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

The St Mirren U20s were knocked out of the Youth Cup by Dunfermline yesterday afternoon in a game that could've turned out so different. 

Stuart Morrison put the visitors ahead just before half time when he poked the ball home after a flick on from a free kick. 

As time ticked away in the game, Cameron MacPherson picked up a red card for the Buddies which looked like killing off any hopes of progressing to the next round. But Saints had a great chance to take the game to extra time when they won a penalty in the 90th minute. But Craig Johnston's effort was saved by the Dunfermline goalkeeper. 

Any hopes of taking the game further were ended in injured time when Conner Duthie struck to double the visitors lead and send them through to the next round.

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

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

Saints did pretty much everything but score against Dumbarton this afternoon - and ended up paying the penalty for it. 

Despite being on top for much of the game, Saints just couldn't find a way through, John Sutton in particular finding his luck was out in front of goal with a series of headers. Having been the dominant force, it was perhaps inevitable what was to happen next. 

The nature of Dumbarton's goal midway through the second half proved particularly painful and summed up the sort of season it has been. Saints goalie Jamie Langfield was under no real pressure when he played the ball straight to Joe Thomson, the Dumbarton man squaring for Garry Fleming to tap home what proved to be the only goal, despite Sutton and Ryan Hardie both hitting the bar late on. 

Sutton was back in the team at the expense of Lawrence Shankland, who dropped to the bench. There was a first ever senior start for youngster Kyle Magennis and only a second appearance of the season for fellow teenager Kyle McAllister. The fit again Gary MacKenzie started with with Kyle Hutton and Jack Baird benched. 

Saints made a bright start, David Clarkson firing over after collecting Gary Irvine's early throw and Sutton heading off target from Lewis Morgan's cross. The striker was getting a lot of aerial balls to work with, heading straight at goalkeeper Alan Martin from Stephen Mallan's delivery. The midfielder had the Buddies' next chance when he let fly from 25 yards, however his shot was always bending away from goal and Martin wasn't troubled. 

Saints continued to push, McAllister's ball over the top finding Morgan and the young winger switched to his right foot before shooting, Martin getting down to his near post to turn the ball behind. The corner provided another chance, Mallan finding Sutton and his header was inches past the post. The Sons defence seemed unable to deal with the big forward and it looked like he'd get the opener when Morgan provided another cross but Sutton wasn't able to get enough on it to force it home.

Dumbarton had barely threatened, Docherty shooting well over from miles out, with Saints enjoying most of the possession. Just before the break they had another chance, Martin unable to hold Magennis' shot from the edge of the box but he smothered the ball before the lurking Sutton could pounce.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dumbarton

Jamie Langfield had had little to do in the first half but that was quickly put right a few minutes after the break. A ball into the box caught the Saints defence off-guard and the unmarked Garry Fleming's header was superbly kept out by the Buddies keeper. 

The response was swift as Saints quickly won a corner, McAllister exchanging passes with Clarkson before lashing a shot over. Langfield was in action again when he saved Sam Stanton's shot before the hosts really should have been in front. Morgan hung a cross up at the back post and Jason Naismith charged in unmarked only to send a thumping header into the side netting.

Saints had been well on top but, as has been the case far too often this season, were about to prove architects of their own downfall. There seemed to be no danger when Langfield collected the ball but he kicked it straight to Joe Thomson at the edge of the box. The Dumbarton man couldn't believe his luck and, after composing himself, squared for Fleming to stroke the ball into the empty net. 

Instead of looking for a winner, Saints now found themselves desperately for an equaliser. Clarkson was replaced by Shankland before Sutton was denied once again, this time Martin saving his header from a corner. However, just before Ryan Hardie replaced McAllister, Fleming almost finished things off, his shot from the edge of the box finding the side netting when many Dumbarton fans thought it was in. 

Sutton's day was summed up 10 minutes from time when he rose highest to meet a corner, only to see his header hit the bar with no one able to force home the rebound. The final few minutes were to prove even more agonising for Saints fans. Shankland worked himself into some space on the left and crossed for Hardie to surely snatch a point, only for the on-loan Rangers man to hit the bar from just a few yards out. 

As Dumbarton scrambled the ball behind for a corner, Calum Gallagher - on for Ben Gordon - dinked a ball up for Shankland but he tamely headed at Martin and the Sons held out for the win. 

Full Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dumbarton

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Gordon (Gallagher, 85), MacKenzie, Irvine, Mallan, Magennis, McAllister (Hardie, 76), Clarkson (Shankland, 64), Morgan, Sutton
Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Baird, Hutton, McLear

Dumbarton: Martin, Docherty, J.Thomson, Buchanan, Fleming (Stevenson, 82), R.Thomson, Stanton, Harvie, Barr, Smith, Stirling (Todd, 80)
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Pettigrew, McCallum, Wright

Referee: John McKendrick
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Chris Phillips

Attendance: 2,758

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

Match Gallery Pictures by John Millar - © millarpictures

St Mirren were dealt derby disappointment as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Cappielow. First half goals from Thomas O'Ware and Ross Forbes were added to by a second half strike by Gary Oliver to consign Saints to a bitterly disappointing defeat. Ben Gordon pulled back a late goal for the Saints but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.

Saints started the game brightly and won a corner with less than two minutes on the clock. Mallan whipped the ball in but it was easily dealt with by the Morton defence. 

It only took until the five minute mark for either side to register a shot and it came when Forbes drilled a low effort from outside the box into the arms of Jamie Langfield. However, it was easy for the goalkeeper who was making his 50th start for the Saints. 

Morton were on the front foot in the early goings with Quitongo causing problems for Ben Gordon and his ball for Gary Oliver looked to have created a great opportunity for the striker but St Mirren got numbers back and cleared the danger. 

The Ton's pressure would tell though and they took the lead with just 15 minutes gone through Thomas O'Ware. The defender leapt above the St Mirren defence to bullet Forbes' free kick beyond Langfield and give the home side the lead. 

Saints were struggling to impose themselves on the game and things went from bad to worse when Morton doubled their lead before the half hour mark. Saints lost the ball in the midfield area and the skillful Quitongo back heeled the ball to Oliver who sent Forbes on his way. The midfielder broke into the box and drilled the ball into the back of the net. 

In truth, Morton were well worth their lead as the Buddies failed to get going. Things could've been different going in to half-time when David Clarkson went close to halving the deficit. The striker picked up the ball on the edge of the box and got the shot away, but watched as it agonisingly trickled just beyond the far point. Lawrence Shankland also had an opportunity before half-time though fired it over the bar. 

Half Time: Morton 2-0 St Mirren

Jack Ross reacted to the first half showing by bringing on Kyle Magennis and John Sutton for Kyle Hutton and Tom Walsh and Saints were starting to have a bit more territory, but were failing to create any real chances to get themselves back into the game. Forbes went close for Morton when he curled an effort goal bound but it was well held by Langfield. 

Jason Naismith went close when his shot was deflected just by the post and out for a corner. The Buddies failed to make it count as Morton easily cleared. 

Any chance of Saints getting back into the game looked to have been extinguished when Morton had the ball in the back of the net for a third time but the linesman's flag was raised as Oliver was adjudged to have blocked Langfield's view. 

That wasn't to matter for Morton though as they went 3-0 up less than ten minutes later. Gary Oliver picked up the ball just outside the box after Forbes' flick on and lashed it into the net to secure all three points.

There was a late consolation goal as Gordon headed home Mallan's corner. It was a good header from the defender - who was making just his third Saints appearance - but wasn't enough to spark an unlikely comeback.

Full Time: Morton 3-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Baird, Gordon, Irvine, Walsh (Sutton, 46), Hutton (Magennis, 46), Mallan, Morgan, Clarkson, Shankland (Hardie, 64)
Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Whyte, McLear, Gallagher

Morton: Gaston, Lamie, O'Ware. Oliver, Forbes (Tidser, 85), Lindsay, Nesbitt, Russell, McDonagh, Murdoch, Quitongo (Oyenuga, 80)
Subs Not Used: McNeill, Kilday, Gunning, Doyle, Scullion 

Attendance: 3,378 (1008 St Mirren fans)

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

Match Gallery Pictures © John Millar.

St Mirren were unable to replicate their IRN-BRU cup victory against Hibernian as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road in the Ladbrokes Championship.

Saints started the match well with some early pressure down the left wing from Lewis Morgan. The young midfielder won the visitors a free kick within the first minute of play when John McGinn brought him down five yards outside the box. Stevie Mallan stood over the set piece however, the Saints number 10 could not find the target.

Only a minute later, Morgan was through again. The quick midfielder cut inside the Hibs defence and unleashed a powerful shot which was agonisingly wide.

It was then Hibs turn to pile on the pressure as they too saw a shot go just wide as Andrew Shinnie’s rebound was off target.

With seven minutes on the clock, Hibs opened the scoring through Martin Boyle. Shinnie played the ball over the top of the St Mirren defence and Boyle latched on to it as he broke forward. Langfield advanced in hope of blocking the shot but Boyle nicked it over the keeper and into the net to make it 1-0.

St Mirren tried to respond to conceding and came within inches of scoring once more. Saints’ corner was headed towards goal by Lawrence Shankland but it was headed away by the Hibs defence, only as far as Clarkson who blasted just wide of the target.

Hibs doubled their lead just after the half hour mark, Grant Holt the scorer this time. The original attack was from Boyle who was crowded out by the St Mirren defence but the ball came to Holt on the edge of the box who managed to find a pocket of space to stroke the ball home to make it 2-0.

Half-Time: Hibernian 2-0 St Mirren

The Buddies made a half time change in the hope of turning the match around which saw Kyle Magennis come on to make his debut taking the place of Ryan Hardie.

Saints had some early pressure in the second half but were unable to make it count. Lewis Morgan got the better of David Gray on the left wing and played the ball into the box. Jason Naismith was waiting but his header was not powerful enough to trouble Ofir Marciano in the Hibs goal.

Boyle remained the danger man for Hibs as he found himself through on goal again after Gary Irvine misjudged the bounce of the ball. However, the defender was joined by Jack Baird in putting pressure on Boyle and in the end the forward skewed his shot wide. 

St Mirren continued to look for a way back into the match as David Clarkson made way for John Sutton. 

Kyle Magennis had a chance to make his mark as the ball fell to him perfectly on the edge of the box but the young substitute’s shot was blocked and cleared from danger.

Things looked to get worse for St Mirren when Hibs were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes left to play. Gary Irvine was cautioned after he was judged to have fouled Grant Holt. It was Holt who stepped up to take the spot kick but was unable to convert it as Jamie Langfield got down to pull off a great save.

St Mirren made their last change as Kyle Hutton was replaced by Calum Gallagher but the changes weren’t enough to see St Mirren score and after a goalless second half, the match finished in Hibernian’s favour.

Full-Time: Hibernian 2-0 St Mirren

Hibernian: Marciano, Gray, Hanlon, Fontaine, McGinn (Bartley 76), Fyvie, Holt (Graham 83), Stevenson, Boyle (Harris 90), Shinnie, McGregor.
Subs Not Used: Forster, Cummings, Martin, Laidlaw (GK).

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Baird, Gordon, Irvine, Hutton (Gallagher 77), Mallan, Morgan, Hardie (Magennis 46), Clarkson (Sutton 64), Shankland.
Subs Not Used: Walsh, McLear, Whyte, Gallacher (GK).

Referee: Don Robertson.
Assistant Referee: Alasdair Ross.
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane.

Attendance: 14,485.

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

Match Gallery Pictures © John Millar.