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Buddies Run Riot: St Mirren Hit Eight Past Helpless Annan

St Mirren kicked off their competitive home season in spectacular fashion after netting eight goals against Annan Athletic. Stephen Robinson’s side came out firing, securing a three-goal lead within the first ten minutes. Killian Phillips bagged two early goals before Mikael Mandron smashed home Fraser Taylor’s through ball. The Buddies controlled the opening exchanges, link-up play from Ayunga, Mandron, and Phillips constantly troubling the visitors’ defence. Conor McMenamin was a constant threat on the right hand side, hitting the crossbar with a left-footed strike before firing wide from the edge of the box. Annan’s 84 travelling fans finally had something to celebrate in the 38th minute when Miles Gaffney latched onto a through ball and slotted past Ryan Mullen in the St Mirren goal. St Mirren started the second half brightly with Declan John forcing an early save from the onrushing Gio Clarke. However, it was Annan who would strike next, Miles Gaffney headed in his 2nd of the afternoon to give the Saints a wakeup call. The home side responded well to the setback. The ever-present Killian Phillips won a penalty which summer signing Richard King powerfully converted. Fraser Taylor spent last season on loan at Arbroath but was a standout in St Mirren’s midfield, his extensive passing range constantly stretching the Annan defence. Robinson spoke post match about Taylor’s ability to dictate a game, choosing to implement him in a deeper number 6 position. St Mirren finished the second half on top, surpassing their first-half tally with four goals in the final ten minutes. Mandron met Declan John’s low cross to make it five before Jayden Richardson drilled home the sixth on his home debut. Mandron completed his hat-trick with a low finish before substitute Ronald Idowu made it an incredible eight. This victory solidifies St Mirren’s top spot in Group D, they welcome Scott Brown’s Ayr United next Sunday. For Annan, 14 goals conceded in their last two games and significant work ahead as Willie Gibson’s men return to League 2. Teams St Mirren: (3-5-2) Mullen, Fraser, Gogic (Iacovitti 62’), King, Tanser (John 46’) , McMenamin (Richardson 62’), O’Hara, Taylor, Phillips (Scott 62’), Mandron, Ayunga (Idowu 46’) Bookings: Mandron 19’ Idowu 80’ Annan Athletic: (4-2-3-1) Clarke, Gilmour, Todd, Gibson, R. Muir, A. Smith, McGowan, Deveney (Maxwell 64’), Smith, Gaffney (Carmichael 81’), Craik Bookings: Gibson 80’ Attendance: 2,164

July 19, 2025

Graphic comparing Dundee and Dundee United's opening six fixtures for the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. Dundee are shown to have the toughest start, while Dundee United have the easiest, based on opponents' average league position last season. Club crests and fixture opponents are included.

Dundee Face Toughest Start as Fixture Difficulty Ranked Across SPFL Clubs

An analysis of the 2025/26 Premiership openers reveals contrasting fortunes for the Dundee clubs — and how each team’s early schedule could shape their season. With the fixtures published last Friday, Dundee face the most challenging opening six games of the 2025/26 Premiership season, based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season (5.33). In contrast, city rivals Dundee United have the easiest run (7.83), offering a smoother start to top-flight football. Dundee couldn’t have been handed a more challenging test as they look to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish under new manager Steven Pressley, who succeeded Tony Docherty in the summer. Their daunting schedule begins with Hibernian at Dens Park, followed by a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers. A fiery Dundee derby arrives early, also at home, and is sandwiched between a visit to Kilmarnock and a clash with Motherwell. They round off the run with an away trip to St Mirren — a real test for Pressley’s new era. On the flip side, the Tangerines kick off with a trip to fellow newly promoted side Falkirk, followed by a home double header against Hearts and Aberdeen. That leads into the eagerly anticipated derby at Dens Park, before an away day at Easter Road to face Hibs and a home tie against Kilmarnock to round out their first six fixtures. With Dundee facing the toughest start and Dundee United the easiest, our statisticians analysed all 12 SPFL clubs based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season. Unlike a recent BBC Sport article using Opta’s Power Rankings, this approach is more straightforward — but the takeaway is the same: some clubs face far tougher openings. It’s worth noting this method does not account for home or away advantage, which can also shape early-season momentum. Aberdeen share the same opening fixture difficulty rating (7.83) as Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United. Despite a testing Matchday 2 meeting with Celtic at Pittodrie, they will likely back themselves for a strong start. At the other end of the scale, St Mirren and Livingston (6.17) aren’t far behind Dundee regarding fixture difficulty. Livingston, promoted via the play-offs against Ross County and St Mirren, faces challenging opening blocks, with Celtic and Rangers among their first six opponents. As for the Glasgow giants, Celtic face a trickier start (6.5) than Rangers (7.67). In Edinburgh, Hibs hope to build on last season’s momentum with a relatively favourable opening run (7.17), while city rivals Hearts have a slightly easier stretch (7.68). Falkirk and Motherwell sit mid-table in terms of difficulty (6.5), with Kilmarnock not far behind on 6.67 — potentially benefiting from a softer start on paper. As the 2025/26 Premiership kicks off on the weekend of 2nd August, it’s contrasting emotions on either side of Tannadice Street — with Dundee bracing for impact, and United looking to hit the ground running. Across the league, early momentum could be crucial in shaping the season ahead.

June 26, 2025

Liam Donnelly Becomes St.Mirren’s Fifth Signing of the Summer

St.Mirren have today announced the signing of Northern Irish international Liam Donnelly on a free transfer, following the expiry of his contract at Kilmarnock after a three-year spell. The combative midfielder, who can also play right-back or centre-back, is the fifth signing for St.Mirren this summer already, with Roland Idowu, Killian Phillips, Richard King and Jayden Richardson in the door also. Donnelly has put pen to paper on a two year stay in Paisley, and will be reunited with Buddies manager Stephen Robinson after the pair worked together at Motherwell, who spoke fondly of his latest recruit. “I’ve worked with Liam before and he’s a really competitive player. “Technically, he’s very good as well and he gives us options in numerous positions. Liam can play anywhere in the back three, he can play at full-back in a four, or he can play as a six or an eight in midfield as well. “He’s someone we feel will bring real competition to the squad. We run with a small squad so Liam’s versatility could be invaluable through the season.” The new signing also spoke on his delight to be playing at the SMISA Stadium next season. “I know the manager well and I have seen the success of the club in the past few years. I want to be a part of that and hopefully we can do similar this season. “I just need to focus on getting my foot in the door and making sure I’m doing well enough to be in the manager’s thoughts for the starting eleven.”

June 24, 2025

Saints Further Shore Up Defence With Signing of Jayden Richardson

St. Mirren announced their second defensive signing in as many days as Jayden Richardson pens a two-year deal in Paisley. The Englishman, who has played North of the border previously with a spell at Aberdeen, signs from English National League side Boreham Wood, scoring two times and assisting another four from right back in 37 appearances. Richardson has enjoyed loan spells in the EFL for most of his career following his graduation from the Nottingham Forest academy in 2019, and now the 24 year-old will be looking to find a club that he can truly settle at, with the Buddies. “I can’t wait to get in front of the crowd and show what I can do. I can bring energy, pace, power and hopefully that athleticism up and down can get the fans on the edge of their seat. “I know what it’s [Scottish football] like. When I was up here in the past, playing against St.Mirren, we knew it was a tough game no matter what and the fans here were outstanding.” St.Mirren boss Stephen Robinson also had words to say after securing another acquisition for his squad. “Jayden is someone I tried to sign a few seasons ago. “All the attributes are there and it’s up to us to get that quality out of him. I think he will be a really good signing for us.”

June 18, 2025

St. Mirren Tighten Up Defence With Signing of Jamaican Internationalist

St. Mirren have completed the signing of centre back Richard King from Cavalier FC of the Jamaican Premier League, after a failed attempt to snap up the 23 year-old in January. King signs for the Buddies on a two year deal, with the Paisley side holding the option of one-year extension. The centre half becomes Stephen Robinson’s third signing of the summer, after the club permanently signed former loanees Killian Phillips and Roland Idowu. King will join up with his St. Mirren teammates upon his return from the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Jamaica under Steve McLaren as he looks to add to the 30 caps he has to his name already. St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson said: “We had tracked him [King] for a long time and kept up with his progress. He’s quick, he’s strong and he’s a project for us as well as it’s a step up in level. “I had a really good conversation with Richard and the Cavalier owner and we are aligned in our thinking in terms of giving Richard a good platform. “We think Richard will add real competition to the boys we’ve already got and give us another option in that department.”

June 17, 2025

Point Seals European Football for Hibs Despite Saints Fightback

A thrilling encounter at the SMiSA Stadium saw St Mirren and Hibernian share the spoils in a 2-2 draw. While the point secured a coveted third-place finish and European football next season for Hibs, it leaves St Mirren needing a result away at Celtic on Saturday to keep their own European dreams alive. Hibs started the match with blistering pace. Just minutes in, a clever through ball from Junior Hoilett found Martin Boyle, who expertly slotted his shot past Zach Hemming at the near post. The Australian international, in red-hot form with his 7th goal in his last 9 league appearances, thought he had doubled his tally shortly after, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. David Gray’s side continued their dominant start, doubling their lead in the 10th minute. Once again, the influential Junior Hoilett was the architect, finding Kuharevich in the box who finished emphatically, sending the travelling Hibs support into raptures. The visitors were playing with a swagger, with the dynamic duo of Boyle and Hoilett posing a constant threat. It was a stark contrast to the Hibs side that had succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Paisley on the opening weekend of the season. St Mirren, buoyed by an impressive 2-0 victory at Tannadice in their previous outing, gradually found their footing in the game. Alex Gogic was a strong presence in midfield, and Richard Taylor provided a threat from set pieces. However, clear-cut chances were initially at a premium for the home side. A moment of madness almost brought St Mirren back into the contest. A cross from the right was met by Lewis Miller, whose mis-hit swipe at the ball agonisingly drifted just wide of the post, with home fans briefly believing it was in. The Buddies’ persistence finally paid off just before the break. Following a corner, the ball dropped kindly to Richard Taylor in the box, and he slammed it home, igniting the St Mirren faithful and giving his side a crucial lifeline heading into half-time. Stephen Robinson clearly demanded a response from his team during the interval, and he made a bold triple substitution on the hour mark in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the St Mirren attack. One of those substitutions proved to be a stroke of genius. Just moments after coming on, Colin McMenamin met a pinpoint cross from Ronald Idowu, powering his effort past Jordan Smith to level the score. The goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, but the decision ultimately stood, setting up a frantic final half-hour. The drama continued as St Mirren thought they had taken the lead minutes later. Mandron was denied of his 3rd consecutive league goal as the play was brought back for a foul in the build-up, much to the frustration of the home support. St Mirren substitute Greg Kiltie then threatened at the near post, forcing a smart low save from Smith as the game swung from end to end. St Mirren continued to press, desperately seeking the goal that would keep their European aspirations firmly within reach. With eight minutes of added time, the home fans remained optimistic. In a frantic finale, St Mirren threw bodies forward, and they were almost punished when Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis embarked on a mazy run into the box, but his impressive surge lacked a finishing touch. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. For St Mirren, it was a fitting way to conclude their home campaign, showcasing the character and fight that has secured them a remarkable three consecutive top-six finishes. For Hibs, the point was enough to seal third place and a European tour next season, ensuring they will head into their final game against Rangers at Easter Road in high spirits. The result leaves St Mirren with a daunting task at Parkhead on Saturday, where they will need to secure a positive result to keep their own European dream alive. St Mirren: Hemming Alebiosu Taylor Gogic Fraser John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce (O’Hara 61’) Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 82’) Ayunga (McMenamin 61’) Mandron Bookings: John 36’ Ayunga 56’ Robinson 70’ Hibernian: Smith Cadden (O’Hara 84’) Miller Bushiri Iredale Obita (Cadden 75’) Triantis Levitt Boyle (Gayle 84’) Hoilett (Campbell 75’) Kuharevich (Bowie 61’) Bookings: Obita 23’ Triantis 38’ Bowie 79’

May 15, 2025

“Unplayable” St Mirren Frontline Boost European Ambitions

Dundee United 0-2 St Mirren Mandron (31′) Ayunga (66′) St Mirren secured their first win at Tannadice since 2022 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Dundee United, significantly bolstering their prospects of consecutive European qualification. The Buddies established early control, confidence clearly stemming from their unbeaten post-split form. Initial forays saw Mikael Mandron and Ronald Idowu direct efforts wide of the target, much to the encouragement of their vocal travelling support. For United, their top goal scorer, Sam Dalby was a consistent presence, but he could only head over their best chance of the first half from a dangerous Glen Middleton delivery. Just after the half-hour mark, St Mirren’s early pressure paid dividends. A neat exchange with Ryan Alebiosu culminated in Mandron drilling a precise low shot past a helpless Jack Walton in the United goal. The visitors should have doubled their advantage shortly thereafter when Richard Taylor’s incisive pass split the Dundee United defence, sending Jonah Ayunga clear on goal, but his strike lacked composure and soared over the bar. This seemed to prompt a formation change for the home side, it offered a glimmer of hope when Ross Docherty’s header narrowly missed the target. Overall, Stephen Robinson would have been the considerably happier of the two managers at the interval, with Mandron’s well-taken goal marking their first against Dundee United in five encounters this season. United offered a brief resurgence at the beginning of the second half, with Dalby flashing a shot wide before his powerful header was parried away by Zach Hemming. However, it was St Mirren who consistently appeared the more likely to extend their lead. The dynamic Alebiosu surged down the right flank before unleashing a fierce strike that Walton did well to tip away. A recurring theme of the second period was the Saints’ potent counter-attacking threat, with Stephen Robinson later describing his forward pairing of Mandron and Ayunga as “unplayable.” Indeed, the likes of Mandron, Ayunga, Killian Phillips, and Idowu frequently threatened the exposed United backline. Phillips himself squandered a golden opportunity to seal the victory when the ball fell kindly to him inside the six-yard box, but mirroring Ayunga’s earlier miss, he blazed his shot over the bar. St Mirren did have the ball in the net for a third time when Mandron cleverly played in Ayunga, who cut inside and slotted a shot past Walton, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman’s raised flag. As the final minutes ticked away and sections of the United support began to drift out of Tannadice, Greg Kiltie’s powerful shot was well saved by Walton. Considering the chances created, St Mirren’s victory could arguably have been even more emphatic than their last Tannadice success, a 3-0 win. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United will seek to recover from this setback when they travel to Ibrox on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, St Mirren extend their unbeaten league run to three matches and will look forward to a crucial home fixture against Hibernian on Wednesday, a game that has the potential to significantly shape their European aspirations. Teams Dundee Utd: Walton Sevelj Gallagher Adegboyega Strain Ferry Sibbald (Campbell 83’) Docherty (Moult 70’) Middleton Trapanovski (Paton 64’) Dalby St Mirren: Hemming Taylor (Iacovitti 72′) Gogic Fraser Alebiosu John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 76’) Ayunga Mandron Attendance : 9,821

May 10, 2025

Robinson’s Buddies defeat the Dons as they set up a late dash for Europe!

St Mirren ended Aberdeen’s unbeaten run of eight games with a 1-0 win at St. Mirren Park. This win, along with Hibs’ defeat of Dundee United at Easter Road, has given the Buddies a chance at a European place. A set piece on the hour mark from Captain Mark O’Hara found its way through to Mikael Mandron, who sealed the three points. Last weekend, Aberdeen managed to end Hibs’ record-equalling unbeaten run of 17 games at Pittodrie, extending their unbeaten run to 8 games. St. Mirren earned a well-deserved point in their 2-2 draw with Rangers, with some fans believing they may have deserved more from the game. The first half started, and for the opening 10 minutes, it was one-way traffic from the Dons with the Buddies struggling to get out of their half. After this, it became a feisty affair between the two sides, but the visitors looked the most dangerous from chances. In the 25th minute, the travelling side had the ball in the back of the net. A cross into the box, along with scrappy defending, allowed the ball to fall to the feet of Okkels, who slotted it past Zach Hemming. However, the ball appeared to hit the hand of Kevin Nisbet on the way in and was chopped off via VAR. After this, it seemed to spur the home side into life as they began to create more chances in the game. Chances from O’Hara, John, and Mandron came but did not find the back of the net. The first half whistle blew, and both sides had periods of control throughout this feisty encounter. The second half kicked off and continued that feisty display from both sides. The opening 15 minutes continued this way, and then on the hour mark, the home side struck home, thus breaking the deadlock. A set-piece cross from Captain Mark O’Hara 40 yards out found its way through to the far-left hand side of the goal, and Mandron, after signing a new contract this week, fired it home. For the remainder of the game, the visitors controlled the possession of the game but failed to take their chances. This, along with St. Mirren’s physical presence at the back, meant the Dons failed to record a single shot on target in the game. This past week, Manager Stephen Robinson spoke about a push for a European Place. After today’s result, he said; “I know this group of players, the talent they have, they desire they have, and people thought we’d turn up for these two games and not put everything into it, that’s not how my teams work, and not how my players work”. Don’s manager Jimmy Thelin said; “It was a difficult game, I don’t think we were good enough to deserve the win, but maybe not bad enough to lose. It was a typical 0-0 game with something extra needed, a set play or one against one situation, and today they did it and we didn’t do it”. This result makes the race for third between Hibs, Dundee United and Aberdeen all the more interesting as Hibs now have the advantage with the Buddies slowly closing the gap to United.

May 3, 2025

Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed

Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee

April 15, 2025

Buddies put five past Killie to keep top six hopes alive

St Mirren have ended a four-year winless run against Kilmarnock as they defeated them at home today. It is only Derek McInnes’ 2nd ever defeat to the saints as a manager and his first as the Killie boss. It gives St. Mirren a real boost going into the two final games before the split. For Kilmarnock it sees them teetering over the playoff places at the bottom of the table. Despite the rainy, windy and blustery conditions before kickoff the start of the game greatly contrasted with it, as it was a scintillating opening ten minutes. The Saints press and overlapping runs, put the Killie backline under pressure immediately. It didn’t take long for the opening goal as the saints first shot on goal put them ahead. A low driving shot from Boyd-Munce sizzled past McCrorie. Only moments later the home side put themselves further in front when Ayunga clashed with Mayo in the box leading referee Nick Walsh to point the spot. Idowu adopted a slow run up with a stutter before hitting the ball and he slid it into the back of the net to give the home side a two-goal advantage after only 10 minutes. Despite Killie having most of the possession they failed to capitalise on it. The second half kicked off to improved weather and from the whistle it would appear a better Killie team. However, this was short lived as in the 58th minute the home side went three ahead. A counterattack led to a corner which wasn’t dealt with by the Kille backline. The ball fell to the feet of Boyd-Munce who fired a powerful side foot shot past the keeper. The Saints then began to show their flare upon the hour mark as they began to control the possession of the game and play some good technical football. In the 65th minute the ball fell to Captain Mark O’Hara on the edge of the box. He brought the ball on to his right side and sent a fourth ball into the net of Killie. Only four minutes later the Hawaii Five-o tune blared across the stadium as Declan John received the ball on the left-hand side of the box and fired home the goal of the game with a venomous shot past McCrorie. In the 85th minute Killie were awarded a penalty after Joe Wright was brought down in the box. Anderson fired stopper Hemming but in reality, it was a conciliation goal from an afternoon to forget. After the game Assistant Manager Brian Kerr said; “I think the performance was excellent. I think it’s been coming to be honest. We’ve had real good performances over the last 7/8 weeks without the result to back that up”. A disappointed Derek McInnes said; “St Mirren were hands down smarter than us, more street wise than us and more clinical than us. They thoroughly deserved the three points today”. Killie now return home next Saturday to face off against Motherwell whereas St. Mirren travel up to face Dundee.

March 29, 2025

St Mirren

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