St Mirren

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Only the top three sides in the league had on their travels to the Global Energy Stadium before this.

It's never an easy trip, let alone with the wind blowing a hoolie and the rain coming down in stair rods. But St Mirren came out on top in the brutal conditions.

They probably just about edged it. They tried to keep the ball on the deck in the first half with the wind in their face, and kept County pinned back for large spells of the second half.

This was all after being let down by Tanser. The left-back flew into a challenge while on a yellow, and that was after a few niggly tackles which also might have tempted Snedden to send him off.

They also came through a few injury complaints. Ellery Balcombe and Richard Taylor were doubts, Tanser was only called into the starting XI on Saturday morning, and Conor McMenamin - their best player in the last few weeks - missed out.

When most teams would wilt, St Mirren stood tall and with three wins in their last five, they're putting some daylight between themselves and the teams below.

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Oisin Smyth. The match-winner on only his second league start.

He hadn't scored since his double on the opening day of the season either, but what a time to step up in the absence of captain Mark O'Hara, who is out for the foreseeable with a thigh problem.

Stephen Robinson might have found an answer quicker than he would've imagined.

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Ross County pair Alex Samuel (thigh) and Eli Campbell (knee) are out with the injuries they sustained against Hibs last weekend, but Ricki Lamie and Max Sheaf are back in training and could come into contention. Will Nightingale (knee) is still out.

St Mirren skipper Mark O'Hara is out for four to six weeks with a recurring thigh problem. Alex Gogic returns from suspension while Toyosi Olusanya is banned after going through the disciplinary points threshold.

Charles Dunne remains out with a hamstring problem. Ellery Balcombe, Scott Tanser, Richard Taylor, Evan Mooney and Conor McMenamin will all be assessed.

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St Mirren skipper Mark O'Hara will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a recurring thigh problem, but manager Stephen Robinson is relieved he hasn't lost the midfielder for the season.

O'Hara suffered the injury as he missed a stoppage-time penalty in last week's 3-2 win over St Johnstone.

Robinson has a host of injury concerns for Saturday's trip to Ross County, saying: "It's been a challenging week.

"Ellery (Balcombe) hasn't trained all week with a knee issue. We'll have to assess him today.

"Scott Tanser hasn't trained all week. Richard Taylor got stretchered off last week, but he isn't quite as bad as we first feared. But again, he hasn't trained, so we need to look at Richard and Scott today.

"Evan Mooney took a knock to his ankle yesterday in training, but we're hoping he will be OK.

"Conor McMenamin looks like he could be struggling with a kick from last Saturday, which he carried on with. But it's really played him up this week.

"Mark is going to be four to six weeks, we believe, after having a scan, which, again, isn't quite as bad as we first feared. We thought it might be for the season.

"It's been a reoccurring injury for Mark, which is really, really frustrating. It's a big blow and for Mark personally, it's been number of times that he's had this issue since his Motherwell days."

Robinson is braced for a tough battle when sixth-place Saints visit a County side who do their best work at home.

"You see even the top sides go and struggle there so we know what we will be up against," he added. "It's forecast not to be a nice day either. So we have to go with the mentality that we win at all costs."

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Scottish FA head of referee operations Willie Collum says goalkeeper Jack Walton's yellow card for a foul on St Mirren forward Toyosi Olusanya should have been upgraded to red in Dundee United's 2-0 win last month.

Walton raced out of his goal and wiped out Olusanya, catching the forward high just outside the penalty box.

"This is not denying a goalscoring opportunity, but it is serious foul play," Collum said on the Scottish FA's VAR Review show, external.

"The height [of the tackle] is important here. There is speed, there is intensity and it meets the criteria of endangering the safety of an opponent.

"It should have been an on-field review to recommend a red card for serious foul play."

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• Ross County are unbeaten in four home league meetings with St Mirren (W3 D1), this after losing three in a row against the Buddies on home soil in the Scottish Premiership beforehand.

• Both of Ross County and St Mirren's last two Scottish Premiership meetings have been drawn, as many as their previous 17 beforehand.

• Ross County have lost their last three league games by an aggregate score of 11-1, conceding at least three goals each time. The last side to lose four in a row in the Scottish Premiership while conceding 3+ goals in each were Hamilton Academical in November 2020.

• St Mirren have won two of their last three away league games (L1), more than their previous 12 on the road beforehand (W1 D3 L8).

• 64% of St Mirren's Scottish Premiership goals this season have been scored in the first half of games (14/22), a league-high ratio. By contrast, 11 of the last 13 league goals the Buddies have conceded have been in the second half, including their last seven in a row.

Arsenal and Newcastle United are both watching 17-year-old St Mirren winger Evan Mooney, who netted his first goal in the weekend win over St Johnstone. (Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

I Am The Resurrection by the Stone Roses, the extended editions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Saturday's battle of the Saints at McDiarmid Park - what do these almost insultingly long things have in common? That they're absolutely fine as they are. No room for cuts. Perfection.

As the clock struck 102 minutes or so on Saturday and Euan Anderson eventually blew for the final whistle, not a single Buddie was complaining and stayed back even further to celebrate with their side.

Were I to be of a Perth persuasion, I'm sure I'd be delving into the interventions, or lack thereof by the VAR department. But I'm not, so I won't, save for mentioning that if you're hanging your protests on Toyosi Olusanya pushing away a centre-half who has pulled his collar for 10 seconds and 10 yards, I'm sure you know deep down that you're being a bit silly.

Simo Valakari's growing influence on his side is to be commended, twice now they have faced the Saints and shown impressive use of the ball, as well as quality chance creation.

However, they have also ultimately succumbed to bigger, stronger and uglier football on both occasions. There must be middle ground between playing the football they can and not sticking four forwards out there against a team built for the counter.

Evan Mooney was born about a fortnight after I passed my driving test, and that's fine. No existential crisis for me, no sir.

A St Mirren academy product in its clearest sense, Evan joined the Buddies at 12 and has exploded into prominence with the club's under-18s over the past few months. He has scored at the SMISA stadium in youth cup fixtures and blitzed Hearts away with a dazzling hat-trick, before making a first-team bow at Tynecastle, aged only 16.

At 2-1 down on a minging December afternoon, it would have been easy for Stephen Robinson to look to more experienced members of his bench and shoehorn experience into the occasion.

I wonder what the possible butterfly effect could be in time of opting instead to call on young Mooney, and give him the platform to write his name into the senior football headlines for the first time.

It is important to enjoy the moment for what it was, to shower Mooney in well-earned plaudits, and also to retain a sense of perspective. He's a developing prospect and this is but an early step on that path to consistent first-team football and contribution.

Luke Kenny, older and having required more patience for his own debut, stepped into a makeshift backline in the place of Richard Taylor - and earned his own praise.

As the Saints squad looks smaller in the face of a fixture list which looks longer, Kenny, Mooney and others will be hopeful of further opportunities to show their worth.

Mark Jardine can be found at Misery Hunters, external

Evan Mooney: Turned 17 just three days ago before marking his second St Mirren appearance with a cracking equaliser which ultimately proved vital as they secured all three points at McDiarmid Park.

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St Mirren striker Evan Mooney was "buzzing" to score his first senior goal in Saturday's 3-2 win against St Johnstone, but promised to knuckle down in search of more opportunities.

The 17-year-old made it 2-2 at McDiarmid Park with a calmly taken volley before Mark O'Hara's injury-time penalty earned Stephen Robinson's side all three points.

Before coming off the bench, Mooney says Robinson just told him to try to influence the game.

"I am delighted," Mooney said. "It all came at me so fast, I have just got to be patient for my chance and when my chance came, Killian flicked it on and I managed to put it in the net. It all comes at you so quickly – I am buzzing.

"Massive, it is only my second appearance for the club and being so young I have just had to be patient and take everything on board and take my chance when it comes.

"The gaffer said when I came on, just come on and have an impact and I think all the subs did that.

"It just stands me in good stead going forward and I think the biggest thing is just to keep working hard and keep pushing and keep both feet on the ground."

Watch highlights from St Johnstone's 3-2 defeat by St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Watch Sportscene analysis of Evan Mooney's goal in St Mirren's 3-2 win against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on St Mirren's 3-2 win against St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you said:

Alistair: That game sums up what it's like supporting the Saints, ups and downs and never a dull moment. Congratulations to Evan Mooney for scoring the first of many, hopefully, in black and white.

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• Benjamin Kimpioka has scored six goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other St Johnstone player.

• St Mirren have won six points from losing positions in the Premiership this season, only Dundee (nine) and Kilmarnock (11) have recovered more.

• St Johnstone have conceded eight goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• St Mirren have scored three goals in a game for the first time since 30 October 2024 against St Johnstone, a game they won 3-1.

Roland Idowu's penalty retake on 99 minutes secured all three points for St Mirren after a dramatic finale at McDiarmid Park.

Mark O'Hara's initial spot-kick was saved but goalkeeper Josh Rae was off his line, allowing Idowu to slam in the second attempt.

Killian Phillips had put the visitors in front after just 10 minutes when he slotted beyond Josh Rae.

St Johnstone equalised in the second period when captain Nicky Clark set up Mackenzie Kirk before Benjamin Kimpioka put the hosts in front.

Youngster Evan Mooney equalised on the 88th minute before St Mirren were awarded a penalty for a handball deep into stoppage time.

St Mirren move into the top six, although Dundee have a game in hand, while the Perth side remain in 10th.

St Mirren fans, were you at McDiarmid Park or following the action from home? Either way, we have your say on the game., external

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Evan Mooney, who turned 17 on Wednesday netted his first senior goal for St Mirren in their 3-2 win over St Johnstone.

Stephen Robinson's side were trailing 2-1 at McDiarmid Park when Mooney volleyed home the equaliser on just his second senior appearance.

"I am delighted," the winger said.

"It all came at me so fast, I'm just buzzing. It's only my second appearance for the club, being so young I've had to be patient and take my chance when it comes.

"The gaffer said when I came on just have an impact and try and affect the game and I think all the subs did that.

"It stands me in good stead going forward. I'll just keep working hard, pushing and keep both feet on the ground.

"It's a dream come true."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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The reaction from Stephen Robinson at the full-time whistle proved just how crucial this victory could prove to be in deciding whether or not St Mirren finish in the top six.

They sit in sixth spot for now, two points ahead of Dundee who travel to Ibrox next weekend.

The first half performance will have been exactly what Robinson wanted, attacking intent, creating chances but just unable to turn them in - and that was punished by Kirk's second-half equaliser.

It looked to be even worse for Robinson's men when Kimpioka struck.

But they rallied impressively and when Mooney made sure it would be a day to remember St Mirren did not stop, pushing all the way to the whistle.

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "I thought we were outstanding in the first half, it was probably our best away performance of the season.

"We started the second half completely different, credit to St Johnstone as well they started brightly.

"I have to credit the players because after the second goal it's easy to crumble. Last week we questioned the organisation and the desire to defend the box and be clinical at the other end. We proved that today and got a little bit of luck with the penalty having to be re-taken.

"We deserved a little bit of luck today with our first half performance and our response to going 2-1 down.

"We don't feel Richard Taylor's injury is quite as bad as it appeared, it looked like Mark O'Hara tore his thigh as he took the penalty.

"We've been on the end of some strange decisions but I think the handball was the clearest decision you could see. I didn't watch either of the penalties so I didn't see if Josh Rae was off his line or not.

"I thought we were very good first half and should have been more up. But ultimately we showed great character to come back. for the younger kids to come on and shine today, I'm absolutely delighted."

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Evan Mooney, who turned 17 just three days ago, marked his second St Mirren appearance with a cracking equaliser which ultimately proved vital as they secured all three points at McDiarmid Park.

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St Johnstone have Andre Raymond and Bozo Mikulic back but Barry Douglas remains out along with long-term absentees Uche Ikpeazu (knee), Cammy MacPherson (hip) and Sam McClelland (Achilles).

The suspended Alex Gogic drops out for St Mirren but Alex Iacovitti could return. Charles Dunne remains out with a hamstring problem.

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Stephen Robinson admits he doesn't have the luxury of time on Alex Iacovitti's return as he prepares to fast-track the St Mirren defender back into action.

The Buddies are without the suspended Alex Gogic for Saturday's game with St Johnstone and Charles Dunne is out due to a hamstring injury.

Iacovitti has not played since August 31 but has now recovered from a hamstring tendon injury and could provide the "leadership and aggression" Robinson is seeking after St Mirren conceded costly set-piece goals two weeks in a row.

"Alex is very close to full fitness. We haven't had the luxury of getting a game into him. He was on the bench last week, but sometimes needs must, and he's a very professional boy, and he provides that for us," said the Buddies boss.

"He might have to be thrown in long before he's firing on all cylinders, with our injury situations and suspensions.

"Alex gives you that aggression and leadership. A real organiser, a guy who doesn't want goals to go in the back of the net.

"Sometimes you get modern defenders who are more interested on the ball, but he's a wee bit old-school, which we like. You need variation. We feel when he's fully fit, he'll provide that.

"We've lost two games now where we should have had points from last-minute goals and last-minute set plays.

"You can do all the work in the world, but you have to have people that want to go and head the ball and dominate and do the dirty bits of football to gain them points, and we have to be better at that.

"Alex Iacovitti can give us that when he's fully fit. We believe he can go and dominate that six-yard box, Mika Mandron when he's on the pitch as well."

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Stephen Robinson turned 50 this week. Happy (belated) birthday! According to my calculations that makes his star sign Sagittarius.

I did a quick search on the internet – and apparently Sagittarians are passionate, curious, intense and adaptable.

If you watch Robinson on the sidelines on any given Saturday afternoon there's definitely passion and intensity in spades.

As for adaptability, well, the Buddies boss has had a lot to cope with this season. The club 'parting company' with three new first-team players early in the season because of separate legal issues isn't the sort of thing you can prepare for.

Then there's the European hangover. It's hard to deny the adventures in Iceland and Norway had an impact on the early-season form and I won't mention one or two (or three or four) refereeing decisions that even non-Sagittarians might consider curious.

And yet St Mirren are just a point and a few goals outside the top six. So I guess that's proof of adapting to whatever slings and arrows outrageous fortune can fire at a football manager.

If you're a pessimist, or a Capricorn maybe, you could say the Buddies are six points and a few goals off the bottom. True.

After a four-game unbeaten streak they've lost two on the spin without scoring. To make sure that losing streak isn't extended further, Robinson might tweak St Mirren's style a bit, maybe he'll just try to get his team to be better at being St Mirren.

Evidence from earlier in the season indicates the latter is more likely. I'll cite the manner in which they bounced back from the 4-0 defeat by Hearts to run Rangers close at Ibrox then go four games unbeaten as evidence.

The Buddies will have to adapt to playing without Alex Gogic this weekend against St Johnstone after his red card in defeat by Motherwell.

The Cyrpus international has been the backbone of the defence in the past couple of seasons and could be sorely missed.

St Mirren have four matches before the transfer window opens in the new year – and they all look tough. Away trips to Perth and Dingwall this side of Christmas Day, then home games against Rangers and Dundee.

After that we might get an idea how realistic another top-six finish is – or how close a fight for Premiership survival might be.

Reinforcements will be on the way in January, the manager has already drawn up a longlist of potential recruits. He wants more pace and energy in the team to shake things up a bit.

Look, I know astrology is a load of unscientific rubbish, but that's typical Sagittarian behaviour.