St Mirren

Andrew Christie
Fan writer

Another afternoon at the SMISA that leaves us pondering the fine margins of football.

For the fourth time this season, nothing separated St Mirren and Dundee United in general play. Yet also for a fourth time this season, Jim Goodwin's men found themselves celebrating another victory, this time thanks to Louis Moult's acrobatic 88th-minute finish.

While these sides have made a habit of cancelling each other out, Saturday offered a more open affair. Despite the familiar outcome, both teams traded blows in what, at times, was an end-to-end contest where both created genuine chances.

There was Richard Taylor's header cleared off the line, Mikael Mandron rattling of the underside of the bar, but it was Toyosi Olusanya's afternoon that will keep the Paisley faithful awake for the foreseeable.

First, sent clean through by a lovely lifted Mandron ball, he could only find United keeper Jack Walton's feet when the bottom corner beckoned. Then, after Moult's overhead kick seemed to have settled matters, redemption presented itself in the form of a stoppage-time penalty. The script was written, but Walton hadn't read it, diving left to push away an admittedly tame effort and preserve United's lead.

With the greatest of respect to Dundee United, they personify the distinction between a good team and an effective one. Goodwin's men have mastered the art of making fine margins fall in their favour. Whether it's Moult's moment of magic or Walton's penalty heroics, they consistently find ways to position themselves on the right side of decisive moments.

For Saints, the concerns are mounting. Four defeats on the bounce, three games without scoring, and a drop out of the top six paint a worrying picture. Since that Boxing Day high against Rangers, we've struggled to capture anything approaching a clinical edge.

The frustrating thing is, we looked more ourselves for long periods at the weekend. The pressing was better, the movement was sharper and we created the types of chances that usually end up in the back of the net. Saints recorded an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.19 on Saturday without finding the net.

Football of course, isn't played on spreadsheets, but if it was, Saturday was Jim Goodwin dressing up as the Microsoft paperclip and kicking your head in in front of all your mates.

So I'll grit my teeth and concede - United are reaping the rewards of shrewd summer recruitment and excellent coaching. They've built a squad of Premiership stalwarts supplemented by exciting additions, and Goodwin has them playing with a ruthless efficiency that's carrying them towards European football.

The January transfer window could prove crucial in turning our fortunes around. The arrival of Owen Oseni from Gateshead has already added fresh firepower to our attacking options, while the imminent loan signing of Crystal Palace's promising young winger Franco Umeh could provide that spark of creativity we've been missing in recent weeks.

For Robinson and his team, the challenge now is clear. We need to find that clinical edge again, to start tipping those crucial moments our way... the foundations are there, but until we develop that killer instinct, we'll continue to fall short of our true potential.

Next week's Scottish Cup trip to League One outfit Queen of the South could provide the perfect opportunity to rediscover our scoring touch and build some much-needed momentum.

Andrew Christie can be found at the Misery Hunters podcast, external

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"Confident" Scott Tanser has revealed he will "put himself forward" for the challenge, and pressure, of taking penalties for St Mirren, should he be asked.

The Buddies missed a fourth penalty of the season on Saturday when Toyosi Olusanya saw his spot-kick saved in the 1-0 defeat to Dundee United and now the full-back has thrown his hat into the ring.

"I put myself forward when I was at St Johnstone where I took penalties and so I'm happy to step forward on that aspect if I'm called upon," the 30-year-old said following the defeat in Paisley.

"I back myself and I'm confident but at the end of the day, it's a team decision and we'll reassess and see who takes the next one.

"I've not asked but if I get asked, I'll certainly be first to put myself forward.

"It's whoever feels confident. Obviously people have missed, but they are confident penalty takers.

"Toyosi was confident enough to take it, he did, he's missed and there's nothing else to say about it.

"People practice penalties. You can hit so many penalties on the training pitch but, when it comes to the game, there is the added pressure that you have to score.

"Sometimes it goes either way. Their keeper has pulled off a good save and they've reacted quickest to put the ball out of play.

"Everyone misses penalties. It's a part of the game and we just move on."

Ross County, Ayr United and Partick Thistle are all interested in 24-year-old out-of-favour St Mirren striker James Scott. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch highlights of Dundee United's last-gasp win at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. (UK users only)

We asked for your views on St Mirren's late 1-0 defeat against Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Sorry Stephen Robinson, Toyosi Olusanya has to go. Too erratic by far. Where is the leadership from Mark O'Hara, why is he hiding? How many more penalties are we going to squander?

Stuart: Same old, same old. Overpaid donkeys. Bringing on three kids in extra time shows how bereft of ideas Robinson is.

Alistair: A difficult result to take where a draw would have been fair. United fans were ecstatic and quite rightly so. Our penalty looked like a dodgy decision and why it was given to Olusanya to take, I'll never know. Top six is gone and we now have to concentrate on avoiding the relegation threat.

John: Absolutely desperate stuff again from the Buddies. Robinson made some key changes in the starting XI, but they felt more like a panic move than a positive tactical change. Certainly not helped by so many players playing poorly, but we look so predictable. Four defeats to United this season means Jim Goodwin joins Derek McInnes and Kilmarnock in owning us.

William: If ever a team threw away three points, Saints did. Olusanya has been a winner for us but he must have left the field full of guilt. It's very frustrating that he lost us this game. These mistakes are going to make it really challenging to remain in the top six.

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• Dundee United have scored in 18 of their 23 games, only Celtic (20) have scored goals in more matches in the Premiership this season.

• St Mirren have failed to score in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer run of games without scoring a goal in the competition was a run of five from 14 March 2015 to 13 April 2015.

• St Mirren have failed to score in nine of their 23 games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Dundee United have kept a clean sheet in eight of their 23 games, only Rangers (11) and Celtic (17) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• St Mirren have lost their last four games in the Premiership, their last joint longest losing streak was from 28 September 2024 to 27 October 2024.

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "All defeats are hard to take. I thought we played very well and created numerous chances to get at least a point.

"Ultimately, Dundee United are winning games because they do what they do and they do it very well. They wouldn't have conceded [the goal we did].

"We did and have conceded that goal on numerous occasions this season. We're not playing particularly poorly, but both 18-yard boxes are an issue.

"We're conceding soft goals from not particularly good deliveries into our box. We're creating chances, playing some half-decent football.

"To get a 20-goal striker is not something that's there, we have to work on trying to improve people."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Four defeats in a row, three of which St Mirren have failed to score in.

Since a fine Boxing Day win over Rangers, it has been a tough couple of weeks for Stephen Robinson and his players.

Their misfortunate in this one comes from a lack of cutting edge, failing to score with an expected goals rating of 2.19.

As well as the gilt-edged chances for Toyosi Olusanya and Mikael Mandron, Killian Phillips' first-half header was also denied by the impressive Jack Walton before Elvis Bwomono slipped at the back post while aiming to strike at goal.

The 17 shots St Mirren registered is much higher than their season average of 11, and Robinson must ensure this does not become a trend that can derail their season.

Were you in Paisley for the match or following elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here, external.

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St Mirren have a full squad other than Conor McMenamin (calf).

United defender Kevin Holt is rated 50-50 after missing the midweek defeat at Celtic Park, while David Babunski (knock) is likely to remain on the sidelines with Louis Moult (shoulder) and Craig Sibbald (groin).

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St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson wishes "the winter break was still here" as he admitted the hectic schedule has been "horrible for the fans".

The Buddies have played seven matches in the last month and take on Dundee United on Saturday in Paisley.

"I wish the winter break was still here," Robinson said. "It would be great. We'd all be in Tenerife now or something. But it's not because of the [expanded] Champions League. It's the same for every side.

"You're just churning games out again. It's horrible for fans as well over Christmas. You're constantly paying money to go and watch games.

"Some of them have been of lesser quality because you're asking boys to go again in surfaces like at Killie when it was freezing cold as well, and at other venues. As a spectacle, it hasn't been as good as it could be."

Robinson also believes the winter break, although not unique to Scotland, was a selling point when trying to sign players from abroad.

"I loved the winter break, especially as a smaller club," he added. "It does allow you to reset, to take your time over transfers. You're not playing games, you're maybe having a week off and then a week away somewhere to prepare.

"It was a big attraction with Scottish football as well for getting players up."

Despite not losing any players to injury, outwith Conor McMenamin, the recent cold snap has affected St Mirren's training plans.

"It's been a struggle, obviously, training this week with the weather," said Robinson.

"Our astro here is not fantastic. It's not meant to freeze, but it seems to freeze. But we've got a good group of boys that don't find excuses, they just get on with it."

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• Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has only lost one of his six Scottish Premiership games against former side St Mirren since leaving the club (W3 D2), a 3-1 defeat with Aberdeen in December 2022.

• St Mirren have lost both of their league games against Dundee United this season, after having only lost two of their previous 11 Scottish Premiership meetings with the Tangerines beforehand (W4 D5 L2).

• After their 1-0 victory in October, Dundee United are looking to successive top-flight away wins at St Mirren for the first time since November 2008 (run of 4).

• St Mirren have lost three league games in a row, the last two without scoring. The Buddies last lost three successive Scottish Premiership matches without scoring in December 2023.

• Dundee United have lost their past two league games, after having only lost one of their previous 10 beforehand (W5 D4). They last lost more in a row in the Scottish Premiership in May 2023 (5).

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

It could all have been so different.

Following on from consecutive top-half finishes and the bliss of European qualification, St Mirren conducted early transfer business in the summer. The intention, I'm sure, was in improving a very solid foundation and preserving some degree of consistency.

Ellery Balcombe, a goalkeeping prospect fresh from signing a new four-year deal with moneyball proponents Brentford, arrived on loan to replace Zach Hemming.

Hemming, a popular figure during his loan spell last season, had overcome the odd challenging period to play a significant role in Saints' joy - and hopes were high he would be returning.

However, Stephen Robinson opted not to wait while Middlesbrough evaluated their returning man and established Balcombe early and in time for European preparations.

Five months later, that decision has been reversed. Balcombe, building back confidence after some tough moments, has returned to West London and Hemming once more holds the first-choice keeper's jersey in Paisley.

Signing at the tail end of a week and travelling to Celtic Park on the Sunday would probably not be the choice for most seeking a straightforward (re)debut. The platform is there to either quickly establish yourself as the hero, or take some punishment, and unfortunately it was the latter in this case.

At his best last season, Hemming had a flair for making the improbable save and showing up in the big moments. Compared to Balcombe, he can justifiably be said to have a greater command of his area and more composure in his distribution. When confidence appeared high, similarly high performance levels followed.

Sunday was a tougher day. Hemming will probably look at the shot that made its way through the body, the frantic chase out into midfield that led to a needless corner and subsequent goal, and six-yard box confusion with Marcus Fraser as regrettable. In reality, they are probably opportunities for development.

The Saints have managed a meagre two clean sheets this season. Hemming managed 15 in the previous campaign. If the new, old keeper can bring about this level of consistency and strength again, deliverance of a third consecutive top-half finish becomes more likely.

Mark Jardine can be found at the Misery Hunters podcast, external

St Mirren fans, we asked where you'd like to see the Buddies strengthen this month.

Here's what some of you said:

Christopher: Dream signing would be another Toyosi Olusanya so we can have both of them running at defences... we might just win the league!

Eddie: A centre forward to replace Toyosi, a winger who can cross a ball, a midfielder who has a will to win the ball, and a Greg Kiltie type player to give the wee guy a helping hand.

Huey: Saints badly need a goalscorer. I have no idea who we bring in, but it's a position where we are clearly lacking. Our squad was decimated by outside issues with three key players, but the introduction of youth players - Evan Mooney in particular - has paid dividends in recent weeks. Hopefully Stephen Robinson has something up his sleeve in the January transfer window.

Jim: Olusanya needs replacing with two forwards who can play together consistently. We need a playmaker in midfield who can control the play and we need to offload the squad players who just haven't shown up when given their chance.

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Marcus Fraser insists St Mirren must get back to basics to boost their top-six ambitions after a run of three defeats.

Stephen Robinson's men have gone from a three-game winning streak, which culminated in a dramatic home victory over Rangers, to a sequence of defeats which have dropped them to sixth place.

Defender Fraser is looking for a response in Saturday's visit of Dundee United.

The 30-year-old said: "We've got a few games now coming up, the next one being at home, where we want to take the game to the teams coming to our pitch, and we know it's going to be a massive month.

"We need to dust ourselves down, look at what we can improve on as we always do as a team, and try to get back on winning ways and put a run together.

"It's really there (top six) for someone to go and grab and we need to look at what's realistic for us as a team then go and grab that opportunity.

"We've got that in the next few games coming up. I think if we get back to our basics, get back to clean sheets, then we can really put a run together and get success."

Robinson pointed to some costly individual errors in Sunday's 3-0 loss at Celtic and Fraser admits mistakes have to be eradicated.

He added: "It is definitely important. The boys are honest enough, they'll take that on the chin and we'll work hard to stop it."

St Mirren fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what some of you had to say:

James: St. Mirren have a real problem with creating chances, never mind taking them! They have persevered mostly with experienced strikers to no avail - surely it is time for a change. They either need to let youth have its say - or bring in more choice up front - good start with Owen Oseni!

Douglas: A response was expected after their defeat to Rangers. Held them at bay for 32 minutes then crash. Losing too many goals and not scoring is a big concern. Sign forwards to help Toyosi Olusanya.

Douglas: Initially, reasonably good for the first half hour, but once the dam was broken there was a sense of inevitability. Celtic can be relentless once into their stride and by half time you felt the game was over. Didn't expect much out of Parkhead, and so it proved. Hopefully one or two more additions can freshen up the squad and we can kick on.

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• Nicolas Kuhn has scored nine goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other Celtic player.

• Celtic have scored in 18 of their 20 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Celtic have kept a clean sheet in 16 of their 20 games, more than any other in the Premiership this season.

• St Mirren have failed to score in eight of their 22 games, only Ross County (nine) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.

Nicolas Kuhn scores twice as Celtic beat St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership (UK only).

Nicolas Kuhn added two goals to his impressive tally this season to help Celtic to victory over St Mirren as Brendan Rodgers's side moved 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Kuhn scored either side of the break to take his season's total to 16, with an Auston Trusty headed goal sandwiched in between.

The champions bounced back from their first league defeat of the season against Rangers on Thursday to take advantage of their rivals latest slip up at Easter Road and increase their advantage at the top of the table.

St Mirren made life difficult for a spell, pressing Celtic and not giving up much by way of clear-cut chances.

That resistance was broken by a fabulous opening goal for the hosts.

Saints fans, were you at Parkhead or following the action from home? Either way we want to know what you made of the team's performance.

Have your say, external

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "We went 1-0 down to a very good finish, I never felt like we were under any threat.

"I've been to Celtic many times and it's like you're defending constantly, they're creating chances, your goalkeeper has to make 10-15 saves in the game and none of that really happened today. We got in behind a couple of times as well.

"The second goal, comes from a set play, and the third goal was a bit of a mix up. Zach didn't have loads to do today but ultimately Celtic wear you down and if you make those mistakes you don't win here.

"They never give up, they went right to the end and we had some good opportunities. We created half chances, that's the difference in levels Celtic create half chances and they take them.

"The spirit and desire from the players I have no questions about. The fixtures coming now we believe we can get points out of and I believe we've represented ourselves well but been punished for errors by a very good side."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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For 32 minutes, Stephen Robinson would have been very pleased with how his side were implementing the tactical plan.

They were pressing Celtic and largely nullifying the hosts attacking threats, that was until Nicolas Kuhn's opener.

After that the confidence seemed to drain from the visitors and Robinson will be annoyed at the fashion in which his side conceded the second and third goals.

They never gave up the fight and that will be a crumb of comfort to the manager, but what he would give for a few more clean sheets.

They have managed only two in the league all season and will need to start finding more to maintain their spot in the top six.