitors while Stelios and Morgan had efforts blocked and saved. 

Brechin were level seven minutes before half time through ex-Saint Kalvin Orsi. The striker, who left the Buddies in the summer, stooped down to meet a deep cross from Jordan Sinclair to nod beyond Craig Samson. 

Saints reacted well to going behind with Stelios charging forward, the ball eventually finding Lewis Morgan whose shot was sent by for a corner. Jack Baird climbed above the City defence to get on the end of it but headed over.

Half Time: St Mirren 1-1 Brechin City

Even after the break, the Buddies failed to reach the levels that supporters have become accustomed too over recent times at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. But the home side could have restored their lead early into the second half when a searching ball from McGinn almost found Stelios on his own inside the box.  

Saints were piling forward in the hopes of getting back in front, but had to be wary of the threat Brechin were posing on the break. Another ex-Saint, Ally Love, sent an effort just by the post before Liam Smith had to clear a McLennan shot off the line. 

Jack Ross made his final sub on 76 minutes when John Sutton replaced Gavin Reilly. St Mirren were trying to ramp things up in the search of a winner and it looked certain that birthday boy Morgan would add to his tally for the season when he was found in space inside the box. The winger lashed a fierce shot goal-bound with Graeme Smith showing strong hands to push it away. 

It looked like it was just set to be one of those days for Saints. But then, just a few moments after Morgan's chance, St Mirren had a winner. A clearance from Liam Smith found Cammy Smith on the half way line. He drove forward before sending a reverse ball through to substitute Ross Stewart who burst into the box. He raced to the touchline before clipping the ball onto the head of Sutton. The experienced striker got in ahead of his man to flick the ball into the path of Dale Hilson. The winger gambling to get in ahead of the Brechin defence, getting a toe to the ball to slide it into the back of the net for his first St Mirren goal.

With Dundee United defeating Dunfermline at East End Park, the win means St Mirren return to the top of the Ladbrokes Championship with a meeting against League One leaders Raith Rovers in the IRN-BRU Cup to come next week. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-1 Brechin City 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, McCart, Stelios (Hilson 67), McGinn, McShane, C. Smith, Kirkpatrick (Stewart 52), Morgan, Reilly (Sutton 76)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Irvine, Buchanan, Duffy, Sutton

Brechin: G. Smith, McLean, Dyer, McGeever, Dale, Graham, Spark, McLennan (Layne 84), Orsi (Love 63), Crighton, Sinclair (Watt 77)
Subs Not Used: P. O'Neill, Fusco, C.O'Neill

Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee: Alan Mulvany
Assistant Referee: Chris McTiernan

Attendance: 3,928