A spectacular overhead kick from Louis Moult separated these two sides in a classic game of two halves.

A frantic first half in Paisley saw a revitalised St Mirren aiming to end their winless run. Both teams were in full flow and the first half was a spectacle for the neutral.

Just before the five minute mark, Richard Taylor thought he put his side in front as his header was cleared off the line by Luca Stephenson. A VAR check took place and confirmed it did not cross the line to the dismay of the home support.

Dundee United broke through Glenn Middleton and his pass found Sam Dalby but the striker could not convert. A quick break from St Mirren resulted in a wayward effort from Roland Idowu as the home side started to gain a foothold in the game.

Progressing through the thirds impressively, some neat interplay from Greg Kiltie, Killian Phillips and Mikael Mandron resulted in a Phillips’ effort being blocked by Emmanuel Adegboyega.

Kevin Holt had his volley safely held by Zach Hemming as did Vicko Ševelj in the visitors’ best chances of the game.

The Buddies continued to dominate possession and looked a threat going forward and from set pieces much to the delight of the home crowd who witnessed a rejuvenated performance from their side.

An off ball incident involving former Saints Declan Gallagher and Greg Kiltie was addressed by the referee to no repercussion for the United defender.

Killian Phillips saw his delightful header expertly palmed away by Jack Walton as the half drew to a close.

Half Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dundee United

Dundee United came flying out the traps and just after kick off they had the ball in the net through Šelvej but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.

The game continued in its chaotic nature as Elvis Bwomono missed a glorious chance from a St Mirren counter as the ball was crossed in by Tanser, the Ugandan couldn’t quite sort his feet out to convert.

Glenn Middleton was next to test the St Mirren defence. A quick break through Stephenson found the winger who was hunted down by Iacovitti and his effort was deflected wide.

Some quick feet from Roland Idowu found the feet of Mandron who danced and weaved his way into space in the United box before crashing an effort off the underside of the bar in a shot that looked destined for the back of the net.

St Mirren stopper Zach Hemming had to be on top form as he was quick to react to save a goal bound shot from Middleton before pouncing on an effort from in form Sam Dalby.

Mikael Mandron used his body well and fended off Declan Gallagher before squaring the ball to his captain Mark O’Hara but his effort sailed over.

Mandron was involved again as he sent his strike partner Toyosi Olusanya through on goal. The latter broke through the heart of the United defence and was 1 on 1 with Jack Walton but smashed his shot straight off the goalkeeper who made himself big. St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson had his head in his hands and the forward should have done better.

The hosts had to contain pressure from their opponents and a combination of blocks from Alex Iacovitti and Marcus Fraser along with a point blank save from Hemming kept the score level going into the final five minutes.

Substitute Louis Moult would grab the headlines as with two minutes to play he got on the end of a cross and lashed a fine overhead kick into the far corner, giving Hemming no chance and sending the away fans into delirium.

Dundee United will have goalkeeper Jack Walton to thank as Olusanya was clipped in the box by Kevin Holt and St Mirren were given a lifeline at the death. However, Walton guessed right and smothered Olusanya’s penalty and the three points would head back to Dundee.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-1 Dundee United

A break from league action sees St Mirren visit Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup, meanwhile Dundee United travel the short distance to Dens Park to play their city rivals in the same competition.

Teams:

St Mirren– Hemming (GK), Fraser, Taylor, Iacovitti, Bwomono (Penman, 95”), Tanser, Phillips (Oseni, 95”), O’Hara (C), Kiltie (Boyd-Munce, 73”), Idowu (Olusanya, 63”), Mandron (Mooney, 95”)

Dundee United– Walton (GK), Strain, Holt, Ševelj, Ferry, Middleton (Moult, 61”), Adegboyega, Stephenson (van der Sande, 86”) , Dalby, Docherty (C), Gallagher

Attendance: 7440

Referee: David Dickinson