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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Half Time: St Mirren 2-0 Dumbarton

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

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

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

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

Full Time: St Mirren 5-0 Dumbarton

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

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

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

Attendance: 3,964

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attendance: 1,902

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dunfermline

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Time: St Mirren 2-0 Dunfermline

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

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

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

Attendance: 4,240

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full Time: St Mirren 1-0 Brechin City

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

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

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

Attendance: 4,358

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

St Mirren suffered their first league loss of 2018 as they fell to a 4-1 defeat at Livingston this afternoon.

Despite a dream start that saw Ryan Flynn net his first St Mirren goal with less than two minutes played, it was the home side who deservedly picked up all three point. 

Indeed, Flynn's opener was the perfect beginning to the top of the table clash for Saints. Lewis Morgan was given time and space on the left side to get the ball into the box. A last ditch tackle from a Livingston defender denied Flynn the chance to get his initial shot away. The ball fell to Gavin Reilly whose effort was pushed away by Neil Alexander into Cammy Smith. It seemed certain that Smith would tuck home his 13th goal of the season only for his strike to be blocked on the line. It then finally fell to Flynn who poked home to send the 1500 plus travelling support wild. 

But Saints couldn't capitalise on the good start and the home side almost found themselves level on six minutes when Lee Miller rose the highest heading just by the post. 

The equaliser came on nine minutes when a mix up in the Buddies defence allowed ex-Saint Ryan Hardie to level. Craig Samson raced off his line to come for a long ball and collided with defender Jack Baird. The ball fell nicely for Hardie who only had to roll into the empty net to make it 1-1. 

St Mirren reacted well and could have been ahead for a second time when Adam Eckersley had a go from outside the area. The full back found himself in acres of space and drove the ball towards the low right hand corner of the net with Alexander at full stretch tipping wide. 

Four minutes later though the home side were in front as Hardie netted his second of the afternoon. An Alan Lithgow throw-in was headed on to the striker by Declan Gallagher and he volleyed beyond Samson to make it 2-1.

The Buddies arguably should have had a penalty almost immediately from the restart when Lewis Morgan was clearly pulled in the area but referee Alan Muir was unmoved much to the frustration of Morgan and the away support. 

Livingston, however, started to get a grip on the game with Miller heading wide from a good ball across from Nicky Cadden. 

The veteran striker wouldn't be denied his first goal for The Lions and netted it in spectacular fashion just a minute later. The ball bounced around the box before he met it with a lovely scissor kick to make it 3-1. 

The game quietened down after Livi's third goal but they still had chances to add to their lead before the interval. Samson made a fairly routine stop to deny Hardie his hat-trick, while Rafa De Vita went close when he fired just wide from a corner. 

Half Time: Livingston 3-1 St Mirren

Saints would have hoped to have started the second half in the same manner as they started the first half in the hopes of salvaging something from the match. But it was the home side who went close on 47 minutes with Samson making a terrific low save to block Lee Miller's header from Cadden's cross. 

St Mirren could have had a goal back just a minute later when neat work from Morgan on the right saw the winger jinx into the box with his ball across narrowly just missing Cammy Smith who would have been fancied to stick the ball home. 

Jack Ross made three changes in 13 minutes to try and spark some life into Saints. Gary MacKenzie, Danny Mullen and debutant Myles Hippolyte all came on in place of Ryan Flynn, Gavin Reilly and Cammy Smith. 

Danny Mullen was the first to go close when he latched on to a terrific cross-field pass from Jack Baird. He took it down before lashing towards the near post only to be denied by Neil Alexander. From the resulting corner Livingston almost found themselves 4-1 ahead. Saints pushed players forward and when Alexander gathered he quickly sent the Lions forward with Hardie bursting through on goal and crashing a shot off the bar. 

While the woodwork denied the home side on that occasion there should have been nothing to deny Cadden 60 seconds later when he broke the offside trap finding himself one-on-one with Samson. Inexplicably the winger managed to crash his shot off the side netting when it seemed a goal was certain. 

Debutant Hippolyte was so unlucky not to have opened his St Mirren account with 15 minutes to go. A goal at that point would have made for an interesting finale to the match with the forward reacting quickest to a deflected shot. He had Alexander beaten only for Scott Pittman on the line to clear. 

The game ticked away but Livingston would add a fourth in the final seconds after another defensive mistake from Saints. With Samson off his line, Scott Robinson lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from the left wing to round off a disappointing afternoon for the league leaders.

Next up for Saints is bottom side Brechin at home in the Ladbrokes Championship and Jack Ross' side will look to get back to winning ways. 

Full Time: Livingston 4-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, Magennis, McGinn, Flynn (MacKenzie 50), C.Smith (Hippolyte 63), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 57)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Hill, McShane

Livingston: Alexander, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Robinson, Pittman, Byrne, De Vita (McMillan 72), Cadden (Longridge 74), Miller, Hardie (Boyd 82)
Subs Not Used: Maley, Buchanan, Jacobs, Mullin

Referee: Alan Muir
Assistant Referee: Jordan Stokoe
Assistant Referee: Liam Butler

Attendance: 2,708

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

St Mirren continued their impressive league performance this afternoon, with a 2-0 victory over Queen of the South at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

The Saints went into today's match knowing they could increase the gap between themselves and second place with a win, due to Dundee Utd's game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle being postponed earlier in the day.

St Mirren started off very lively, when two minutes into the game Kyle Magennis managed to find space at the edge of the box and struck at goal, only to be denied by Queens goalkeeper Alan Martin, who was equal to it and parried away.

The deadlock was broken only two minutes later though, when Liam Smith found himself in similar space to what Magennis had moments earlier, but this time the on-loan full back made the Queens defence pay, by lashing the ball past Alan Martin into the top right hand corner, scoring his first ever goal for the club.

The Doonhamers did work their way back into the game a bit, after a couple of good attempts from Stephen Dobbie and Ross Fergusson. After a series of corners from the away side they did manage to get the ball over the line eventually, after a rebounded Dobbie strike was touched in. But the assistant referee had flagged for offside, as Jack Ross' men held on to their lead.

The Buddies responded well and started to pile on the pressure as they had a succession of corners. One short corner almost resulted in a goal from Lewis Morgan, but was tipped over from Alan Martin.

The resulting corner was cleared and picked up by Adam Eckersley who attempted a long range effort on goal, but was handled in the box by Queens captain John Rankin. Referee Steven Kirkland had no option but to point to the spot and award St Mirren a penalty.

Strangely, it was central defender Harry Davis who stepped up to the plate, and as cool as you like the Englishman tucked home from 12 yards; sending Martin the wrong way, Davis doubled Saints' lead on the 33 minute mark.

Saints could have been even further ahead before half time: Jack Baird winning a header from a corner that went just wide, and Gavin Reilly managed to get a toe onto a low cross from Liam Smith, which trickled agonisingly past the post. 

Half Time: St Mirren 2-0 Queen of the South

The second half didn't have quite the same action as the first, with most of Saints' attacks reduced to long range efforts. Attempts from Davis, Morgan, Smith and Mullen where not enough to make life difficult for sub goalkeeper Jack Leighfield. 

The last five minutes St Mirren did need to show their resolve though, as Gary Naysmith's side strived to find way back into the game. There was a couple of late attempts from Rankin and Dobbie, but nothing that worried Saints keeper Samson.

The game finished 2-0 to St Mirren, who now hold a 14 point gap over second place Dundee Utd. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-0 Queen of the South

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, Magennis, Flynn (Hill 88), C.Smith (McShane 77), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 65)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, MacKenzie, Sutton

Queen of the South: Martin (Leighfield 59), Rooney, Fordyce, Brownlie, Cameron, Rankin, Dobbie, Thomson, Fergusson (Todorov 70), Mercer (Thomas 45), Dykes 
Subs Not Used: Murray, Bell, Harvey

Referee: Steven Kirkland
Assistant Referee: Willie Conquer
Assistant Referee: Colin McAlpine

Attendance: 4585

Gallery pictures by John Millar © - Millar Pictures

St Mirren extended their lead at the top of the Championship table to 11 points after a hard fought win against Dunfermline Athletic.

The Saints saw out a 2-1 victory at East End Park, with goals from Cammy Smith and Jack Baird either side of half time enough to see all three points belong to the Paisley side.

The game started off brightly, with shouts for a penalty from the home fans, after Declan McManus went down in the box after a well whipped cross from Michael Paton. McManus believed Jack Baird was holding him and prevented him getting on the end of the cross, but referee John Beaton waved play on.

It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken though, as Cammy Smith put the Saints ahead on the 14 minute mark with a goal of the season contender. Some tidy play by Stephen McGinn in the centre of the park saw him slip through Lewis Morgan who broke through the middle. Morgan then played a reverse back heel into Cammy Smith who was through on goal and coolly slotted past Lee Robinson in the Dunfermline goal.

The rest of the first half saw very few chances for both teams. A strike from Saint’s top goalscorer Gavin Reilly aimed straight at Lee Robinson and Kallum Higginbotham doing the same at the other end of the pitch meant St Mirren went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Dunfermline came out in the second half determined to get back in the game, and they succeeded on the 48th minute. A free kick from the right hand side was played high to the back post, where Jean Yves Mvoto headed the ball into the six yard box and Nicky Clark won the race to nod it past Craig Samson to even up the score.

Dunfermline really started to take the game to Jack Ross’ side, with St Mirren’s only chance coming from Kyle Magennis’ dipping freekick from 25 yards which was touched over the bar for a corner.

St Mirren managed to restore their lead on the 64th minute. Another free kick from 25 yards, but instead of taking a pop at goal, Magennis decided to delicately chip the ball to the back post, where Jack Baird was standing alone and volleyed past the Dunfermline goalkeeper to the elation of the travelling support.

Morgan could have put the game out of sight for the Championship leaders on two occasions. The first came after a nice give and go with Adam Eckersley saw Morgan cut in from the left and get away a shot, only to be firmly blocked by Robinson. Then three minutes later Morgan was through again, when Stephen McGinn stole the ball from Dunfermline and played through the overlapping winger who blazed the ball over the bar from 15 yards out.

The remaining few minutes saw the away side really hemmed in which lead to the introduction of Gary MacKenzie for goalscorer Cammy Smith. The Pars plugged away at St Mirren’s defence, but to no avail. Two courageous blocks from goalscorer Baird was enough to prevent Dunfermline and seal a first win away to Pars since 2001.

Full Time: Dunfermline 1-2 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Eckersley, McGinn, McShane (Flynn 61), Magennis, C.Smith (MacKenzie 82), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 78)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Stelios, Hill, Sutton

Dunfermline: Robinson, Williamson, Talbot, Mvoto, Morris, Paton (Aird 63), Shiels (Craigen 42) Wedderburn, Higginbotham (Ryan 71), McManus, Clark
Subs Not Used: Gill, Martin, Ashcroft, Callum Smith

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: Drew Kirkland

Attendance: 5,479

Match gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren's hopes of a Scottish Cup run came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the fourth round. 

Adam Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot on eight minutes before Ryan Christie scored twice either side of Gavin Reilly's goal for Saints. The Dons wrapped up the victory thanks to a stunning strike from Gary Mackay-Steven just a minute into second half.

Saints had started brightly with Cammy Smith stabbing the ball through to Lewis Morgan inside the first minute. The winger burst forward having his shot blocked by the Aberdeen defence.

But it was Aberdeen who took an early lead when Adam Rooney netted from the penalty spot. Ryan Christie played the ball wide to Greg Stewart who cut into the box before being tripped by Stelios. Rooney sent Craig Samson the wrong way as he slid the ball into the low left hand corner to put The Dons in front. 

Buoyed by the goal, Aberdeen went on the hunt for a quick second and almost got it when Stewart forced a good stop from Samson with a powerful effort from the edge of the box. 

Saints were still causing problems themselves though with Lewis Morgan and Cammy Smith combining well on the left with the latter back-heeling the ball down the channel for Morgan who broke into the box. The young winger cut the ball back to Kyle Magennis who opened up space for himself before having his drive blocked by Joe Lewis. 

The Dons doubled their advantage a few minutes later when Gary Mackay-Steven reached a ball at the byline. He laid the ball back into the path of an unmarked Ryan Christie who made no mistake as he buried the ball into the net to make it 2-0. 

It was a frustrating blow for Saints but the Buddies soon got themselves back into the match when Gavin Reilly showed good instincts to score his 21st goal of the season. Good work from Stelios saw the Cypriot find Morgan in space inside the box. Morgan lashed goalward with Joe Lewis only able to parry into the path of Gavin Reilly who reacted quickest to knock the ball home.

Saints couldn't build on it and lost a sloppy goal on 33 minutes. Stelios' weak header came off Ian McShane inside the box before finding its way to Shay Logan. The full back threw the ball into the back post to meet Ryan Christie who leaped above the Saints defence to grab his second of the afternoon.

Lewis Morgan nearly reduced the deficit back to one almost immediately after Aberdeen's third. Joe Lewis was found in no mans land with Morgan lifting the ball over the stranded goalkeeper. It took what felt like an eternity to come off the side net. 

Saints' hopes of getting back into the game would be extinguished a little over a minute after the restart. Gary Mackay-Steven nicked in ahead of Liam Smith before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner. It was frustrating for The Buddies to have lost a goal so soon after the break but there was no arguing with the quality of the strike.

That effectively ended the game as a contest. Both sides had half chances to score but Aberdeen were comfortable to see the game out at 4-1 as they progress to the fifth round at Saints' expense. 

Full Time: Aberdeen 4-1 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, S.McGinn, McShane (Flynn 56), Magennis, C.Smith (Hill 76), Morgan, Reilly (Mullen 65)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Sutton

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Considine, Reynolds (Harvie 84), O'Connor, Shinnie, McLean, Christie, G.Stewart (May 79), Mackay-Steven (McGinn 66), Rooney
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Harvie, Ball, Wright, Maynard

Referee: Don Robertson
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Willie Conquer
Fourth Official: David Lowe

Attendance: 9,848 (595 Saints fans)

Gallery pictures by John Millar © - Millar Pictures

St Mirren extended their lead at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship to eight points after a well deserved win over Dumbarton at The Your Radio 103FM Stadium. 

Second half goals from Cammy Smith and captain Stephen McGinn, who was making his 100th St Mirren start, were enough to earn The Buddies all three points. 

Saints started the match strongly winning the first corner of the match on four minutes. The ball in was cleared only as far as Liam Smith who drilled towards goal. It fell to Cammy Smith who looked to wriggle into space to get a shot away but the forward was crowded out by the Dumbarton defence. 

The Buddies had the ball in the net on six minutes when Kyle Magennis rolled home Gavin Reilly's cutback. But the linesman had ruled that the striker had taken the ball out of play before playing across to Magennis. 

St Mirren had started brightly and went close to taking the lead on 11 minutes through Lewis Morgan only to be thwarted by one of Dumbarton's five ex-Saints. Cammy Smith found Morgan on the left with a wonderful pass and the winger got the shot away only to be denied by goalkeeper Scott Gallacher who made a fine block. 

Dumbarton reminded Saints they were still in the match when Tom Walsh sent a long range effort by the post. 

But it was still The Buddies who were in control and they should have opened the scoring just before the half hour mark. Reilly profited from a break of the ball in the middle of the park and raced clear on goal. However, the striker couldn't add to his 20 goals this season as he shot agonisingly wide of the far post. Reilly went close again five minutes later when he was found inside the box by Stelios, but he clipped wide. 

Ex-Saint Tom Walsh, who scored the winner the last time these two sides met, had the last chance of the half after escaped from Liam Smith. But the winger shot straight at Samson who gathered with ease. 

Half Time: Dumbarton 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren had been the team on top in the first half and wasted little time after the break in making their dominance pay. 

On 47 minutes Ian McShane played the ball wide to Stelios who burst forward on the left. The Cypriot put the ball into a good area for Cammy Smith who only had to ensure he got a touch on it to nod beyond Gallacher to put St Mirren 1-0 in front. 

Saints were cleared buoyed by the goal and were playing some great football. Lewis Morgan went on a good run which resulted in his shot being deflected by for a corner. Kyle Magennis whipped in a delightful ball but there were no takers. Stelios did well to find Reilly in the box five minutes later but the striker screwed the shot wide of the target. 

The Buddies' good play would be rewarded with a second goal just before the hour mark and how fitting it was for the captain to score on his 100th start in St Mirren colours. A corner from Magennis found Reilly who had a shot blocked. It found its way to McGinn who coolly stroked the ball into the far corner to double Saints' advantage. 

The second goal killed the game as a contest. Saints would have chances to further their lead with Magennis almost grabbing his first of the season when he forced Gallacher to push away his strong free kick. 

Dumbarton had a few half chances with a long range effort from Alistair Roy and a Walsh snapshot. But in the end Saints were worthy winners and extend their lead at the top to eight points following Dundee United's draw away to Dunfermline.

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McShane, McGinn, Morgan, C.Smith (Sutton 87), Magennis, Reilly (Mullen 61)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Irvine, MacKenzie, Erhahon, Flanagan

Dumbarton: Gallacher, Smith, Dowie, Dick, Barr, Gallagher (Russell 59), Hutton, Carswell, Handling (Roy 60), Walsh, Nade
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Wilson, Johnston, Hill

Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee: David Roome
Assistant Referee: Steven Strang

Attendance: 1652

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

Gavin Reilly became the first Saints player in more than quarter of a century to bag 20 goals in a season as the Buddies edged past Inverness Caley Thistle.

The striker's big moment came just before the half hour mark as he collected a pass from Cammy Smith before thumping the ball high into the net to reach a tally no Saints player had managed since Barry Lavety back in 1992-93.

Jack Ross' side should probably have been further in front by the break, Stelios hitting the bar with a tremendous long-range shot, and it was unlikely they would have things all their own way in the second half.

Sure enough, Caley Thistle looked a different side and felt they'd scored when Liam Polwarth's cross hit the post and headed towards goal, the officials feeling Craig Samson had scrambled it clear before it crossed the line. The keeper also kept out efforts from George Oakley and Connor Bell as Saints made it six games unbeaten.

Oakley started on the bench but was called into action sharpish when new Caley Thistle signing Nathan Robertson had to go off injured. It was the hosts who made all the early running, neat play allowing Lewis Morgan to wriggle some space to get a shot away but Mark Ridgers managed to hold it. A tremendous move then almost gave Saints the lead as Stephen McGinn performed some trickery in the middle of the park, releasing the ball to Morgan just before the captain was clattered. With ref Willie Collum playing advantage, Morgan got to the byline and cut the ball back for Cammy Smith, whose shot was blocked by Liam Polwarth. As Smith claimed for handball, the ball sat up nicely for Kyle Magennis who fired a shot a yard or two over Ridgers' top corner.

Caley Thistle didn't really trouble the Buddies defence until Aaron Doran found former Buddie John Baird, who flashed a shot past Samson's far post. The striker's next effort was deflected over by Harry Davis and moments later Saints took the lead. McGinn slid a great pass to Cammy Smith who found Reilly, the striker's heavy first touch taking him away from his man and setting him up perfectly to thump home his 20th goal of the season.

The visitors tried to respond quickly, Doran shooting tamely at Samson after being picked out by Baird before Joe Chalmers curled a shot wide. However, it was Saints could have doubled their lead before the break, Morgan sending Stelios away and he cut onto his right foot before cracking the bar from long range.

The visitors came flying out of the traps in the second half, Doran shooting narrowly wide before Polwarth went even closer. Samson left the midfielder's cross and could only watch as it hit the post, the Saints keeper scurrying back to claw it away. The Caley Thistle players and fans appealed for a goal and it did look as if the ball had crossed the line before Samson rescued the situation, however the officials remained unmoved.

Saints had been getting forward often enough but seemed reluctant to shoot, Cammy Smith going some way to putting that right when his 20-yard drive was turned behind by Ridgers. Ian McShane also went close as his shot from the edge of the box was deflected narrowly wide. Caley Thistle almost took advantage of their good luck when Carl Tremarco found Oakley a few yards out but he was far too casual with his shot, which was straight at Samson.

Saints had the ball in the net 10 minutes from time but Ridgers had been fouled. Moments later Morgan fired the ball across goal for Reilly at the back post but he couldn't wrap his foot around it to steer it home. Morgan then burst forward before shooting wide before two of Caley's subs almost drew them level, Jake Mulraney charging to the byline and picking out Connor Bell whose close range shot was well blocked by Samson. There was to be one more chance for the visitors but Oakley headed wide as Saints moved six points clear at the top of the Championship.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-0 Inverness

St Mirren: Samson, L.Smith, Baird, Davis, Stelios, McGinn, McShane (Mullen 72), Magennis, C.Smith (Irvine 90), Morgan, Reilly
Subs Not Used: Stewart,  MacKenzie, Erhahon, O'Keefe, Sutton

Inverness: Ridgers, Raven, Tremarco, Warren, McKay, Chalmers, Trafford, Polworth, Doran (Mulraney 75), Baird (Bell 81), Austin (Oakley 9)
Subs Not Used: Esson, Brown, Calder, Seedorf, Bell

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence

Attendance: 4,448

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography