Following months of heavy rain, wind and snow, and the subsequent postponement of many fixtures, it was refreshing to enjoy a game in perfect footballing conditions such as these at Renfrew's New Western Park, where St Mirren defeated Dundee United 2-1. 

 

After a lively start to the match, it was Dundee United who had the first glimpse of goal. Jaseem Sukar's whipped an effort narrowly over the bar. United then came close again as Robson's effort was thwarted by some last ditch defending. 

 

Scott Agnew was welcomed to the SPFL Development League with a robust challenge from Jamie Robson which left him in a heap on the ground. Agnew was joined in the side by fellow first teamer Alan Gow both in search of match time. Gow very much met his match in the form of ever impressive centre back Harry Souttar, younger brother of recent Tannadice departee John. 

 

St Mirren slowly grew into the game. After an enterprising run and cross from Saints captain Jordan Stewart found Conor O’Keefe in the box he couldn’t get a clear sight of goal. 

 

Saints did though soon break the deadlock from a penalty. Jaison McGrath played in Kyle McAllister whose shot was deemed to have been handled by Cammy Ballantyne. The experienced Gow made no mistake from the spot.

St Mirren started the second half a lot better, however it was the young terriers who came the closest to scoring the second goal of the game as Ballantyne’s long range effort was saved by the young Reece Willison in the Saints goal. 

 

Dundee United almost drew level once again. Justin Johnson, who proved a handful for St Mirren’s defence all afternoon, ducked and dived and managed to find an angle finishing very well, though Jordan Garden was offside. 

 

St Mirren extended their lead soon after through a fast counter attack. Kyle McAllister’s whipped cross found O’Keefe who tapped the ball home to put the hosts 2-0 up.

 

St Mirren looked to be cruising to their fifth win in six league games, but a moment of controversy gave United a glimmer of hope. Some overly physical defending in the box as the Saints defended a corner prompted the referee to award United a penalty, much to the surprise of the crowd and the players. Johnson made no mistake from the spot. 

 

Despite a fiery and frantic final five minutes, St Mirren held on to take all three points.