It's two for Motherwell and two for Lee Erwin. His second was remarkably similar to his first, retrieving the ball with his back to goal, turning and firing low past Mark Ridgers.

Paul Quinn's long-range shot is deflected wide of the St Johnstone goal. The hosts look purposeful in possession but Saints are working hard to protect keeper Alan Mannus.

Fairly set pattern at Fir Park. Motherwell ell on top against St Mirren.

Much more even at Victoria Park between Ross County and St Johnstone.

St Mirren goalkeeper Mark Ridgers parries wide after Marvin Johnson sends in a volley following a corner. From the next delivery, Stephen McManus heads wide amid more poor defending from the visitors.

Howls of derision from the home fans as referee Kevin Clancy inadvertently breaks up a County attack, failing to get his legs out of the way. St Johnstone break away but cannot take advantage of the unusual assist.

Lee Erwin's first goal of the season and indeed for the club was also against St Mirren way back at the start of the season.

Image source, SNS Group

Motherwell have the lead. Lionel Ainsworth gets to the byline and cuts back to Lee Erwin who, with his back to goal, is allowed to turn and drill low into the net.

Ross County win a free-kick in a central position 25 yards out and Martin Woods curls an effort narrowly wide.

Faint cries for a penalty after James Dayton is closed down by Scott McDonald in the Motherwell box. Referee Craig Thompson was in close proximity and simply shook his head.

Motherwell win an early free-kick following a foul on striker Lee Erwin. Josh Law steps up to take but his effort does not pose too many problems for goalkeeper George Long.

Motherwell: George Long, Law, Laing, McManus, Straker, Ainsworth, Lasley, Pearson, Johnson, McDonald, Erwin. Subs: Ramsden, Sutton, Twardzik, O'Brien, Moore, Dominic Thomas, Grant.

St Mirren: Ridgers, Naismith, McAusland, Genev, Kelly, Goodwin, Dayton, Sadlier, Mallan, McGinn, Arquin. Subs: Gow, Thompson, Wylde, Reilly, Brown, Sonupe, Wilks.

Referee: Craig Thomson.

St Mirren lost Jeroen Tesselaar to injury pre-match.

And the games are off...

Players out on the pitch and the games are almost underway.

Gilmour also spoke to BBC Scotland pre-match...

"We want to be a Premiership club and it's been a very frustrating and disappointing season," he said. Yes the board of directors of St Mirren have obviously made a wrong decision in the appointment of our manager [Tommy Craig] earlier in the season and that's unfortunate.

"But it's still in our hands and if we get a win tonight and and another on Monday against Ross County, the pendulum swings and we're the form team."

And the St Mirren chairman responded to Celtic manager Ronny Deila's view that Scotland's pitches are hindering player development.

"I just can't believe it - I don't know where he's coming from with that," said Gilmour.

St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour has issued a statement on his club website, external ahead of tonight's vital Scottish Premiership visit to Motherwell urging the Paisley club's fans to get behind the team.

Image source, SNS

"On behalf of The Board of Directors of St Mirren FC we hope that our supporters will travel in good numbers to Motherwell tonight for this very important match and give the players your full backing," he said. "It has been a very frustrating season but one which can be recoverable starting tonight.

"In past years St Mirren teams have reacted to the fantastic support they have received for big matches at Motherwell and Falkirk, twice, and the teams have come away with the results at crucial times so we would ask if you can be there tonight to attend and give the players your 100% backing throughout the game."

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre

"Winning six and drawing one in the last seven games has been a fantastic effort from the players. It's important that we just keep focussing on the next game that's in front of us."

A pre-match injury blow for St Mirren. Jeroen Tesselaar has pulled up with an injury and Sean Kelly will replace him in the starting line-up. Thomas Reilly takes Kelly's place on the substitutes' bench.

St Mirren manager Gary Teale

"I think we've got enough in the side to go and get a result tonight. We have been playing reasonably well - we haven't been carrying a lot of luck. We've just lacked that cutting edge, that goal threat."

Newly-appointed Alloa Athletic manager Danny Lennon has been giving his thoughts on the Paisley club's plight.

"I went into that football club on very good foundations built by Gus MacPherson and I think the proof is there that I added to that a little bit," he said. "To see them where they are at this moment in time, I feel as if they've taken a step backwards.

Click here to read more from former manager Danny Lennon on St Mirren.

Ross County: Brown, Fraser, Boyd, Paul Quinn, Reckord, Gardyne, Irvine, Woods, De Vita, Boyce, Curran. Subs: Reguero, Meite, Cardle, Jervis, Kiss, Sernas, Palazuelos.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Mackay, Wright, Anderson, Easton, Millar, Lappin, Wotherspoon, O'Halloran, McFadden, MacLean. Subs: Scobbie, Swanson, Graham, Banks, Miller, Croft, Kane.

Referee: Kevin Clancy.