St Mirren 2-0 Dundee United

McMenamin (17′) Baccus (66′)

St Mirren secured a comfortable home win over Dundee United as they look to climb the table.

After a cagey start, it was the home side who broke the deadlock after Declan John’s terrific cross was met by Conor McMenamin, whose bullet header rifled past Dave Richards into the back of the net. This was McMenamin’s first goal of the season.

The visitors looked to reply as Zac Sapsford went through on goal, but failed to convert his chance.

Summer signing Nikolaj Möller’s close-range header drifted wide for United, as Mikael Mandron’s long range strike was off target for the Saints. St Mirren carried the one-goal lead as referee Nick Walsh signalled for half-time.

The second half started like the first, with half-chances for both sides but neither taking their opportunity.

Sapsford came close once again, as his free-kick cannoned off the crossbar. However, St Mirren found a break of the ball and Killian Philips’ shot was saved by Richards, but substitute Keanu Baccus ensured he converted the rebound to give the Saints a two-goal lead. This was Baccus’ first goal since returning to the club in the summer.

United still found chances in the latter stages of the game, as Craig Sibbald’s effort hit the bar and substitute Amar Fateh couldn’t find a way past Shamal George.

St Mirren held out to ensure a clean sheet and all three points as they achieved their first win in eight league matches.

With this result, Dundee United sit 8th in the league without a win in six matches. They next host Motherwell in a 3 o’clock kick-off next Saturday.

St Mirren found their first win in five matches in all competitions and eight matches in the league. They climb out of relegation playoff position into 9th, as preparation now starts for their mammoth tie versus Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final next Sunday afternoon.

St Mirren: George, Fraser, King, Freckleton, McMenamin, Philips, Taylor, Gogic, John, Mandron, Ayunga

Subs: Baccus (61’), Dijksteel, Douglas, Idowu, Mooney (82’), Mullen, Nlundulu (68’), Richardson 68’, Tanser (82’)

Dundee United: Richards, Iovu, Graham, Kereztes, Strain, Sevelj, Stephenson, Sibbald, Ferry, Möller, Sapsford

Subs: Adams, Fatah (46’), Beattie, Cleall-Harding, Dolček (82’), Esselink, Stirton, Trapanovski (82’)