It was a day to forget for St Mirren as they were on the end of a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Partick Thistle in the Betfred Cup.

It's a result that puts to an end Saints hopes of qualifying for the next round with one match remaining. 

An even opening 10 minutes saw both sides go close but it was Jordan Kirkpatrick, making his first St Mirren start, who forced the first save of the match with a long range effort that Tomas Cerny had to do well to push away from goal.

But the home side were ahead two minutes later. There were suspicions of offside as Blair Spittal's knock down found Kris Doolan inside the area and the striker finished low into the far corner beyond Ross Stewart.

The Jags, buoyed by the opener, were on the ascendancy and should have been 2-0 when Abdul Osman found Chris Erskine who held off the challenge of Gary MacKenzie to race clear on goal. The midfielder will have felt he should have done better when his shot was blocked by the legs of Stewart. Credit to the Saints goalkeeper though who did well to deny the 30 year-old.

However, from the resultant short corner Erskine made amends as he received the ball from Steven Lawless on the edge of the box before playing it back to the winger who drilled the Jags into a two goal lead.

The home side were on top but Saints could have got themselves back into the match when Kirkpatrick slipped in Gavin Reilly on the left hand side after capitalising on slack play from Abdul Osman. The striker broke into the box and would have been disappointed not to make the goalkeeper work as he dragged the ball wide.

Soon after it was effectively game over when Lawless notched his second of the match to make it 3-0. Callum Booth picked out Lawless who finished well from the edge of the box.

Saints' misery was further added to a mere four minutes later when Spittal added his name to the list of scorers. Jack Baird was penalised for a foul around 25 yards out and picked up a booking. Spittal stepped up and curled it neatly into the near post leaving Stewart with no chance.

Half Time: Partick Thistle 4-0 St Mirren

Abdul Osman was giving a yellow card for a poor challenge on Stephen McGinn early into the second half that gave St Mirren a free kick in a good area. Lewis Morgan went for goal but sent the effort wide.

10 minutes later Osman was sent packing after another bad tackle on the Saints skipper. Yet almost immediately after the red card Thistle had further extended their lead. The home side won the ball back from the free kick, Erskine skipped by Darren Whyte before sending an excellent ball across the middle to the onrushing Spittal who slid it into the net. 

Saints had a couple of opportunities to get themselves a consolation goal with Cammy Smith drilling a shot wide and substitute Ross Stewart heading just over the bar, but it was Ian McShane who really came closest forcing a tremendous save from Cerny. The midfielder looked set to score his first Buddies goal but the Czech goalkeeper pushed away his effort as it was set to find the top corner. 

The game, however, was long since over and Saints will close their Betfred Cup campaign at home to Airdrieonians next week before concentrations turn to the Ladbrokes Championship. 

Full Time: Partick Thistle 5-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Stewart, Whyte, MacKenzie, Baird, Irvine, McShane, McGinn, Morgan, Smith (Stewart 73), Kirkpatrick (O'Keefe 45), Reilly (Sutton 64)
Subs Not Used: Samson, Buchanan, Horne, Erhahon

Partick Thistle: Cerny, Booth, Devine, Barton, Osman, Erskine (Edwards 65), Elliot, Bannigan (McCarthy 83), Spittal, Lawless, Doolan (Nisbet 74)
Subs Not Used: Scully, Penrice, Lamont, McLaughlin

Referee: Stephen Finnie
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Gary Hilland
Fourth Official: David Munro

Attendance: 2727 (883 St Mirren fans)

St Mirren's first game of the season at the Paisley 2021 Stadium ended in defeat as an early goal from Dale Carrick was enough to gain Livingston three points. 

The Livi midfielder struck with just two minutes on the clock and that strike was enough for the visitors to hold on to for the rest of the match as they secured a big win in the Betfred Cup.

Kyle Jacobs' ball into the box was chested down into the path of Carrick who lashed the lions into a lead. 

It was an early setback for Saints and it could've got worse almost immediately as Craig Samson had to deny Scott Pittman moments later. Gary Irvine was caught in possession by Danny Mullen who found Jacobs before he laid it off to Pittman with the Buddies goalkeeper doing well to block. 

Steadily though St Mirren grew into the game after being rocked early doors. Cammy Smith almost had Saints level on 12 minutes as he got on the end of a Lewis Morgan cutback, but a deflection took it by the post. 

Ross Stewart, making his home debut, nearly added to his goal against Stranraer on Saturday after being found in space on the right. The forward broke into the box and forced Neil Alexander to make a good stop at his near post. 

Gregor Buchanan went close as he headed over from an Ian McShane corner before Morgan flashed an effort across the face of goal with no takers.

Stephen McGinn almost caught out Alexander with a curling effort but it was comfortably held by the experienced Livi keeper. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-1 Livingston

Saints forced a couple of corners after the interval but failed to make any count with Alexander not having a save to make. 

Livingston went close to doubling their lead when Alan Lithgow rose above the St Mirren defence to head just over the bar from a free kick on the left.

Substitute Conor O'Keefe slammed the ball into the net with 77 minutes played, but the linesman's flag has already been raised after the youngster strayed offside after McGinn's flick on. 

O'Keefe looked like he might bag his first St Mirren goal as he got on the end of a header down. The youngster's scissor kick was heading right into the bottom corner of the net, only for Rafa De Vita to be in the right place at the right time to block. 

One last chance would come for Saints as the clock reached the 90 minute mark. A cross from Stelios was headed down by MacKenzie who looked to put it into the path of McGinn but the skipper was unable to reach the ball as trickled wide.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-1 Livingston 

St Mirren: Samson, Irvine, Buchanan (Kirkpatrick 78), MacKenzie, Stelios, McGinn, McShane, Stewart (Sutton 61), Smith (O'Keefe 70), Morgan, Reilly
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Baird, MacPherson, Sutton

Livingston: Alexander, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Byrne, Pittman, Mullin, Jacobs (Todorov 62), De Vita, Mullen (Peters 79), Carrick (Longridge 33)
Subs Not Used: Maley, Mackin, Knox

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Jim Burns

Attendance: 2,104

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren's Betfred Cup campaign got off to a winning start as the Buddies came from behind to defeat Stranraer at Stair Park. 

Scott Agnew gave the home side the lead before goals from Gavin Reilly, Ross Stewart, Lewis Morgan and Gregor Buchanan sealed an emphatic win for Saints.

Ian McShane almost made himself an instant Saints hero with just six minutes on the clock. The new signing played a neat one-two with Cammy Smith, finding himself one-on-one with Stranraer goalkeeper Cameron Belford. But the goalie did well to block with the rebound coming off McShane's knee and bouncing wide. 

However, it was the Stranraer who drew first blood as the home side took the lead on 11 minutes through ex-Saint Scott Agnew. It was three on two in favour of the home side with Ryan Wallace slipping the ball through to midfielder Agnew who slotted beyond Craig Samson. 

Saints were level just before the half hour mark with a debut goal from Gavin Reilly. Morgan picked the ball up from McShane and went on a driving run before crashing an effort off the post. Reilly was in the right place at the right time as he took a touch before finishing beyond Belford.

The Buddies kept on the pressure and took the lead four minutes later. This time it was Ross Stewart's turn to notch a debut goal. A free kick from deep in the Stranraer half was headed on inside the box by Gregor Buchanan, falling invitingly for Smith whose shot was well saved by Belford. It then fell to Stewart who was on hand to tap home to put the visitors ahead. 

Stranraer went close to restoring parity when they won a free kick after goalscorer Agnew was felled. Wallace and Agnew stood over the ball, but it was the former who took a pop and he wasn't far away as it whistled just over the bar.

But it was St Mirren who would further extend their lead before the half time interval. Smith picked out an unmarked Morgan 25 yards out from a corner kick. The young winger, Saints Player of the Year last season, rifled an effort towards the ruck of bodies in the box with it striking off a Blues player and nestling into the far corner of the net.

McShane was unlucky not to have added his name to the debutant scorers in the first half when he broke through on the right hand side of the box and saw his powerful effort expertly pushed away by Belford. 

Half Time: Stranraer 1-3 St Mirren

The hosts went close to narrowing the deficit early into the second half when a free kick from the left by Agnew was glanced wide by Tom Lang. 

And how that would prove to be an real chance gone when Buchanan added his name to the list of debutant scorers for St Mirren 10 minutes after the restart. McShane whipped a corner deep to the back post where it met the head of the defender who nodded beyond Belford to put the Buddies out of sight.

Saints were well in control and it would take a minor miracle for the Blues to get back into the match but the visitors still had to be alert. Jamie Hamill twice forced Craig Samson to push away efforts with Agnew also drilling an effort towards the top corner, only to see Samson knock it wide.

Stewart should have nabbed his second of the match, and St Mirren's fifth, after getting on the end of a poor Stranraer backpass. He stole the attempted ball back to the goalkeeper and burst through only to be thwarted by Belford who clawed the shot away.

Samson made another good save late in the match to deny Morgen Neill a consolation goal, but in the end Saints triumphed comfortably and lead Group H after the first round of matches.

Full Time: Stranraer 1-4 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, Irvine, Buchanan, MacKenzie, Stelios, McGinn, McShane (Quinn 73), Stewart, Smith (O'Keefe 78), Morgan, Reilly (Kirkpatrick 69)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Baird, MacPherson, Sutton

Stranraer: Belford, Robertson, Dick, Neill, Lang, Bell (Okoh 59), Anderson (Woods 59), Hamill, Thomson, Agnew, Wallace (Stoney 59)
Subs Not Used: Currie, Barron, McGowan, Turner

Referee: Colin Steven

Attendance: 849

Match Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

Saints were held to a goalless draw by Alloa at the Indodrill Stadium as preparations for the new season continued.

The Buddies, who get back to competitive action next Saturday against Stranraer in the Betfred Cup, couldn't find a breakthrough against the League One side in an even match.

Jim Goodwin's Wasps started the game off brightly and almost took the lead when Iain Flannigan almost latched on to Alan Cook's tempting ball across.

Andrew Graham could have done better when he rose above the Saints defence, but his glancing header from a free kick was easily held by Ross Stewart. 

Saints had their best spell of the match as they approached the interval. 

First Jordan Kirkpatrick, facing the club he left in the summer, had the best chance to open the scoring when he ghosted in at the back post and forced a terrific save from Alloa goalkeeper Craig McDowall. 

A minute later, Dale Hilson almost got the Saints ahead from a similar position with his effort flashing just wide of the left hand post. 

Gary MacKenzie nodded a header from a Kirkpatrick corner wide after leaping above the Alloa defence, before McDowall was called into action again denying Hilson and Ross Stewart with a fine double save. 

The Buddies were on top at the point but entered the interval with nothing to show for it. 

They failed to continue that strong finish after the break and it wouldn't be until 20 minutes into the second half before something of note would happen for the visitors. 

Lewis Morgan picked the ball up on the edge of the box and rifled a shot that was deflected behind. McDowall made a stunning low stop to deny substitute Gavin Reilly from adding to his goal again in Dundee from the resultant corner. 

Alloa arguably should have taken the lead just five minutes later when Kevin Cawley was picked out at the back post. The midfielder was unmarked and has time to pick his spot only to be denied by the legs of Saint goalkeeper Stewart. 

Saints had a couple of corners while Alloa's Ryan Hoggan scuffed a free kick wide as the game ended in stalemate. 

St Mirren: Stewart, Irvine (Quinn 53), Buchanan, MacKenzie (Baird 68), Stelios (McDonald 74), McGinn (O'Keefe 74), MacPherson (Horne 81), Todd (Reilly 61), Hilson (Morgan 43), Kirkpatrick (Smith 60), Stewart (Sutton 61)
Subs Not Used: Samson, Whyte

Alloa: McDowall, Taggart, Meggatt, McKeown, Graham, Robertson (Grant 68), Cawley (Cunningham 77), Flannigan (Hoggan 68), Malcolm (Hetherington 63), Fleming (McDonald 45), Cook (Martin 63)
Subs Not Used: Wilson, Monaghan

St Mirren's only pre-season match at the Paisley 2021 Stadium ended in defeat at the hands of Dundee. 

Gavin Reilly scored for Saints in his first appearance at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, but a first half double from Darren O'Dea and an early second half goal from Marcus Haber were enough to secure the visitors the win. 

Saints started off in bright fashion and could have been 1-0 up after only 17 seconds.

New recruit Reilly was in a tigerish mood as he closed down Dundee goalkeeper Scott Bain early door, forcing the Scotland squad man to weakly clear the ball to Stephen McGinn. The captain took a touch before quickly surveying his options, sending a curling effort just by the post.

Bain made a world class stop just a few minutes later to deny Dale Hilson. Hilson - who joined the Buddies last week - burst through and smashed towards the middle of the goal with Bain just managing to get his fingertips to it.

Saints had started well but it was the visitors who took the lead with a little over 10 minutes played. Craig Samson's couldn't gather Scott Allan's corner and it was bundled over the line by Dee captain Darren O'Dea. 

Bain was forced into work again in quick succession when good work from Reilly and then Morgan saw the keeper have to claw both efforts away. 

Dundee doubled their lead on 38 minutes when O'Dea scored his second. A short corner found the Irish defender who rose above the Saints defence to power a strong header beyond Samson. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-2 Dundee

Dundee extended their lead three minutes after the break when Marcus Haber tucked home. Allan sent the ball across for the Canadian striker who finished from close range to put the game out of sight. 

Reilly pulled a goal back for the Buddies on 55 minutes with a tidy finish. The striker played a neat one-two with Kyle Magennis before drilling beyond Bain just inside the box. 

The game may have been billed as a friendly but it had a bit of an edge to it with Dundee's Lewis Spence going into the book for a foul on McGinn. 

Try as they may Saints couldn't cut the deficit further with Morgan seeing a shot saved by Bain with a little over 10 minutes to go. 

Full Time: St Mirren 1-3 Dundee

St Mirren: Samson (Stewart 72), Whyte (Trialist 76), MacKenzie, Baird (Buchanan 45), Stelios, Magennis (Stewart 72), McGinn, Hilson (Kirkpatrick 67), Smith (Todd 59), Morgan (Sutton 82), Reilly (MacPherson 76)

Saints Star Man: Gavin Reilly - the striker looked lively in his first appearance at the Paisley 2021 Stadium and capped it off with a neat goal in the second half.

Exactly five months after it started in Dumfries, Saints completed the great escape by getting the point they needed against Hibs.

It wasn't easy – but then it never is where St Mirren concerned. After a goalless first half they were safe, despite 10-man Raith Rovers being ahead against Ayr. However, just after the break Grant Holt put the Championship winners in front and Saints were heading for the play-offs.

But the response from the Buddies was tremendous and they drew level after an hour, home-grown heroes Lewis Morgan, Kyle Magennis and Stevie Mallan combining for Rory Loy to score a priceless equaliser that sparked bedlam behind the goal.

And with Ayr equalising, that seemed to be that – only for Hibs to step things back up and the Honest Men to miss a penalty that the Saints fans had already celebrated as being converted.

Instead, Raith scored a last minute winner and three agonising minutes of stoppage time had to be endured before ref Alan Muir finally put Saints out of their misery by blowing his whistle to mark the end of the season and the completion of Mission: Impossible.

Saints boss Jack Ross stuck with the side that had demolished Raith a week earlier, hat-trick hero Stevie Mallan starting alongside Stephen McGinn in midfield. The skipper's brother John was in the Hibs team along with fellow former Buddie Darren McGregor.

A point was enough to keep Saints up but they should have been behind after just three minutes. John McGinn's tremendous cross field ball found Holt and the experienced striker knocked it down for the unmarked Andrew Shinnie, however he blazed over when he should at least have worked Billy O'Brien. The Buddies had struggled in the opening quarter of an hour but had a penalty claim when Morgan got the better of David Gray and then hit the deck under a challenge from the Hibs fullback, however ref Alan Muir curiously gave a goal-kick.

Gradually Saints began to settle and started to pose a few questions of the home defence. Gary Irvine ended up in the book for a foul on Martin Boyle – somewhat unfortunate considering Saints only lost possession when the referee got in the way. The free-kick came to nothing, Mr Muir perhaps feeling guilty and immediately blowing for a foul on Jack Baird when the ball was swung in.

Stephen McGinn had a tame shot blocked before Irvine's day was done as he failed to shrug off an injury and was replaced by Stelios just before the break. He arrived just as Saints forced a couple of corners and when the second was only partially cleared Mallan pulled it back for Morgan but he curled his shot over. In stoppage time the winger was clattered by Holt, earning the Hibs frontman a booking.

The striker made amends in the best possible way just a couple of minutes after the break. John McGinn curled in a great cross and Holt got on the end of it to divert it past O'Brien. With Raith winning against Ayr despite being down to 10 men, Saints were heading for ninth place. They were in danger of going even further behind too, Cummings heading over as the visitors struggled to stop crosses coming into their box.

A Stephen McGinn ball sparked them into life, Morgan causing Efe Ambrose problems and finding Loy with a low cross but his shot was blocked by McGregor. Jack Baird shot over from the edge of the box before Loy went close again, Magennis sending him away only for the on-loan striker's shot to be blocked by Ofir Marciano at his near post.

Mallan then got his first sight of goal but shot over before Saints deservedly drew level. Stelios' clearance found Morgan and he ran across the pitch before Magennis. He had the ball stolen off him by Mallan and as he shaped to shoot he had the ball nicked away by Loy who calmly slotted it across Marciano into the far corner. The Saints fans behind the goal went bezerk as their side found themselves half an hour from safety.

The job wasn't done though, O'Brien needing two attempts to save Martin Boyle's shot as Hibs got going again. The champions had perhaps gone to sleep after their goal but were showing they planned to finish the season on a high, however the away fans' mood was buoyed by news Ayr had equalised against Raith.

O'Brien did well to punch away a Cummings free-kick before Hibs replaced Andrew Shinnie with Keatings. Baird then saw his deflected shot saved by Marciano, before the Saints fans celebrated Ayr getting a penalty – only for it to be missed. The mood almost darkened further when it looked as if Cummings had scored but his shot whistled narrowly past the post. Jordon Forster, who'd come on at the break, headed from a corner as Saints found themselves clinging on before Loy was booked for fouling the other half-time sub Fraser Fyvie.

The Buddies replaced Cammy Smith with Rocco Quinn before John Sutton took over from Loy with three minutes left. It looked as if Saints would do it but there was bad news from Fife as Raith snatched a last minute winner. Suddenly the Buddies were a goal away from being dragged into the play-offs but they ran down the clock superbly in the corner before conceding a goal kick.

That was the signal for Mr Muir to take the ball and blow for full-time, much to the delight of the Saints players, management and fantastic supporters. From 19 points behind Raith, the Buddies had finished ahead of them, Ayr United and Dumbarton to ensure there will be Championship football in Paisley next season – and who thought we'd be saying that on that cold, dark Tuesday night at Palmerston in December?

Full Time: Hibernian 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine (Stelios 43), Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Smith (Quinn 84), S.McGinn, Magennis, Mallan, Morgan, Loy (Sutton 88)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Webster, Fjelde, Todd

Hibernian: Marciano, Gray (Forster 45), Ambrose, McGregor, Stevenson, Boyle, J.McGinn, Bartley (Fyvie 45), Shinnie (Keatings 76), Holt, Cummings
Subs Not Used: Laidlaw, Humphrey, Graham, Martin

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: Willie Conquer
Assistant Referee: Alan Hogg

Attendance: 19,764

St Mirren took a huge step towards securing their Ladbrokes Championship status with a thumping win over Raith Rovers.

Jack Ross' side were in sensational form as a Stevie Mallan hat-trick helped inspire the Buddies on to a fantastic five goal in front of a near 5,000 strong crowd at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

It was the biggest ever winning margin for a Saints side at the Paisley 2021 Stadium and means that the side can't finish bottom of the league. 

The hosts looked in the mood from the start and had two half-hearted appeals for penalties after Gary MacKenzie and Rory Loy went down under challenges inside the box. 

Saints had a number of early corners and free kicks but it would take until just before the half hour mark to go ahead. Jean Mvoto failed to get a strong enough head to a clearance allowing Kyle Magennis to flick the ball down the right channel to Cammy Smith. The loanee sprung the offside trap and raced to the byline before picking out the onrushing Mallan who sent St Mirren ahead with a neat finish from six yards out. It was no more than Saints deserved after a good start to the match and got the Paisley 2021 Stadium rocking.

The Buddies were in control and Lewis Morgan almost got his 10th goal of the season when he cracked an effort towards the near post only to be denied by a good save from Pavol Penksa. 

And Morgan was involved as Saints doubled their lead with five minutes to go until half time. Captain Stephen McGinn was felled outside the box, winning St Mirren a free-kick in 'Mallan Territory'. Morgan shaped for the shot, but ran over the ball allowing Mallan to lash towards goal. The midfielder's effort was aimed towards Penksa's near post but it came off Declan McManus and ended up in the back of the net.

Half Time: St Mirren 2-0 Raith Rovers

The Buddies didn't waste any time in adding to their lead in the second half. Less than three minutes after the break, Rory Loy bundled the ball home to put Saints three ahead. Mallan whipped a corner onto the head of the diving in Gary MacKenzie who forced it goalward before Loy touched home in amongst a ruck of players. 

Saints were rampant and both Mallan and Morgan went close with the former forcing Penksa into a smart stop and the latter sending an effort just over the bar. 

Mallan wasn't to be denied his hat-trick though and he grabbed it in the most spectacular of fashions on the hour mark. The 21 year-old played a neat one-two with Loy before bending it into the top corner from around 30 yards. It was an utterly sublime effort from a tremendously talented player and would likely have been a shoo-in for goal of the season if the voting wasn't set to close already. 

There was no let up from Saints and Morgan thought he'd put the Buddies 5-0 up minutes later when he finished neatly. However, the linesman's flag was up as he adjudged the winner was just offside from Smith's pass through.  

But Morgan wasn't to be denied that 10th of the season as he scored with only a few minutes remaining. A long ball from Billy O'Brien was flicked on to Smith by substitute Stelios. Smith touched it on to Mallan who played the most sublime ball over the top of the Raith defenders to find Morgan. The young winger rattled the ball first time to secure a fantastic fifth for the Buddies.

Jack Ross' side now go to Easter Road knowing that a win will definitely see them avoid a play-off spot while a draw will likely be enough for the Buddies to retain their Championship status.

FULL TIME: St Mirren 5-0 Raith Rovers

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine, Baird, MacKenzie (Webster 85), Eckersley, Magennis (Quinn 80), McGinn, Mallan, Morgan, Smith (Stelios 76), Loy
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Stelios, Quinn, Sutton, Fjelde, Todd, Webster

Raith Rovers: Penksa, Thompson, Thomson, M'Voto, McHattie, Skacel (Hardie 53), C.Barr, Johnston (Stewart 53), B.Barr (Court 53), Handling, McManus
Subs Not Used: Brennan, Roberts, Court, Stewart, Hardie, Benedictus

Referee: Kevin Clancy
Assistant Referee: Joseph Lawson
Assistant Referee: Barry Reid

St Mirren's seven match unbeaten run in the league came to an end as Dundee United snatched a last gasp win at Tannadice.

Goals from Gary MacKenzie and Josh Todd pulled Saints level on two occasions after United had taken the lead through Thomas Mikkelsen and Tony Andreu. Blair Spittal fired home from the edge of the box in the final minute to give the hosts all three points.

The Tangerines took the lead early on in controversial circumstances when Mikkelsen fired home with just seven minutes on the clock. Andreu flicked the ball over the top searching for the Danish striker who caught Gary MacKenzie with a high boot before running through and slamming the ball into the back of the net. The Saints players and supporters were furious that official Craig Charleston allowed the goal to stand after what looked like a clear foul. And despite being on the receiving end of the foul, MacKenzie ended up in the referee's book for his protests. 

Saints grew into the game and were almost level when Stevie Mallan curled a free kick just by Cammy Bell's left hand post.

St Mirren deservedly equalised with a little over five minutes to go in what was a quiet first half. It felt like justice was served as MacKenzie was the one to get the Buddies back on level terms. Lewis Morgan was halved on the right hand side by Jamie Robson who went into the book for the challenge. Mallan went across to whip the ball into the middle where it met the head of MacKenzie who pulled away from his marker to power home.

Half Time: Dundee United 1-1 St Mirren

The hosts had a glorious opportunity to retake the lead in the second half when Simon Murray hit the woodwork. A Saints corner was cleared to the half way line where Gary Irvine was penalised for bringing down a United player. The free kick was played quickly to Murray on the edge of the box who smashed it off the bar. The ball then fell invitingly for Mikkelesen whose first touch was poor allowing Billy O'Brien to smother.

They did go back in front when the referee awarded United an indirect free kick in the box. A loose ball played into the Saints box from 40 yards out was gathered by O'Brien who was under pressure by Murray. The referee adjudged it to be a pass-back from Stephen McGinn and despite some disagreement with the decision in the press box, it proved to be the correct call. Spittal rolled the ball to Frenchman Andreu who blasted it low into the net to restore the home side's advantage, scoring his fifth goal against the Buddies this season. 

Saints almost made it 2-2 soon after with Mallan forcing Bell to push a free kick wide. The 21 year-old got it up and over the wall but the goalkeeper did well as he got both hands to it to force it away from goal. MacKenzie went close to getting his second from the resultant corner as he rose above the United defence again sending a header just over. 

Josh Todd was brought as a late substitute for the Buddies and his introduction had the desired affect when he scored his first St Mirren goal to square the game. McGinn was on the end of a loose ball in the box and crashed a shot goalward. It took a deflection and landed at the feet of Todd who showed great composure to open up room in the box before firing it high into the United net.

It looked like St Mirren were going to take what would have been a deserved point but there was late heartbreak as Spittal scored in the dying embers of the match. Mikkelsen found the midfielder on the edge of the box and he struck it low beyond O'Brien into the net to seal three points for the home side.

Full Time: Dundee Utd 3-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine (Stelios 77), Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Magennis, Mallan, McGinn, Morgan, Smith (Sutton 69), Loy (Todd 79)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Webster, Quinn, Storie, Stelios, Todd, Sutton

Dundee Utd: Bell, Robson, Durnan, Edjenguele, Allardice (Kuate 45), Murdoch, Flood, Spittal (Donaldson 90+2), Murray, Andreu, Mikkelsen
Subs Not Used: Zwick, Dixon, Coote, Telfer, Nicholls

Referee: Craig Charleston
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: Garry Farmer

Attendance: 6,225

St Mirren extended their unbeaten run in the Ladbrokes Championship to seven matches with a 2-2 draw against Falkirk. 

The Buddies took the lead twice thanks to goals from Rory Loy and Stephen McGinn before being pegged back on two occasions by Lee Miller and Bob McHugh.

The point keeps St Mirren in 8th place with just three matches remaining. 

Saints started the match in hungry fashion with Kyle Magennis almost netting his third goal in two weeks when he intercepted a loose pass on the half way line and charged forward. The 18 year-old burst into the box and lashed a powerful effort into the arms of Robbie Thomson. 

The early pressure would pay off with just six minutes on the clock when Rory Loy scored against his former team. A ball across from Adam Eckersley on the left almost found it's target in John Sutton. The striker was unable to get ahead of his marker, but the ball fell kindly to Loy who smashed St Mirren into the lead.

And one could've almost become two very soon after when Cammy Smith's header almost doubled Saints advantage. Goalscorer Loy clipped the ball into the box where the loanee looked to have nodded Saints 2-0 up only for Thomson to push away.

St Mirren looked in control, but the hosts found themselves level on 20 minutes through Lee Miller. A free kick 25 yards from goal was whipped in to the back post by James Craigen. It looked to be drifting out for a goal kick, but Luca Gasparotto managed to square the ball to Miller who tapped in from close range. 

Falkirk had gotten themselves a footing in the match which proved to be end-to-end until the end of the half. Miller blazed over minutes before a fast counter from Saints saw Loy send an effort wide.

The Buddies won a free kick just before half time after Mallan was brought down. The 21 year-old took it low, but Thomson did well to deny him a 10th goal of the season. 

Half Time: Falkirk 1-1 St Mirren

The first chance of the second half fell for Saints with the impressive Magennis curling an effort into the arms of Thomson. 

Saints won a free kick in 'Mallan Territory' soon after when Loy was nudged by Mark Kerr. Mallan stepped up but smacked the attempt off the Falkirk wall. The Buddies won the ball after it broke and worked it down the right side with Magennis sending a low fizzing ball into the six yard box. However, Thomson was there to claim.

The Buddies took the lead for the second time on the hour mark when Stephen McGinn curled a shot from 20 yards into the top corner. The captain found the ball up and picked his spot leaving the stretching Thomson with no chance. It was a stunning goal from the skipper and put Saints back in the driver's seat.

Falkirk reacted by bringing on Nathan Austin, Fraser Aird and Bob McHugh in place of John Baird, Mark Kerr and Lee Miller. And it was McHugh who got the hosts equalised with 13 minutes to go with his first touch. A free kick deep in the St Mirren half was whipped in to the box by Aird. Saints tried to get the ball away but the ball fell to McHugh who slammed home to pull Falkirk level for a second time. 

Lewis Morgan made his return from injury sooner than expected when he replaced Sutton on 81 minutes. It was a pleasing moment for the Saints late on as they settled for a point in the race for Championship survival. 

Full Time: Falkirk 2-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine, Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Magennis, Mallan, McGinn, Smith (Storie 85), Loy (Todd 88), Sutton (Morgan 81)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Gordon, Quinn, Fjelde

Falkirk: Thomson, Leahy, Muirhead, Taiwo, Gasparotto, Grant, Kerr (Aird 67), Craigen, Sibbald, Baird (Austin 67), Miller (McHugh 77)
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Kidd, Gallacher, Shepherd

Referee: Craig Thomson
Assistant Referee: Alan Mulvanny
Assistant Referee: Simon MacLean

Attendance: 4734 (1427 St Mirren supporters)

Our thanks to Falkirk FC photographer Ian Sneddon for providing the header image. 

St Mirren moved up to eighth place in the Ladbrokes Championship with a stunning 4-1 derby win at Cappielow. 

The Buddies boosted their hopes of survival with goals from Stelios Demetriou, Stevie Mallan, John Sutton and Gary MacKenzie taking the Saints out of the relegation play-off spot with just four matches remaining.

The best early chance for either side came on 18 minutes when Rory Loy robbed Michael Doyle of the ball around 20 yards out and drove into the box. He drilled the ball across the face of goal with both Kyle Magennis and Sutton sliding in with neither able to get the touch that would have saw it nestle in the back of the net. 

But it was a mere delay when Mallan's excellent first time pass found Stelios marauding down the left side side. The Cypriot skilfully checked in away from Doyle before lashing the ball from just inside the box beyond Derek Gaston. It sent the fans in the Wee Dublin End wild with chants of Super Stelios ringing throughout. 

But Saints couldn't build on it as the hosts equalised less than 10 minutes later after a lightening quick counter attack. Aidan Nesbitt slipped the ball through for Doyle who broke down the right flank. The defender picked out Andy Murdoch who arrived in the ball late to guide the ball beyond Billy O'Brien to draw level.

The home side's tails were up and they grew in stature, going close to scoring a second soon after their equaliser. O'Brien's poor clearance along the deck was picked up by Nesbitt who found Gary Oliver. The striker did well to find Lawrence Shankland but the ex-Saint couldn't connect with it properly with Jack Baird in close situ to shepherd it out for a corner.

Stelios should have scored his and St Mirren's second after breaking clear just before half time. The left back was picked out by Smith and raced through, beating Mark Russell to the ball before switching the ball to his other foot as he got into a shooting position only to see his effort deflected over the bar. It would have been the perfect end to the first half

Half Time: Morton 1-1 St Mirren

While Saints missed the opportunity to end the first half ahead they made amends with the best possible start after the interval. Mallan picked up after a neat touch from Stephen McGinn who did well to hold off his marker. The midfielder didn't need to think about it as he leathered the ball first time from 25 yards out into the far corner of the net. It was a stunning hit from the 21 year-old who has made a habit of scoring special goals.

And from that point on Saints controlled the match. John Sutton, making his 100th start for the Buddies, looked to put the game to bed soon after when he scored his 43rd St Mirren goal. It was Cammy Smith who won the ball in midfield, charging forward before finding Loy on the left hand side. The striker took one touch to open up space and then sent the ball across the face of goal where all Sutton had to do was get his toe on it. And get his toe on it he did with Saints opening up a two goal cushion with over half an hour still to play.

There was still plenty of time for it to go either way but in truth Saints were well on top for the rest of the game. The Morton support were certain they had halved the deficit just moments after Sutton's goal. O'Brien couldn't get his hand on a ball across from Mark Russell on the left which was swung back in from the right straight to the head of Oliver whose looping header was saved by the goalkeeper on the line. 

Saints added some gloss to the score line with 10 minutes remaining. Good work from Magennis on the right side won the Buddies a corner. Mallan swung it in where Gary MacKenzie towered above Gaston, and the rest of the Morton defence, to bullet home. It was no less than the Buddies deserved after bossing the game for large spells. 

And with the full time whistle came St Mirren's first derby win of the season - a win that sees Jack Ross' side move off the relegation play-off spot and give the club a huge chance of survival with just four games remaining. 

Full Time: Morton 1-4 St Mirren

St Mirren: O'Brien, Irvine, Baird, MacKenzie, Stelios, Magennis, Mallan (Quinn 90), McGinn, Smith (Todd 88), Loy (Storie 84), Sutton
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Gordon, Fjelde, Whyte

Morton: Gaston, Lamie, O'Ware, Doyle, Oliver, Forbes, Lindsay (Tidser 75), Nesbitt, Russell, Murdoch, Shankland (Donnelly 88)
Subs Not Used: McGowan, Kilday, Oyenuga, Scullion, McDonagh, 

Referee: Stephen Finnie
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: Colin McAlpine

Attendance: 4,609

Match report pictures by Allan Picken - © Allan Picken Photography and John Millar - © millarpictures