St Mirren's bid to haul themselves from the bottom of the league took a blow as the Buddies lost 3-0 to Queen of the South at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

Goals from Stephen Dobbie, Joe Thomson and an own goal from Gary MacKenzie consigned the Buddies to defeat which sees the gap at the bottom remain at seven points.

Saints started the game off in bright fashion with John Sutton proving to be a handful for the visitors. The Englishman robbed the ball in the Queens box right at the byline and cut it back to Kyle McAllister who took a touch to settle himself before firing a shot that was deflected behind for a corner. That corner was cleared but the Buddies won another soon after which almost lead to the opener. The striker was up the highest to nod goalward but a ruck of players on the line ensured it stayed out the Queen of the South net. 

St Mirren kept the pressure up and MacKenzie could've added to his goal from last week when he headed wide. The defender was on the end of an excellent Mallan corner but couldn't get enough on the header to put it on target. 

The visitors started to grow into the match and put the Saints under pressure with a series of corner kicks. They threw in some good balls with John Rankin going closest when he fired low and wide.

It was an even game with each side fashioning good opportunities. McAllister saw an effort from outside the box fizz just over the crossbar before Lewis Morgan smashed a shot just wide of the right hand post. Queens had their chances too with debutant Rankin putting the ball just over the bar. 

Rankin was the architect for the opening goal as he slipped the ball into Dobbie's path to put the away side in front. Dobbie - who had scored in both previous St Mirren/Queen of the South matches this season - peeled away from the defence and lifted the ball beyond Gallacher right on the stroke of half time.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-1 Queen of the South

St Mirren were having the bulk of the possession with most of the match being played in the Queen of the South half after the break. 

McAllister was unlucky not to have gotten Saints an equaliser when his attempt from outside the box cracked off the woodwork. The ball then fell to Naismith whose follow up went just wide of the far post. 

Still Saints were coming forward and Naismith, bounding down the right, put across a terrific ball into the six yard box which was crying out for someone in the Black and White but there was to be nobody on the end of it. 

Despite the vast majority of the second half being played in the visitors half they would soon find a killer second goal to give them their first league win since September. Loanee Thomson sealed the Doonhamers win when smashed home after the ball fell to him when Dobbie's shot cracked off the post. 

With the game edging towards full time Queens added a third when Dykes' shot was turned into the net by MacKenzie to round off a frustrating afternoon in Paisley.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-3 Queen of the South

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, MacKenzie, Webster (Shankland, 74), Irvine, Magennis (Clarkson, 59), Quinn, McAllister, Mallan, Morgan, Sutton
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Baird, Stewart, McLear, Gallagher

Queen of the South: Robinson, Hamill, Marshall, Dowie, Brownlie, Rankin, Jacobs, Thomson, Thomas (Murray, 89), Carmichael (Dykes, 72), Dobbie (Lyle, 84)
Subs Not Used: Atkinson, Higgins, Moxon, Fergusson

Referee: Mat Northcroft
Assistant Referee: Anthony Cooper
Assistant Referee: Garry Farmer

Attendance: 3,105

Match report and gallery pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography

Saints missed a golden opportunity to finish a difficult year on a high as they failed to hold on to a lead against Renfrewshire rivals Morton.

Gary MacKenzie's header gave the Buddies the lead at the break and their chances of claiming a priceless three points improved when Jamie McDonagh was sent off for stamping on Rocco Quinn early in the second half. 

However, after that Saints seemed to get deeper and Morton's pressure paid off in stoppage time as Ricki Lamie bundled the ball home at a corner. 

Saints stuck with the same team that lost at Tannadice on Christmas Eve and they had an early penalty appeal turned down when Jason Naismith appeared to be bundled over inside the box by Mark Russell. There was then a lucky escape as MacKenzie had to hack the ball clear with Ross Forbes ready to tap in the opener. Jamie Lindsay was booked for flattening Stevie Mallan soon after before Morton could've taken the lead, Scott Gallacher punching a Forbes corner to Gavin Gunning but the defender volleyed wide. 

John Sutton was next to be denied a penalty after appearing to be pushed to the ground after collecting Rocco Quinn's cross. It took midway through the half for the striker to get a sight of goal when he headed wide from Lewis Morgan's cross.

Michael Doyle's header found the top of the net as the visitors threatened again before Saints went even closer, Gary Irvine's cross finding Sutton whose header was tipped over by Derek Gaston. The resultant corner bore fruit as Mallan's superb delivery found MacKenzie in acres of space and his header flew past Gaston to give the Buddies the lead and the big defender his first goal for the club. 

Gallacher did well to palm away Russell's shot as the Ton looked for a quick equaliser. Another chance came when Quinn's foul on Jamie McDonagh sent the Morton player sliding into the advertising boards but Forbes' pacey delivery skidded off the head of Thomas O'Ware and behind.

Saints hadn't threatened since taking the lead but Kyle Magennis had half a chance to double the advantage as Quinn slipped the ball to the youngster at the edge of the box, however his effort was a yard or two away from finding the top corner. 

As the first half came to a close Morton were unlucky not to equalise when Ricki Lamie headed Forbes' free-kick over the bar before Gallacher blocked Gary Oliver's effort to force home the rebound. Morton felt they should have had a penalty in the aftermath for a challenge on Oliver and the subsequent injuries spelled the end of his afternoon as Kudus Oyenuga replaced him at the break. 

Half Time: St Mirren 1-0 Morton

Forbes was booked early in the second half for a bad tackle on Magennis but worse was soon to follow for the visitors. After a free-kick was given for a foul on Quinn by McDonagh, the Morton man appeared to stamp on the Saints midfielder. Ref Nick Walsh quickly sent McDonagh off but there was a short delay while Quinn was treated before being replaced by Lewis McLear. Mallan's attempted lob of Gaston was easily dealt with as the Buddies tried to make their advantage count, however Morton weren't lying down and asked plenty of questions of the home defence. 

MacKenzie was denied a second when he saw a header cleared off the line before Naismith and sub David Clarkson both made their way into the book for fouls. 

It looked as if the Buddies would hold out but in stoppage time Morton grabbed a leveller. The visitors won a corner which was missed by Gallacher before falling for Lamie to sweep home. It was a frustrating end to the match and the year as Saints look to haul themselves from the foot of the table.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-1 Morton

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, MacKenzie, Webster, Irvine, Quinn (McLear, 61), Magennis (Clarkson, 71), McAllister, (Gallagher, 88) Mallan, Morgan, Sutton
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Baird, Hardie, Shankland

Morton: Gaston, Lamie, O'Ware, Gunning, Doyle, Oliver (Oyenuga, 45), Forbes, Lindsay (Nesbitt, 74), Russell, McDonough, Murdoch (Tidser, 80)
Subs Not Used: McNeil, Kilday, Scullion, Strapp

Referee: Nick Walsh
Assistant Referee: Kylie McMullan
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence

Attendance: 4,902

Match report and gallery pictures © Stephen Smyth 

St Mirren were unable to keep their lead as Dundee United ran out 2-1 victors at Tannadice. 

John Sutton had scored to put the Saints in front but an immediate reply from Simon Fraser and a goal on the half time whistle from Simon Murray saw all three points go to United. 

St Mirren started the match well with Lewis Morgan creating two chanced in the opening stages. The youngster made his way into the box and tried to get his shot away but it was blocked and cleared by the United defence.

Moments later the ball fell to him again but his shot from 30 yards out was no trouble for the goalkeeper as it flew high over the bar.  

Play switched to the other end of the park and United had two quick chances of their own. Blair Spittal headed over from a corner before a second set piece saw the ball trickle wide. 

Both sides were forced into early changes as Gary MacKenzie and Mark Durnan clashed heads in the penalty area after a Saints corner.

Jack Baird replaced MacKenzie whilst Coll Donaldson was introduced for United and it was shortly after the latter substitution that deadlock was broken. 

United had a throw in deep in their own half and after an error from Donaldson, John Sutton latched onto the loose ball and slotted past Cammy Bell. 

The lead didn't last long, as just a minute later Scott Fraser had equalised for Dundee United. 

St Mirren came close to regaining the lead just a few minutes later, as the ball was played to the back post where Naismith was lurking, however his close range effort was saved onto the post and cleared. 

Despite the Saints efforts to find a second goal, it was United who struck the killer blow. Scott Fraser took a free kick on the corner of the box and it was flicked past Gallacher by Simon Murray right on the stroke of half time. 

Half Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren 

Dundee United started the better in the second half winning a free kick just outside the box. Scott Fraser stood over it and blasted it over the bar. 

Gallacher was then forced to make a save low to his right when Sean Dillon headed towards goal. 

St Mirren made their second change as Rocco Quinn made way for David Clarkson and he almost made an instant impact as yle McAllister crossed the ball from the right and Clarkson looked to get on the end of it but it was just too far out of reach. 

Lewis Morgan then forced Cammy Bell into a save with a optimistic shot from distance before creating another great chance.

He found himself through on goal but he didn't take the shot in time and William Edjenguele made the challenge and cleared. 

With ten minutes left to play Lawrence Shankland replaced Kyle McAllister.

Much like Clarkson, Shankland came close after coming on. The ball was played to him at the back post and he tried to slot it past Bell but Edjenguele was there to clear once more. 

Despite late pressure from the Saints, they were unable to find the equaliser and it finished Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren 

Full Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren 

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Irvine, Webster, MacKenzie (Baird, 19), Quinn (Clarkson, 60), Magennis, McAllister (Shankland, 79), Mallan, Morgan, Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Langfield, McLear, Hardie, Gallagher

Dundee United: Bell, Dillon, Dixon, Durnan (Donaldson, 25) , Spittal, Murray (Smith, 80), Fraser, Telfer (Van Der Velden, 70), Edjenguele, Flood, Andreu
Subs Not Used: Zwick, Murdoch, Obadeyi, Robson

Referee: John McKendrick
Assistant Referee: Alasdair Ross
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane

Attendance: 7,247

Match report and gallery pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography

Saints made it three games unbeaten in a row after drawing with Ayr United this afternoon, but it arguably should have been a third successive victory.

With the game goalless, the Buddies were awarded a second-half penalty when Jason Naismith charged into the box before being fouled by Paul Cairney. It seemed the perfect way to open the scoring, only for Lawrence Shankland to send his spot-kick wide.

A few minutes later, the gaping wound had salt rubbed into it when Jamie Adams slotted a pass through the middle of the defence and Cairney shot past Scott Gallacher. Adams' afternoon was then brought to a premature end when he was shown a straight red card for sending Kyle McAllister flying as he charged forward.

Saints threw everything at the Honest Men in a bid to find an equaliser and it arrived with 10 minutes left, David Clarkson crossing for fellow sub John Sutton to mark a century of Buddies appearances by heading his side level. It was another of the subs who went closest to grabbing a crucial winner for the hosts, Ryan Hardie's spectacular effort from distance hitting the bar.

Sutton was benched to make way for Stevie Mallan, who was returning from illness, with Andy Webster taking over in defence from the injured Ben Gordon. Ayr stuck with the side that narrowly lost to Dundee United last week, former Buddie Gary Harkins starting in midfield.

He indirectly played a part in Ayr's first chance, his deflected shot winning his side a corner that led to a scramble with Alan Forrest's shot being blocked on the line. Saints quickly broke and won a corner of their own, Gary MacKenzie denied a first Buddies goal when his thumping header was cleared. Lewis Morgan and Kyle Magennis both failed to find the target with efforts from the edge of the box as Saints looked for an early goal.

It almost came in bizarre circumstances. Mallan's long range effort looked to be going well off target but it had taken a deflection, giving the ball some crazy spin that almost saw it drop into the bottom corner. Instead, it went the wrong side of the post, Shankland's shot from the resultant corner posing no problems for keeper Greg Fleming.

It was open stuff with both teams looking dangerous on the counter attack and Ayr should have taken the lead when Robbie Crawford's free-kick was knocked on to the onrushing Scott McKenna, however he somehow managed to rattle the bar rather than burst the net. Webster flicked a Saints corner across goal and beyond the far post and Nicky Devlin had a header saved by Scott Gallacher before Saints came as close as they'd come to scoring. Shankland got the better of his defender and sent a low shot beyond Fleming but also the far post.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Ayr United

The second half was a slow burner but came to life just before the hour mark. First of all, Ayr were unlucky not to take the lead as they picked their way through the Saints back-line before Gallacher reacted brilliantly to deny Harkins. Then, as the Buddies attacked, some tremendous passing play got Naismith in behind the defence but just as he was about to shoot he was clipped by Paul Cairney. Ref Greg Aitken had no hesitation in pointing to the spot before booking Cairney and the responsibility fell on Shankland to convert the spot-kick. Unfortunately he couldn't, slotting his penalty the wrong side of the post to the horror of the home fans.

And things were soon to get a whole lot worse for the Buddies. Jamie Adams' pass sliced straight through the middle of the Saints defence and found Cairney, who completed his redemption by side-footing past Gallacher to put the visitors in front. Not for the first time at home in the last few months, Saints suddenly found themselves chasing an equaliser having looked the more likely side to opener.

Mallan burst forward to the edge of the box only to waste a glorious chance by shooting wide, then McAllister drew a tremendous save from Fleming, the keeper tipping the youngster's long range shot round the post. Next time he had the ball McAllister charged forward like a man possessed until his run was cynically and brutally brought to an abrupt end by Adams. Once again Mr Aitken didn't waste any time and instantly sent the Ayr man off, much to the ire of his team-mates although his manager Ian McCall later admitted it was probably the correct decision.

Saints could sense blood and, with John Sutton and David Clarkson already on, threw Ryan Hardie into the mix. The change in system had the desired effect almost immediately as Clarkson swung in a cross from the right and Sutton stooped down to head the ball past Fleming. It was the striker's 100th appearance for Saints and it seemed appropriate he mark it with the sort of goal he's scored numerous times before.

Having got level, the Buddies went in search of a winner, Hardie clipping the bar with a long ranger that took a touch off an Ayr man on its way. However, with Saints pushing they left themselves exposed at the back and as the defence screamed for offside, sub Kevin Nisbet tried to take advantage to drag his shot wide of the far post. Saints' best chances were falling to Mallan and it looked like he'd repeated his trick from Queen of the South game, except this time his long range shot was just the wrong side of the post. Deep in stoppage time the Buddies won a corner but Sutton's header was easily dealt with by Fleming as the two sides had to settle for a draw that did neither side much good.

Full Time: St Mirren 1-1 Ayr United

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Webster (Hardie, 79), MacKenzie, Irvine, Quinn (Sutton, 60), Magennis, Mallan, Morgan, McAllister, Shankland (Clarkson, 69)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Baird, Gallagher, McLear

Ayr United: Fleming, Devlin, Crawford, Forrest (Nesbit, 72), Harkins (Rose, 79), Cairney, Adams, Meggatt (Boyle, 70) Balatoni, Docherty, McKenna
Subs Not Used: Hart, McGuffie, Gilmour, O'Connell

Referee: Greg Aitken
Assistant Referee: Douglas Ross
Assistant Referee: Willie Ferguson

Attendance: 3,124

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

St Mirren made it back-to-back league wins with a 1-0 win over Raith Rovers at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. A fine strike from Lewis Morgan early in the second half was enough to hand Saints their second league victory in a row and their first at home since April. 

The home team started the match well with Kyle McAllister and Jason Naismith getting joy down the right side in the early proceedings. First Lawrence Shankland released McAllister down the win. He broke into the box and aimed a cross towards the head of John Sutton but it had too much on it for the striker to get near to it. 

Then it was Naismith who did well as he drew a corner down that side after beating McHattie. The corner was whipped in deep by McAllister towards Naismith who got his head on the end of it but it lacked enough power as it drifted beyond the post. 

Kyle Magennis, fresh from signing a contract extension at the Buddies, almost helped set up the opener on 26 minutes. He was slipped in by McAllister and bounded down the right side into the box before sending across a low ball which took Raith goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert out of the game but it just couldn't find Sutton who was sliding in at the back post.

Saints won a free kick on the half hour mark in what is known as 'Stevie Mallan territory' around these parts. But with the 20 year-old out with a sickness bug it was up to McAllister to step up. However, his effort was curled well over the bar. 

Raith had a chance similar to the one that Magennis had created for Saints five minutes earlier when Declan McManus smashed the ball across the edge of goal but there were no takers for the Rovers and the scores remained level.

It was, however, St Mirren who would end the half the strongest. After winning a succession of corners which came to nothing, Andy Webster could've headed Saints into the lead when he was on the end of a McAllister free kick but the nodded effort went over. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Raith Rovers

If St Mirren had finished the first half as the stronger of the two sides they were certainly intent on making sure that stayed the case after the break. It was less than two minutes into the second half when Saints took the lead through Lewis Morgan. The young winger picked the ball up on the left hand side after a throw-in and out-muscled the opposing defender and lashed the ball into the net. It was a ferocious hit which left Cuthbert with no chance and gave Saints the lead for the first time at home in the league this season. 

Saints were keeping Raith at bay with the away side not being allowed to create any opportunities. They did get one 10 minutes into the second half from a corner when towering Rovers defender M'Voto had a free header but the Frenchman headed wide. 

The home side could have doubled their lead on the hour mark when Quinn was denied by Kevin Cuthbert. The midfielder cut into the box on the near the byline and dinked the ball goalward in what looked to be a cross. Cuthbert clawed the ball away before the ball came back out into the box to find Shankland who went down under the challenge of M'Voto. The referee was unmoved though much to the chagrin of Shankland and the Saints support. 

The visitors did start to grow into the game as the second half wore on with Jordan Thompson proving to be a threat. The on loan forward tested Gallacher with a curling effort from the edge of the box but the goalkeeper did well to hold. 

Gallacher was in fine form for the Buddies and did well to deny Bobby Barr an equaliser when he parried a shot. The ball came back to McManus who then hit the side netting after slicing his effort.

The game went back and forth right until the end but it could've been over with just under 15 minutes to go when McAllister headed off the bar. The youngster peeled away at the back post to be found by Shankland who had taken his time to look up and spot the 17 year-old who rose to knock the ball off the woodwork. 

And then came a huge moment in the contest. Saints had everyone forward before losing the ball in the final third that began a lightening quick counter for the Kirkcaldy side. Eventually Mark Stewart was picked out and looks odds on to score as he bore down on goal but could only watch as Gallacher reacted brilliant to block the attempt and Saints got the ball clear. 

It was Saints who then had the next best chance to wrap up the game when substitute Ryan Hardie was played through on goal. He made his way into the box and unleased the shot which was parried by the goalkeeper towards the path of Shankland before the Raith player cleared it for a corner. 

Attempts were made by the home side to keep the ball in that area of the pitch and Shankland and Morgan did a good job of holding it there for a good two minutes into stoppage time. But the tension from the match wasn't about to end yet as the referee continued to play on and with four or five minutes of added time played Raith won a free kick deep in Saints half. They launched it into the box with everybody, included the Raith goalkeeper, in the area but it was cleared and St Mirren picked up another valuable three points. 

Full Time: St Mirren 1-0 Raith Rovers

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Gordon (Webster, 18), MacKenzie, Irvine, Quinn (McLear, 71), Magennis, Morgan, McAllister, Shankland, Sutton (Hardie, 79)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Clarkson, Gallagher, Walsh

Raith Rovers: Cuthbert, McHattie, Callachan, M'Voto, Johnston, Stewart (Vaughan, 79), Matthews (Skacel, 79), Davidson, Roberts (Barr, 58), McManus, Thompson
Subs Not Used: Lennox, Osei, Coustrain, Crawford

Referee: Barry Cook
Assistant Referee: Frank Connor
Assistant Referee: Paul O'Neill

Attendance: 2,620

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

St Mirren picked up their first win of the season in the Ladbrokes Championship after a dramatic end to a pulsating 90 minutes at Palmerston Park. Jack Ross' side were well worthy of the three points with a fine attacking display which saw them deservedly get their first three points of the season. 

Saints started the game brightly with half chances for Lewis Morgan and Jason Naismith in the early stages. Firstly, Morgan was played in down the right as he latched on to a Stephen Mallan pass. The winger sped past Darren Brownlie but took the shot early from outside the area and sent it wide. 

Mallan was involved again when his effort was deflected out for a corner kick. Kyle McAllister took the corner, but after the first attempt was cleared it was flung into the back post where Naismith, making his 100th Saints appearance, took the ball on his left foot and put it over the bar.

Derek Lyle should have put the Doonhamers ahead after Scott Gallacher spilled a shot straight into the striker's path but he somehow knocked the ball by the post. The home side weren't made to wait for the opener though as Stephen Dobbie put them ahead a minute later. Grant Anderson got in behind Gary Irvine and laid the ball into the path of Dobbie who rolled the ball into the net. 

Saints reaction was exactly what Jack Ross would have been after as Saints were level a little over two minutes later when Kyle Magennis got his first goal for the Saints. The 18 year-old picked up the ball around 25 yards out and powered the ball into the back of the net. It was a sensational effort from the midfielder whose thundering effort left Lee Robinson with absolutely no chance. 

The Buddies could've been ahead on 34 minutes through John Sutton. Mallan launched the ball into the Queens box on to the head of Naismith who nodded the ball into the feet of the big striker. However, as he turned to shoot the passage to goal was blocked by one of the Queens defenders and ended up safely in the arms of the goalkeeper.

The visitors were doing well without creating too many clear cut chances but found themselves behind just before half time. The ball was given away in the middle of the park and Lyle played the ball into the path of Dobbie who guided the ball beyond Gallacher to get his second of the game. 

Half Time: Queen of the South 2-1 St Mirren

The second half got off to a scrappy start but Saints got themselves back on level terms for the second time. Naismith was clipped as he ran down the right side and St Mirren had a free kick deep in the Queens half.

Mallan stepped in to take it and floated the ball into the box where it met the head of Gary MacKenzie. The defender headed into the path of his defensive partner Ben Gordon who swung a leg at it and watched as it deflected beyond Robinson.

Saints grew more confident but only after Jake Pickard wasted a huge chance for the Doonhamers. Dobbie bounded down the right and found Pickard in plenty of space but the youngster scooped the ball over.

MacKenzie almost joined his defensive partner on the scoresheet as he smashed the ball from the outside the box. It looked to be firing in to the corner of the net but Robinson made a fantastic save to deny the big defender his first Saints goal. From the corner, Morgan had a shot which ended up nestling into the arms of the keeper. 

The game went back and forth with goalscorer Gordon doing brilliantly to deny Lyle what would have been a tap in as he cleared the cross ball. It was then The Buddies chance to go close as a looping Magennis header forced Robinson to tip over the bar. As the game continued to ebb and flow it was Queens who went close to going in front again as Dobbie was sniffing out a hat-trick. The striker burst into the box and it took a wonderful save from Gallacher to deny him the match ball. 

Saints looked the more dominant and the manager made positive substitutions as the game was being stretched with Ryan Hardie and Calum Gallagher coming on for Rocco Quinn and Kyle McAllister. 

With time ticking away it looked like the Buddies would have to settle for a point. But in the dying embers they won a corner. Initially it was cleared but only as far as Morgan who laid the ball off for Mallan who took a touch before firing it into the back of the net. The travelling Saints supporters were delirious as they ran to the trackside to celebrate with the players. It was no more than the team, or the supporters, deserved as St Mirren now look to climb up the Ladbrokes Championship. 

Full Time: Queen of the South 2-3 St Mirren

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Gordon, MacKenzie, Irvine, Quinn (Hardie,73), Magennis, McAllister (Gallagher, 83), Mallan, Morgan, Sutton (Shankland,)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Clarkson, McLear, Stewart

Queen of the South: Robinson, Hamill, Marshall, Dowie, Brownlie, Higgins, Anderson (Carmichael, 66) , Millar (Brotherston, 83), Lyle, Dobbie, Dykes (Pickard, 49)
Subs Not Used: Atkinson, Hooper, Moxon, Bell

Referee: Crawford Allan
Assistant Referee: Gary Hilland
Assistant Referee: Ryan Oliver

Attendance: 1,147

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures 

St Mirren's search for a first league win of the season continued as the ten men Saints eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat against Falkirk at the Falkirk Stadium. However, the manner of the performance throughout the afternoon will give Jack Ross hope that that will come sooner rather than later.

Lewis Morgan gave the Buddies an early lead when he smashed the ball into the net in the 17th minute. Saints were doing well in the match before defender Jack Baird was sent off just before half time. Falkirk took advantage of the numbers game as they scored three second half goals to give themselves three points.

Kyle Magennis went on a driving run and held off the challenge from a Falkirk midfielder before finding Kyle McAllister on the right wing who curled an effort just beyond Rogers' right hand post.

Lewis Morgan had a strong header from the edge of the box that left Rogers unsure as it dipped just over the bar. It was a good start by Saints and a nice flick from McAllister found Naismith. The full back drove toward the box and played a ball across but there was no one to attack the ball. 

It was Falkirk who had the best real chance to opening the scoring on 13 minutes when James Craigen forced a save from Scott Gallacher. The midfielder broke into the box on the left hand side and drove the ball toward the near post but Gallacher was equal to it as he pushed it wide. 

Saints started the game strongly and got their reward in the 17th minute when Morgan put the Buddies ahead. The winger picked up the ball from a knock down and rifled it from the edge of the box beyond Rogers. The goalkeeper stood no chance as Morgan caught the ball sweetly to send Saints supporters into raptures. 

The visitors were worthy of their lead and while the game had hit a bit of a lull Falkirk proved they were still in the game as Gallacher was forced into a save by Luca Gasparotto. The Canadian was on the end of Craigen's cross, but the goalkeeper was equal to it as he held the effort. 

The warning signs were still there and it took a good goal saving tackle from Jason Naismith to deny John Baird from getting the Bairns level. The striker was found by Lee Miller and just as he was about to pull the trigger Naismith slid in to block the attempt and Saints cleared the danger.

Saints were dealt a major blow on 38 minutes when Jack Baird was shown a straight red card by Craig Thompson. The defender looked to have thrown a punch at Miller as both went in for a challenge and the referee showed no hesitation in sending Baird off. 

Half Time: Falkirk 0-1 St Mirren

The second half was barely two minutes old when Falkirk got themselves level. Experienced striker Miller got on the end of Hippolyte's ball across from the left to tuck the ball beyond Gallacher to make it 1-1. 

Hippolyte will never be a favourite of the Saints fans and was the subject of boos from the away support when he dived in the box looking for a penalty. The referee wasn't having it and the forward picked up a booking for his trouble. 

Despite being down to ten men Saints were still battling hard in the match. Falkirk weren't getting any chances while St Mirren looked fairly threatening on the counter attack with the speed of Morgan, the physical threat of Sutton and the skill of Mallan and McAllister helping Saints create openings. 

Just after the hour mark Morgan used his speed to burst down the left hand side and was unlucky not to find McAllister who would've been one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a great sliding challenge from Luke Leahy. 

Kyle Magennis went close to giving St Mirren the lead for the second time in the match when his curling shot was headed just beyond the far post by a Falkirk defender. The corner didn't threaten

Falkirk took the lead in the 77th minute when subsitute Bob McHugh bundled home from a Bairns corner. The corner came after a wonderful save by the feet of Gallacher denied the home side the lead. But it only delayed it as the deep corner was headed back goal-ward and smashed into the back of the net by McHugh. 

The Bairns killed the game off with around seven minutes remaining when Hippolyte smashed in a third for the hosts. The forward danced his way into the box and smashed the ball emphatically beyond Gallacher to secure all three points for the home side. 

Full Time: Falkirk 3-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Baird, MacKenzie, Irvine, Quinn(Stewart, 61), Magennis, McAllister (Gallagher, 87), Mallan, Morgan, Sutton (Shankland, 74)
Subs Not Used: Langfield, McLear, Clarkson, Hardie

Falkirk: Rogers, Leahy, Muirhead, McCracken, Rankin (Sibbald, 45), Kerr, Baird (McHugh, 74), Hippolyte, Gasparotto, Miller, Craigen (Shepherd, 74)
Subs Not Used: Mehmet, Kidd, Grant, Watson

Referee: Craig Thompson
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: Alan Hogg

Attendance: 4,486 (392 Saints fans)

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

Saints cruised into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this evening with a comfortable and confidence boosting win over Spartans.

The first half was more like a goal of the season competition for the Buddies. Lawrence Shankland scored with a tremendous shot after being set up by Kyle McAllister before Stevie Mallan curled one in from 25 yards. The third saw McAllister open his first team account, beating three Spartans defenders before cracking home a shot from the edge of the box.

The goals after the break weren't quite as spectacular but just as effective. John Sutton netted after Kyle Magennis' shot had been saved before Shankland got his second with a cool finish. The only blot on the copybook came when Jack Beesley pulled one back for the visitors but it was a minor bump on the road as Saints set up a trip to Dundee in the New Year.

Shankland was back in the team at the expense of David Clarkson, who dropped to the bench, while Gary MacKenzie started in defence in place of Jack Baird. He was on the bench and he was joined by the fit-again Rocco Quinn and youngster Kalvin Orsi. There was a familiar face in the Spartans team with former Buddie Eddie Malone starting for the visitors.

Sutton played for Saints the last time the two sides met more than a decade ago and he had the first chance after a few minutes, bringing the ball down before firing over from the edge of the box. After McAllister failed to find the target with a few long range efforts, he fared rather better when he turned provider. Shankland brilliantly controlled the young winger's pass on his chest before lashing the ball into the top corner, giving goalie Blair Carswell no chance.

Saints had dominated the opening exchanges and it didn't take long for them to double their lead in equally spectacular style. Jason Naismith's cross was only cleared as far as Mallan and the midfielder took a touch before curling a low shot past Carswell from 20 yards. It should perhaps have been three a few minutes after the restart, however Lewis Morgan's tame shot with his weaker right foot was no problem for Carswell.

It was McAllister's turn to add his name to the scoresheet with little more than half an hour played. A rare Spartans foray forward ended when Alan Brown's shot was blocked by his own team-mate. As they tried to recover, McAllister picked up the ball and charged past three defenders before unleashing a thunderbolt from the edge of the box that flew into the net via the underside of the bar. It was the youngster's first senior goal and fully deserved.

There was little let-up from the hosts, a short corner ending with Mallan curling a shot wide and early in the second half Sutton shot straight at Carswell after good work from Mallan. Spartans had introduced Scott Maxwell at the break and were getting into the final third a bit more, a promising attack ending when Brown shot over from 20 yards. They went even closer when Scott Gallacher, who'd had little to do, charged out of his goal to try to get to the ball and was only able to watch as Paul Thomson lifted it over his head, however Ben Gordon was on hand to clear that and the follow-up effort from Brown off the line.

Saints were producing some nice passing stuff, McAllister just unable to find Sutton before a sweeping move resulted in Mallan testing Carswell. That was swiftly followed by Quinn making a welcome return from injury as he replaced Gordon. His first involvement was to watch as Mallan took a free-kick that would have had Carswell worried had it not clipped the wall.

It merely delayed the inevitable as Saints added the fourth just after the hour mark. A few shots were blocked before Kyle Magennis got in a fierce effort that Carswell did well to stop, however the ball bounced up perfectly for Sutton to nod home. The goal also spelled the end of MacKenzie's night as he was replaced by Baird.

Sutton was involved again when Saints notched up their fifth, flicking the ball on for Shankland who strolled away from the Spartans defence before coolly finishing past Carswell. The on-loan forward was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick moment later as another ball over the top caught out the Spartans defence. Shankland tried to round Carswell but the keeper got just enough on the ball to divert it back onto the striker with enough pace that it then bounced behind.

The home defence had had little to do all evening but the chance of a rare clean sheet vanished with less than 20 minutes left. Gallacher did well to save the initial shot from Jamie Dishington but could do little as sub Jack Beesley netted the rebound to give the visitors some consolation. However, the five goal lead could have been restored almost immediately, Morgan picking out Sutton with a great cross but Carswell saved the header, the Englishman then making way so that Orsi could make his senior debut.

Spartans almost pulled another one back when the ball broke kindly for Brown at the edge of the box but he shot over before Carswell pulled off a tremendous save to deny Magennis, who almost claimed an assist in stoppage time when Orsi headed wide from his cross.

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Gordon (Quinn, 59), MacKenzie (Baird, 63), Irvine, McAllister, Mallan, Magennis, Morgan, Sutton (Orsi, 82), Shankland
Subs Not Used: Langfield, McLear, Gallagher, Clarkson

Spartans: Carswell, Herd, Townsley, Tolmie (Salutregi, 74), Thomson, Malone, Brown, Stevenson, Mair, (Maxwell, 45) Hay (Beesley, 63), Dishington
Subs Not Used: Gilpin, Watson, Ward, Comrie

Referee: Kevin Graham
Assistant Referee: Stephen Mitchell
Assistant Referee: Ross Hardie

Attendance: 1,147

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

Saints' search for a first league win of the season continued as they were edged out 1-0 by Dunfermline at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

Nicky Clark's first half goal proved to be enough for the Pars, as a combination of poor finishing and an inspired display by visiting keeper Sean Murdoch made it a frustrating evening for the Buddies.

It's a result that leaves Saints seven points adrift at the bottom of the table and manager Jack Ross is still waiting for his first league win since taking charge at the beginning of October.

The team was along similar lines to the one that beat Ayr United last week, the only change being Ben Gordon replacing the injured Gary MacKenzie.Youngsters Kyle McAllister and Kyle Magennis both impressed in that game and kept their places. Paul McMullan, who spent the first half of last season on loan at Saints, was on the Dunfermline bench with manager Allan Johnston showing his attacking intent by starting Nicky Clark, Farid El Alagui, Kallum Higginbotham and Michael Paton.

Saints started well, Jason Naismith's early burst forward allowing him to get a shot in that took a deflection on its way through to Pars keeper Sean Murdoch before Lewis Morgan was unlucky not to open the scoring, the youngster heading wide from McAllister's cross. Clark found the target with his header from Higginbotham's free-kick but it was straight at Saints keeper Scott Gallacher.

Just before the half hour mark the goalie was left rather exposed from Rhys McCabe's free-kick. Lee Ashcroft looked likely to score after getting in behind the defence but made a mess of his chance, however before Saints could breath a sigh of relief the ball trickled past Gallacher and across to Clark who slammed it into the unguarded net to put the visitors in front.

The Buddies pushed to find an equaliser and while they got themselves into decent positions, the final ball was lacking. Dunfermline were able to get a few efforts in, although Gallacher was untroubled by the attempts from El Alagui and Paton. Just before the break Murdoch was finally called into meaningful action, Stevie Mallan's sliding a pass through to McAllister whose shot was well turned over by the visiting goalie. Sutton went even closer soon after, Murdoch somehow tipping away the striker's header from McAllister's cross before the Pars defence scrambled the ball clear.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dunfermline

Saints had finished the half strongly but almost fell further behind as the game resumed, El Alagui heading wide from Higginbotham's dangerous free-kick. Lawrence Shankland replaced David Clarkson as Saints looked for a way back into the game, Mallan seeing his long range shot parried by Murdoch before the keeper pounced on the loose ball.

It hadn't been too lively a game and some end to end action just after the hour mark was just what the doctor ordered. First, Gary Irvine and Ben Gordon got in each other's way trying to deal with a bouncing ball allowing Dunfermline to send Clark through on goal, however Gallacher stayed tall and blocked the shot. Saints immediately attacked and Naismith fired a ball across goal that just needed the merest touch to level the scores but the stretching Shankland couldn't connect. With the ball not properly cleared, it was played back to Naismith who smashed a shot into the side netting.

Murdoch was having a terrific game, Morgan the next to be denied when he let fly from 20 yards. This time the keeper wasn't able to react quickly enough to prevent more danger and Sutton slid in, only to watch in agony as the ball rolled the wrong side of the post. The frustration increased further when Shankland hit the deck at the edge of the box and was promptly booked for his troubles. Paton's last involvement saw him stroll forward and shoot widely off target just before he was replaced by McMullan with Saints introducing Ryan Hardie at the expense of Gordon. McMullan almost sealed things only for his shot to be parried by Gallacher, Lewis McLear replacing Magennis for the last 10 minutes.

Saints threw what they could at the visitors in the dying minutes. A deflected Shankland shot bounced narrowly wide with McLear also going close. Five minutes of stoppage time provided some hope but McAllister was unable to take the best chance, the ball sitting up nicely for the youngster who sliced his shot wide. As Saints pushed, Dunfermline almost added to their lead in the dying seconds as Michael Moffat – on for El Alagui – hit the post and Clark's attempt to force the ball home was kept out by Gallacher. It was the last action of a frustrating evening as the Saints remain bottom. 

Full Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dunfermline

St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Baird, Gordon (Hardie, 76), Irvine, Mallan, Magennis (McLear, 82), McAllister, Clarkson (Shankland, 51), Morgan, Sutton
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Gallagher, Hutton, Stewart

Dunfermline: Murdoch, Talbot, Martin, Ashcroft, Herron, Fordyce, McCabe, Clark, El Alagui (Moffat, 90), Paton (McMullan, 77), Higginbotham
Subs Not Used: Hutton, Cardle, Duthie, Galloway, Smith

Referee: Nick Walsh
Assistant Referee: Brian Templeton
Assistant Referee: Steven Strang
Fourth Official: Colin Steven

Attendance: 2,126

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

A dramatic finale saw Saints come from behind to beat Ayr United and march through to the semi-finals of the IRN-BRU Cup. 

It had looked like being an eerily familiar tale with the Buddies on top, unable to take their chances and then made to pay when Craig McGuffie squared for Andy O'Connell to put the visitors in front midway through the second half. 

But that was before John Sutton took centre stage. The striker drew the Buddies level when he volleyed in Stevie Mallan's tremendous ball into the box and two minutes later bagged the winner after Kyle Magennis' outstanding run and cross. 

The winning margin could have been even more by the end as Lawrence Shankland had a goal ruled out for a foul, however Sutton's brace proved to be enough for Jack Ross to celebrate his first win as Buddies boss.

Goalkeeper Scott Gallacher was back in the team at the expense of Jamie Langfield, who dropped to the bench, with Jack Baird replacing the cup-tied Ben Gordon in defence. Tom Walsh was among the subs as fellow on-loan Ranger Ryan Hardie was also cup-tied. Former Saints midfielder Gary Harkins started for Ayr along with one-time Buddies youngster Paul Cairney. 

Saints started on the front foot, David Clarkson not troubling Ayr keeper Greg Fleming too much with an early shot after he was set up by Lewis Morgan. Despite having plenty of possession, the Buddies weren't able to do much with it and a loose pass almost proved costly, Rab Crawford striding forward before testing Gallacher with a 25-yarder that the recalled keeper did well to hold. 

When Jason Naismith's dangerous cross was knocked behind for a corner, the visiting defence were only able to clear the set-piece as far as Kyle McAllister at the edge of the box and the youngster produced a thundering shot that Fleming palmed away. Ayr were forced into a chance before the half hour mark, Paddy Boyle forced off after injury to be replaced in the defence by Daryll Meggatt. 

Saints were beginning to knock on the door and great play from Mallan gave Sutton a chance, the striker recovering from a heavy first touch before his low shot was kept out by the stretching Fleming. The hosts were almost undone in the cruellest fashion when Craig McGuffie's shot was deflected up in the air and spun kindly for Alan Forrest, but Gallacher reacted quickly to change direction in time to save the attempt. Saints recovered and quickly forced a corner with McAllister's delivery finding Gary MacKenzie whose header bounced and spun back up, Fleming doing extremely well to tip the ball away just as it threatened to sneak under the bar. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Ayr United

The visiting keeper was in action again early in the second half, saving at his near post from Mallan after the midfielder had exchanged passes with Clarkson from a short corner. It was the forward's last involvement as he was replaced by Lawrence Shankland soon after, while Ayr replaced Forrest with Andy O'Connell. The Buddies supporters shouted for a penalty when Sutton hit the deck after being played through by Lewis Morgan, however referee Crawford Allan ignored the claims - probably the right call as Sutton himself didn't seem to be appealing. 

There was more for the home fans to get annoyed about moments later as Ayr took the lead. McGuffie did well to get away from the Saints defence only to take a heavy touch, which gave Gallacher hope he could get to the ball first. The keeper was able to block McGuffie's shot only for the ball to spin across perfectly for O'Connell to smash home from 12 yards to put the visitors in front.

A further Buddies blow was about to come, Gallacher accidentally wiping out Baird as he came for the ball and the defender had to be replaced by Tom Walsh, although the winger was getting ready to come on anyway. McGuffie, having done the damage for Ayr, made way for Mickey Donald. If it was a change aimed at shoring things up and seeing the game out, it failed spectacularly as Saints soon turned the game on its head. 

There didn't seem to be much danger when Mallan collected the ball just inside the Ayr half but he arrowed a ball into the box for Sutton and he hit a turning volley that gave Fleming no chance as it found its way into the bottom corner.

With the Saints support perhaps relieved at the prospect of taking the game to extra-time, they were celebrating another goal just a couple of minutes later. This time it was Kyle Magennis who was the provider, the youngster going on a tremendous run down the right before pulling the ball back for Sutton to sidefoot beyond Fleming and put St Mirren into a fully deserved lead.

Saints didn't have too much of the game left to see out and Shankland tried his best to make things a little more comfortable. First, he rattled the bar after a corner had been flicked on by Naismith and then he headed a Walsh cross beyond the grasp of Fleming, the celebrations cut short as the goal was disallowed. Fortunately it didn't matter as the Buddies saw the game out and booked their place in the semi-finals of the IRN-BRU Cup. 

Full Time: St Mirren 2-1 Ayr United

St Mirren XI: Gallacher, Naismith, Baird (Walsh, 72), MacKenzie, Irvine, Mallan, Magennis, McAllister (Stewart, 88), Clarkson (Shankland, 57), Morgan, Sutton
Subs Not Used: Langfield, Gallagher, Hutton, McLear

Ayr United: Fleming, Devlin, Balatoni, McKenna, Boyle (Meggatt, 26), Cairney, Docherty, Crawford, McGuffie (Donald, 77), Harkins, Forrest (O'Connell, 59)
Subs Not Used: Rose, Murphy, Hart, Wardrope

Referee: Crawford Allan
Assistant Referee: Alan Mulvanny
Assistant Referee: Graham McNeillie
Fourth Official: Gavin Ross

Attendance: 2,199 

Match report pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography.

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures