Conor McMenamin and Keanu Baccus helped St Mirren defeat Dundee United 2-0 and report their first William Hill Premiership victory in 9 makes an attempt.
Stephen Robinson’s facet had not received within the league since late September, however now go into subsequent weekend’s Premier Sports activities Cup last in opposition to Celtic on a optimistic observe.
United stay with no league win since they beat St Mirren at residence in October and got here closest right here by way of efforts from Zac Sapsford and Craig Sibbald, who each struck the crossbar.
Saints made three modifications from their midweek draw at Aberdeen, with Declan John, McMenamin and Richard King changing Scott Tanser, Jayden Richardson and Baccus.
There have been additionally three modifications to the United line-up following their draw with Rangers. Out went Bert Esselonk, Panutcha Digital camera and Amar Fatah, with Sibbald, Ryan Pressure and Ross Graham coming in.
It was Saints who had the primary probability. King’s lengthy move picked out McMenamin, however his shot from a good angle was saved by David Richards. The house facet saved up the stress and a Killian Phillips effort was blocked for an additional nook.
United then claimed for a penalty when Sapsford went down, however referee Nick Walsh as a substitute booked the striker for simulation.
Saints moved in entrance within the seventeenth minute. John whipped in a cross from the left to the far put up the place McMenamin rose unmarked to go previous Richards.
The house facet seemed to construct on their lead and John’s curling free-kick went solely narrowly excessive.
United, although, ought to have equalised in opposition to the run of play 10 minutes earlier than half-time when Marcus Fraser’s weak again move despatched Sapsford working clear, however Shamal George did effectively to face up and save.
The defender atoned for that mistake early within the second half as he slid in to dam Nikolaj Moller’s shot, profitable his staff a objective kick within the course of.
United seemed brighter within the second half and Sapsford was unlucky to see his free-kick rattle the highest of the bar.
Saints, although, scored subsequent to increase their lead after 66 minutes when Phillips’ header was pushed out, however solely so far as Baccus who transformed from shut vary.
United pushed to attempt to get again into the sport and got here near scoring twice within the area of some minutes.
Amar Fatah’s low diving header was effectively saved by George earlier than Sibbald struck the crossbar from 25 yards.
Dundee United’s Will Ferry seems to be dejected
