St Mirren

Image source, BBC Sport

St Mirren fans, were you at the SMiSA on Wednesday night or were you following the action from home? Either way, we want your views on the draw with Hibs.

Have your say on the game.

Image source, BBC Sport

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "We started poorly for our standards. But the reaction from the players after the first 15 minutes was tremendous. We got ourselves right back into the game. Created lots and lots of chances and half chances.

"And obviously we have the third goal disallowed. The fourth official made the decision that there was a foul in the build-up. But we asked the question, was it a different phase of play? He didn't give the foul straight away.

"If it is, then VAR have to overturn a decision that the fourth official made. I've never seen a fourth official make a decision to be fair, so that was strange to start with. But yeah, we're not saying it's right or wrong.

"But nobody seems to really be able to explain the decision and why it was classed as a different phase of play. We'll wait to hear that. We are still very much in with a chance of Europe with one game to go, which is amazing for the players.

"You've seen their desire, their energy, their quality tonight. We've got a real tough task at Celtic Park with probably 95 degrees in the stadium. But we'll go with nothing to lose.

"That decision I said to the fourth official, that's an incredibly big decision you've made because that's millions of pounds for a club of our size. And everyone's had decisions go against them.

"So, just an explanation would be nice. I'm no expert on the rule book. I should be, but I'm not. But yeah, it's frustrating. That is very, very frustrating. If it's proved to be wrong, then it could be very, very costly for us."

Image source, SNS

Zach Hemming says he has played his best football with St Mirren and teased the prospect of a return to Paisley next season.

Hemming, 25, is on loan from parent club Middlesbrough for the second time and has been a key player as Stephen Robinson's side secured a third successive top-half Premiership finish.

The goalkeeper is under contract with Boro until the summer of 2026 and says his future depends on the English Championship club.

"I've enjoyed my time here," Hemming said of St Mirren. "It's probably the best I've played because I've enjoyed it so much. Maybe [I'll] come back next season and play in [European] games.

"Obviously I've still got another year at Middlesbrough so I've just got to see what Middlesbrough want to do and see if they've got any plans for me to stay.

"If not, 100% I would come back because I love it up here."

Image source, SNS

• St Mirren have avoided defeat in all six of their league matches against Hibs since the start of last season (W4 D2); they had lost three in a row against Hibs before this.

• Hibs have only lost two of their past 12 Scottish Premiership away games at St Mirren (W7 D3), although are winless in their last three (D2 L1).

• St Mirren have only lost their final home league game in one of their past nine top-flight seasons (W3 D5 - including curtailed 2019-20 season), although are winless in their last four (D3 L1).

• Hibs have only won their final away game in one of their past eight top-flight seasons (D2 L5 - including curtailed 2019-20 season), a 1-0 win at Aberdeen in 2020-21.

• St Mirren have won three of their past four home league games (D1), as many as their previous 11 beforehand (W3 D2 L6).

Image source, SNS

St Mirren captain Mark O'Hara will have a late fitness test, while Owen Oseni remains unavailable.

Hibernian pair Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov (both groin) are still out but Kwon Hyeok-kyu is available to return.

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

The difference in mentality on show in Dundee on Saturday was something to behold.

From the first whistle until the last, Stephen Robinson's side bore the unmistakable mark of a team who knew what was at stake. This should be no surprise for those who've watched the Buddies in the past three seasons. It was married with a clinical composure and creativity that made the performance all the more impressive.

The Saints cut their opponents open at will and took full advantage. Speaking afterwards, Robinson made clear that this was the St Mirren that his staff and players work towards being - quick, direct and urgent in their chance creation.

Rarely, in many years of watching St Mirren, have I seen us play through sides so simply with one-touch passing, or have so many deft touches around the opponent's box compounded by clever movement.

It has grown beyond any accusation of coincidence that St Mirren have dominated the closing stages of games this season.

Particularly in this stretch of games in the run-in, we have pressed into the 90th minute as if it was the first. We rain crosses and cutbacks down on our opponents whether we are seeking a winner, equaliser or greater margin of victory.

This comes down to both mentality and fitness. The mentality has been covered above, but the superior fitness shown time and again deserves equal attention.

St Mirren stepped out on the park this weekend looking like a tightly-drilled elite military unit, fresh from boot camp. Jim Goodwin's United looked like a school class running out the clock before the summer holidays.

Seven points in three games, coupled with none for United, means the margin between the sides is down to a mere two points. Aberdeen in fourth have also been hauled into the mix.

However, those two contrasting runs need to continue for two further fixtures and the Saints close with a visit to Celtic Park. I wouldn't bet against us, but have less trust in our rivals' continuing cooperation.

Make it into Europe or not, the Buddies have more than done their bit. Plaudits, evaluation and opinion should be based on that, not what happens at Tannadice or Pittodrie. In the most trying of seasons, in a variety of ways, St Mirren have delivered more than the sum of their parts.

Mark Jardine can be found on the Misery Hunters podcast., external

Image source, SNS

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson revealed finishing fifth in the Scottish Premiership and qualifying for a Conference League place would likely allow him to sign "one extra player, possibly two" this summer.

The Buddies are two points short of fifth-placed Dundee United, with Hibernian the visitors for the Paisley side's penultimate league fixture on Wednesday. United will be away to Rangers.

Robinson led St Mirren into a Conference League qualifying campaign this season and says it is "an incredible achievement" for St Mirren to still be in contention for European football next term.

"If we did get European football by some very, very small chance, it'll maybe one extra player, possibly two just to fill out the squad and make it a little bit stronger," said Robinson.

"We're quite set in stone in what we can and can't do. It's solely for what we believe we can achieve. We believe that we're good enough to be in Europe. If we got in, it would be a massive milestone for the football club.

"Financially, It helps attract players - that's what it does, when you're a European side. People want to come and be part of it so recruitment becomes easier, crowds are bigger, merchandise is bigger."

A trip to face champions Celtic on Saturday concludes St Mirren's season and Robinson joked it is "a nice easy task" at Parkhead should his side retain their European hopes after Wednesday.

Zach Hemming, 25, is nearing the end of his second loan spell at St Mirren and Robinson said "talks are quite advanced with Middlesbrough" regarding the goalkeeper's future.

"We know what positions we need to make stronger and maybe get something different in the football club," added Robinson. "We know what we need, getting it's another thing."

Meanwhile, captain Mark O'Hara will have a fitness test before the visit of Hibs and Evan Mooney is available again, but Owen Oseni misses out.

Jonathan Sutherland

Marcus Fraser: Has been impressive of late, highlighted again in the win at Dundee United, with St Mirren ending the season in impressive fashion.

Mikael Mandron: A constant threat and another goal. The suggestion of a Scotland call-up seems quite fanciful, but perhaps not the maddest idea.

Watch Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart analyse Mikael Mandron's goal for St Mirren in the 2-0 win at Dundee United. (Available to UK users only)

Watch highlights as St Mirren keep their European hopes alive by defeating Dundee United 2-0 to narrow the gap on fifth place to two points. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views on St Mirren's 2-0 win against Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

Andy: What a team performance. Every player who pulled on the St Mirren jersey gave 100 per cent. Add to that the quality going forward and good solid defending and we thoroughly deserved the three points. Only disappointment was it was only 2-0, it should've been more.

Wallace: If they go the way they're going it will be great!

Peter: What can I say, totally dominated from start to finish. Some questioned whether or not we were a top six team, there's the answer, backed up by three top six finishes in a row. Only us and the Glasgow teams have achieved that status. I'm blown away. Man of the match? Hard to pick out an individual, they all stepped up to the plate.

Eddie: Well it's now getting interesting. We just need to beat Hibs and the dream should become reality. Yesterday we were very, very good. The score flattered United, they suddenly seemed to give up. We are not missing Toyosi [Olusanya] one little bit. No failures yesterday and our bench is full of players that won't weaken the team when changes are required. Roll on next season hopefully Robinson can bring in players to replace any who leave. The 25/26 rollercoaster is about to start.

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is on the shortlist of candidates for vacancies at Queens Park Rangers and Huddersfield Town. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Image source, SNS

St Mirren fans, did you make the trip to Tannadice on Saturday or were you following the action from home? Either way we want your views on that big victory over Dundee United. How confident are you of securing a European spot?

Have your say on the game

Image source, SNS

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "We made harder work of it than we probably needed to.

"Some of the football and the chances that we missed, if we'd had the final product it could have been four or five. We stood up to it when we came under pressure. I'm delighted with the scoreline and delighted with the three points.

"Some of the play today was excellent. We're creating chances, I thought the front two [Jonah Ayunga and Mikael Mandron] deserve a special mention, I thought they were a handful. I'm glad they both scored, they both thoroughly deserved it. They give us a real platform to play.

"As a team we played very well, it should have been more comfortable but I think we limited United to very few chances.

"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.

"All we can do is get another three points. Hopefully we can take it right to the last day but to be talking about Europe at this stage is a testament to this group of players."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

That's now four Premiership games unbeaten for Stephen Robinson's side, who are making things difficult for the other teams in the top six and forging their own path in a bid to sneak a European spot.

The front two of Mikael Mandron and Jonah Ayunga caused so many problems for United's backline while the defensive strength of Richard Taylor and Alex Gogic made it a relatively comfortable afternoon for Zach Hemming between the sticks.

Besides a brief spell at the start of the second half where United carved out some good opportunities, the Buddies never really looked troubled at the back.

The victory leaves them two points adrift of fifth place with two games to play, but with a visit from Hibs and a trip to Celtic to come, it's certainly not going to be easy.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United defender Ross Graham (hamstring) is unlikely to feature again this season while Luca Stephenson (hernia) is absent.

Manager Jim Goodwin is optimistic Emmanuel Adegboyega, Declan Gallagher and Sam Cleall-Harding will shake off fitness issues.

St Mirren pair Mark O'Hara and Ryan Alebiosu are doubtful and Owen Oseni is unavailable. However, Evan Mooney is back training following an ankle injury and could be included in the squad.

Image source, SNS

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson is still targeting European football next season, but admits it is a "long shot" before Saturday's Premiership match at Dundee United.

Robinson's side sit sixth, five points behind United, against whom they are yet to win or score in four meetings this season.

Unless Aberdeen beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup final and finish sixth in the league, the top five sides will qualify for Europe next season.

Robinson has guided the Buddies to three top-six finishes in a row, but has not yet given up on Europe with three matches of the league season remaining.

"Success is relevant to where you are and your resources," the Northern Irishman said.

"For us to be a top-six side three years in a row is a brilliant achievement and we've given ourselves a chance to hang in there.

"It's a long shot, we know that. We have to keep winning, we're capable of that.

"The pressure's not on us, the pressure is on some people who have been up there for a long time and don't want to fall out of that position.

"It would be a huge bonus to us to get anywhere near that.

"The fact that we're still talking about it is a massive achievement for the football club and we've got nothing to lose, absolutely nothing to lose.

"We can go and enjoy it, take a big crowd. It'll be a beautiful day and you've got embrace it and enjoy it and see what we could set up on Wednesday night against Hibs."

Image source, SNS

St Mirren "maverick" Conor McMenamin will remain in Paisley next season after the club triggered the option to extend his contract by a year.

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland forward, who joined the Buddies two years ago, has endured an injury-disrupted season, scoring three times in 10 apperances.

Manager Stephen Robinson said: "We just wanted Conor fit again.

"We know what a talent he is. He's the maverick in the team that we probably haven't had at stages this season. He creates goals and you can see the impact he's made since he's come back.

"We're absolutely delighted to have him back for another year and if we can keep him fit then we have a really special talent on our hands."

McMenamin has played 42 matches for Robinson's side across his two-year spell.

"I'm really happy here and I'm glad to get the deal done," he said.

"Obviously I feel like I can contribute to the team a lot and I've shown that lately. I'm just eager to get back on the pitch and do well for the boys.

"We've consistently been a top-six team in this league and we don't settle on that. The consistency levels here, being one of the top six teams in this league, made me want to stay. Hopefully we can do it again next season."

Image source, SNS

• Dundee United have won all three of their league games against St Mirren this season; the last side the Tangerines won four times against in a single top-flight campaign were Aberdeen in 1998-99.

• St Mirren have only lost one of their past five away league games at Dundee United (W3 D1), although that was their most recent in November this season (2-0).

• Dundee United have lost their past two league games by an aggregate score of 8-1, and could lose three in a row for only the second time this season, having last done so in February.

• St Mirren have only suffered one defeat in their last six league games (W3 D2), although that was their last away game at Dundee in April (2-0).

• Mikael Mandron has scored four goals in his past three away league starts for St Mirren, while 83% of his Scottish Premiership goals this season have come on the road (5/6), the highest ratio of any of the 41 players with 5+ goals in the competition this term.

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

Football does not reward what money you spend or the purity of your tactical ambitions. Much of the time, you don't get what you deserve. Rewards in football are fought for, brutally, and only come at the expense of another.

For the third time this season, St Mirren went toe to toe with Aberdeen and came away with all three points.

Were football to be decided on budgets alone, or on time spent in possession, Jimmy Thelin's Dons would be nine points richer and the post-split Saints would be stressed about top-flight survival.

However, that is not how points are won. The Buddies won their points on Saturday.

Hammer throwers. Hoofball. Overly aggressive. Smash 'n' grab. Lucky. If there is a name opposition fans can throw at the Saints and make themselves feel better, that name will be thrown. There is a collective term for all of the above - excuses.

Aberdeen may have held 60% of the ball at the weekend, and they may have completed twice the number of passes. They touched the ball more. They touched the ball more often in the St Mirren box than we did in theirs. They crossed the ball into our box 50% more often.

Stats are malleable. The Dons attempted only seven fewer long balls than the Buddies, passed the ball backwards far more often and, crucially, scored zero goals.

Twenty three touches in the box for zero shots on target. They committed more fouls than their hosts, won fewer tackles and had more shots to block.

Aberdeen may have a European star on their badge, a January shopping spend in the millions and an annual wage roll that could fund all three of the recent seasons where Stephen Robinson has guided the Saints into the top six, but points still require to be earned.

Mika Mandron plucked a Mark O'Hara set-piece down on his chest and earned his tidy volleyed goal.

Zach Hemming and his defence earned their clean sheet, even if his gloves won't have needed a wash on Sunday. Robinson's substitutions earned their grip on the game late in the second half and might well have doubled or tripled the advantage.

Shout whatever names out that make you feel better. The Saints under Robinson will continue to do what they have made a habit of doing. Earning the points anyway.

Mark Jardine can be found at Misery Hunters, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

What a way to celebrate signing a new contract for Mikael Mandron, who takes a forward role in my team of the week.

The Buddies striker grabbed the winning goal in superb fashion against Aberdeen as St Mirren kept alive their faint hopes of European football.