Dundee United missed the opportunity to secure a European spot for next season as in-form St Mirren kept their own hopes alive with a Scottish Premiership victory at Tannadice.
Stephen Robinson's side moved within two points of the Tangerines in fifth thanks to goals from Mikael Mandron and Jonah Ayunga.
Both sides carved out opportunities in the first 45 minutes but it was Mandron who broke the deadlock on the half hour, drilling into the bottom corner after a well-worked move involving Killian Phillips, Ayunga and Ryan Alebiosu.
After ending the half a goal down, the hosts started the second period on the front foot and Sam Dalby had an early chance when he latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the St Mirren box but the striker fired wide.
And poor defending cost United as Ayunga doubled the deficit. Roland Idowu threaded the ball through for the forward, who picked up in acres of space and danced his way into the box before firing beyond Jack Walton.
"We just need to keep performing. The performance was very, very good and some of the football was outstanding, so we'll just keep doing that and see where it takes us," said St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson.
"We've got a squad that don't know when they're beaten. They get through hard times together.
"I believe it's the highest points tally in modern history in the Premiership [for St Mirren] and the players deserve all the credit for that."