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

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

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

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

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

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

Half Time: St Mirren 0-2 Sunderland

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

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

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

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

Full Time: St Mirren 0-6 Sunderland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Half Time: St Mirren 0-1 Spartans 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attendance: 1,430 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Time: Kilmarnock 0-0 St Mirren

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

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

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

Attendance: 4,026 (827 Saints fans)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Half Time: Falkirk 0-0 St Mirren

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Time: Falkirk 1-0 St Mirren

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Time: St Mirren 2-1 Morton

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

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

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

Attendance: 6422

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.