Shining a Spotlight on the Women of St Mirren FC

Celebrated annually on 8th March, International Women’s Day highlights the achievements of women and advocates for gender equality across the globe.

And today, St Mirren Football Club would like to say thank you and shine a spotlight on the women who work throughout the club.

In a male dominated industry, Lynsey McLean has worked at St Mirren since 2021 and is one of the only female General Managers working in the SPFL. She is grateful to work with a team that includes strong and inspirational women.

Today we celebrate all the women who work at St Mirren FC, each of them inspire me and support me on a daily basis. Our strategy is based around Paisley, People and Performance and within that it is important to us to champion the women who work for the club, many of whom work hard behind the scenes and form integral positions in the team behind the team”.

CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING

Football can be a challenging environment to work in, especially with such a high percentage of men on and off the pitch, but the women in St Mirren believe it is worth the reward.

Lynsey McLean shared: "It can be easy for women to go unnoticed in professional men’s football, but here at St Mirren it is evident that our collective voices are heard, and our views are valued.

Over almost four seasons of working here, I can see how beneficial it has been to have female input into to the club. Men and women think differently, and a collaborative effort with mixed perspectives has had a positive impact on the club, especially in supporting our three key pillars of Paisley, People and Performance."

Vicki Gilzean is Club Administrator and works between the St Mirren Training Ground at Ralston and The SMiSA Stadium: "They say that working in football you eat, sleep, and breathe football and it is true. One of the biggest challenges to being a woman in football is dealing with personalities and characters."

"Treating people as people and treating people with respect is an important thing in football."

THE ST MIRREN FAMILY

Across the varying roles there was a collective response to what each woman emphasised as a positive about working for St Mirren. Whether it was the first team cook, the team of academy physiotherapists, the ticket office team or the finance team, each of the women said that working for St Mirren felt like being part of an extended family, and that the camaraderie was strong amongst the various departments that make up the club.

This is testament to the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes to deliver on an inclusive club.

Kirsty Millard works at the Stadium in reception and the Ticket Office. She speaks highly of her colleagues at St Mirren.

"Coming into work and seeing everyone is like having a second family. They have looked after me and the support network given to me by the other women is second to none."

The perspective that women offer in a working environment has opened up ideas and started conversations, which have impacted the club for the better."

Academy Physio Hannah Miller puts feeling as part of a family at the top of her favourite things about working at St Mirren: "Coming into work every day I feel appreciated and a part of a family.

"This is helped by the fact there are now more women working in football. It is nice to see women who work here part time want to come into this environment and experience it."

DELIVERING ON THE CLUB STRATEGY

St Mirren is committed to promoting equality and diversity at the club.

Lynsey McLean shared: "We are seeing an increase in females attending matches, particularly mothers with families. Our ‘Everyone is Welcome, We’re All Buddies’ campaign has been successful in building an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe attending matches."

Vicki Gilzean, added: "Female representation has increased in the past few years at the club with more staff and volunteers in various roles.

It’s great to see girls wanting to become ball attendants on matchday, we already have some girls involved and they’re great!"

A COLLECTIVE SUPPORT

Eilidh McKerry, St Mirren’s Financial Accountant is thankful to the woman she works with for their support: "As women we are often juggling multiple things outside of work, and there is an understanding that we have these external pressures, whilst delivering at a high level in diverse challenging roles.

Working together on the field is as important as working together off it for the club to operate effectively, and I believe the support of the female staff helps to enable this."

Eilidh and Lynsey shared a collective highlight of their time working at the club, St Mirren achieving European football for the first time in 37 years. Both found the complexities of navigating UEFA requirements, on top of their day-to-day roles extremely challenging, but it was worth it to watch the team play European football.

Eilidh said: "The team behind the team really pulled together to work with UEFA, completing extra compliance documents, filling in financial reports, managing ticket allocation, not to mention chartering flights, but we got our reward for our hard work by being able to watch St Mirren play in Europe."

WOMEN IN THE ST MIRREN COMMUNITY

Lynsey further stressed the importance of the women who work in the community programme and partner organisations of the Football Club: "There are a team of women who work for StreetStuff, our award-winning Community Programme, their roles are some of the most challenging within the club and they provide integral support to the young people in the local community.

Further, the work of Charitable Foundation CEO Gayle Brannigan and her team is important, especially the programmes that they run for the people of Paisley and Renfrewshire. We have support from women who work at Kibble within The Skills Academy and corporate services.

"I’d also like to mention the importance of our women’s team, managed by Kate Cooper, and the girls who play for the St Mirren Academy, who are the future of women’s football."

She continued: "I’d like to highlight and thank the female volunteers, in every role, from our SLO Karin, who works with our supporters, to Linda, Jeanette, Shona and Margaret, who help out at the ticket office during busy times and also work tirelessly to maintain the stadium after matches."

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, the club want to recognise and extend thanks to all of the women who are an integral part of the St Mirren family; the staff, the volunteers, the partners and the fans.

St Mirren U18s take on Dundee at The SMiSA Stadium on Monday 10th March in the Scottish Youth Cup Semi-Final. 

Entry is FREE to supporters on Monday night. Fans will receive a free ticket from stewards upon arrival at M1 to allow access through turnstiles 1-3 of the Main Stand ahead of the 7pm kick-off. 

The winners will go on to face Kilmarnock U18s in the Final after the Rugby Park side defeated Livingston 6-0 in the other last four tie.

The Young Buddies have had to overcome some tricky ties along the way, including two matches that have already been played at The SMiSA Stadium.

We take a look back on the U18s journey to the last four...

Round Two - St Mirren 5-1 Alloa Athletic 

Following a bye in Round One, St Mirren were drawn against Alloa Athletic in September where the Young Buddies came out on top 5-1.

First-half strikes from Struan Thompson, Evan Mooney, and Thomas Falconer were followed by goals after the interval from Mooney again and Billy Hutchinson.

On what was a fairly comfortable evening at The SMiSA Stadium, there were two standout pieces of play. The first being Thompson’s opener, where he drove from deep into space before striking low from 20 yards beyond the reach of Crawford in the Alloa net.

The second was another driving run, this time Callum Penman who charged past his full-back and played a brilliant ball into Falconer who was on hand to tap home.

The Young Saints squad celebrate after win over Alloa Athletic (Image: Allan Picken)

Round Three - St Mirren 8-0 Caledonian Braves 

Round Three saw another home draw for the Young Buddies, this time Caledonian Braves were the visitors to The SMiSA Stadium.

Stephen McGinn’s side were in charge from the first minute until the 90th with goals from Thompson, Mooney, & Innes Clark seeing Saints race into a 3-0 lead within 13 minutes. A goal from Theo McCormick after 35 minutes saw the tie all done bar the shouting before the break.

A trio of goals from substitutes Lewis Marshall and Luke Douglas sandwiched a captain's strike from Carrick McEvoy, ensuring an 8-0 win, in a thoroughly professional performance.

Round Four - Heart of Midlothian 0-3 St Mirren 

The last 16 threw up a potentially tricky draw, a trip to Edinburgh to face Hearts at Ainslie Park.

A bright start wasn’t rewarded with a goal. Multiple dangerous attacks included a strong save following a Marshall strike and a penalty claim for handball being turned away by the referee. There was to be a final chance before the half was out, though. Marshall pressured the Hearts defence into slack play as he capitalised by driving forward and squaring the ball to Mooney, who took a touch and drilled low, across the keeper and into the side netting to give the young Saints the lead at half time.

The pressure on the Hearts defence continued as Hutchinson and Lyle Hunter went close to doubling the lead soon after the break.

That elusive second goal would come through the same man who got the first. Falconer stuck a great ball into the box, and some great play by Mooney saw him buy himself space then fire home.

A place in the quarter final was secured just five minutes later as Mooney - initially attempting to get an assist by playing teammate Matthew Turner through on goal - was on hand to tap home the rebound following Turner’s effort that was saved. It was the Mooney’s second hat-trick of the season, the other coming in a 3-0 away win to Kilmarnock in the CAS Elite Under 18s League. 

Evan Mooney scored a hat-trick in the U18s 3-0 win away to Hearts (Image: Lewis Smith)

Quarter-Final - Queen’s Park 1-1 St Mirren (St Mirren win 3-2 on penalties)

A trip to Lochinch was what the draw threw up at the last eight stage, as it was Queen’s Park who would play host to the Buddies. 

After having an effort saved just minutes earlier, it was that man again in the Youth Cup, Mooney, who would score the opener. He was brought down in the box and stepped up to coolly dispatch the penalty after 34 minutes.

Leo Clark drew the hosts level just three minutes later, though. His shot was rifled into the roof of Grant Tamosevicius’ net, only the second goal that the keeper has conceded all competition.

Into the second-half, two defence splitting crosses by Mooney looked as though they’d be put away, but some good defending denied McCormick and it took a piece of outrageous goalkeeping to stop Thompson from getting a late winner. McEvoy saw an injury-time effort crash off the bar which was a sure sign that the game was heading for penalties.

With both keepers saving the first penalties and both of the second spot kicks being successful, it was clearly going to be a nervy shootout. Tamosevicius would be the hero again as he saved the Spiders third spot-kick, before captain Owen Carey put the Buddies ahead.

Both teams scored their fourth kicks which then put all the pressure on the Spiders' fifth taker. His penalty smashed the bar as the Saints ran off in celebration, their name into the hat for the Semi-Final, where they would draw Dundee at home.

St Mirren U18s celebrate penalty shoot-out win over Queen's Park (Image: Allan Picken)

The Opposition

Currently sitting in sixth position in CAS Performance Under 18s League table, the second tier of U18s youth football, Dundee come into the game in relatively good form.

Comfortable 4-0 wins over Stirling Albion and Penicuik in Round One and Two were enough to see them into Round Three where Sonny Paterson, son of Dee’s Assistant Manager Scott Paterson, was on the scoresheet in a high scoring 5-3 win away to Fraserburgh.

A couple of 2-0 home wins against Ayr United and Banks O’Dee in Round Four and Five put the Dark Blues into the Semi-Final.

Entry details have been confirmed for St Mirren U18s' Scottish Youth Cup semi-final at The SMiSA Stadium.

The Young Buddies host Dundee on Monday 10th March and entry is FREE!

Supporters will receive a free ticket from stewards upon arrival at M1 to allow access through turnstiles 1-3 of the Main Stand. The match kicks-off at 7pm and turnstiles will open at 6:15pm. 

Monday 10th March 2025
St Mirren U18s v Dundee U18s
Scottish Youth Cup Semi-Final
Kick-off: 7pm
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

Please note that only the Main Stand will be open and there will be a kiosk available in the Main Stand running a limited menu. Cash and card facilities will be available.

Stadium ground regulations continue to be in place for this match and thus items such as drink containers will not be permitted on entry. U14s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Tickets for our trip to Motherwell in the William Hill Premiership are available to buy online through Motherwell's ticketing platform. 

Stephen Robinson's men travel to Fir Park on Saturday 15th March with just four matches remaining ahead of the split. 

Saints supporters will be housed in the Upper Tier of the Tommy McLean Stand. Tickets for the match are available to purchase online HERE. 

Motherwell v St Mirren
Competition: William Hill Premiership
Date: Saturday 15th March 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell

Ticket Prices

Adults - £26
Over 65/Full-Time Student - £19
Young Adult* - £12
13 and under** - £6

*14-17
*Must be accompanied by an adult

Ambulant and carer tickets will be charged at status with carer free of charge. These can be purchased by calling Motherwell on 01698 333 333. Wheelchair and carer tickets are £19 with a carer and can also by purchased by calling 01698 333 333. 

St Mirren U18s' Scottish Youth Cup semi-final match against Dundee will take place at The SMiSA Stadium on Monday 10th March with a 7pm kick-off.

The Young Buddies reached the last four following victories over Queen's Park, Hearts, Caledonian Braves and Alloa Athletic.

Full entry details will be confirmed later this week. 

Monday 10th March 2025
St Mirren U18s v Dundee U18s
Scottish Youth Cup Semi-Final
Kick-off: 7pm
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

St Mirren were beaten 5-2 by Celtic at The SMiSA Stadium in a match where the scoreline didn't reflect the balance of play.

The Buddies twice came from behind with Declan John and Killian Phillips both netting after the visitors had lead through Jeffrey Schlupp and Arne Engels. Substitute Hyunjun Yang headed home to give Celtic the lead for a third time with just over 20 minutes remaining. Daizen Maeda scored in the final minutes of normal time, almost immediately after Saints were denied a blatant penalty before Yang added his second and Celtic's fifth in stoppage time. 

There was one change from the side that lost to Hearts on Wednesday night with Jonah Ayunga missing out after an ankle injury. That saw top scorer Toyosi Olusanya come back in.

Saints started the match well with Mikael Mandron getting in ahead of Cameron Carter-Vickers inside the first two minutes to meet Phillips' cross. 

Celtic had two decent opportunities with Reo Hatate blazing high and wide on 11 minutes after being picked out by Adam Idah, before Maeda knocked Schlupp's low pass just over a minute later. 

Olusanya was presented with a glorious chance to open the scoring on 19 minutes when captain Mark O'Hara found the forward with a super ball over the top. The forward raced through on goal but saw his attempt blocked by Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish goalkeeper was involved again three minutes later when he parried Ryan Alebiosu's cross before gathering O'Hara's follow-up attempt. 

Celtic hit the front on 28 minutes when Schlupp put the visitors ahead. Nicolas Kuhn's low pass out to the left found the Celtic loanee and he worked his way into the box, firing low into the net via the far post. 

Saints were level five minutes later when John scored his first St Mirren goal. Maeda fouled Phillips on the edge of the Celtic box and the Buddies defender beautifully curled the free-kick in off the bar to make it 1-1. 

Declan John celebrates after his first goal for the club drew us level (Image: Allan Picken)

Olusanya had another big opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet when he burst on to Richard Taylor's long pass. The striker lifted the ball over Schmeichel but couldn't find the target as it drifted wide. 

As the game headed to the interval, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Alebiosu fouled Maeda and referee Matthew MacDermid showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Engels took the responsibility and rolled down the middle to give Celtic the half-time advantage. Mandron came close to equalising before the break but just couldn't force home when he reached Boyd-Munce's ball over the top.

The Buddies couldn't have started the second-half any better when they drew level three minutes after the restart. Alebiosu did brilliantly to maraud down the right side before sending a teasing ball into the box. Johnston could only head clear as far as Phillips who struck into the ground and saw it evade Schmeichel to draw us level. 

Killian Phillips drew Saints level a second time (Image: Allan Picken)

Phillips almost turned provider just after the hour mark when his cross found the head of Olusanya but he headed wide as he failed to get the purchase he would have wanted to really trouble Schmeichel. 

Celtic made three changes just after that chance with Yang, Luke McCowan and Jota on to replace Callum McGregor, Kuhn and Idah. And it was one of the substitutes who would fire Celtic back in front. Reo Hatate's cross found Yang free in the box and the South Korean headed beyond Zach Hemming. 

The Buddies were agonisingly close to drawing level for a third time when Taylor rose the highest to meet a corner kick but headed inches wide. 

Saints should have had a penalty with just three minutes remaining when substitute Roland Idowu was fouled by Alastair Johnston. It looked every inch a stonewaller but it appeared that VAR Andrew Dallas deemed that the Celtic defender got enough on the ball to justify the non-award. And how that would prove costly to Saints hopes of taking anything from the game as Celtic almost immediately went on to secure the three points. Yang's hopeful ball found Maeda who evaded Marcus Fraser before rolling past Hemming. Yang added a fifth deep in to stoppage when he met Schlupp's cross at the back post. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 2-5 Celtic

St Mirren: Hemming, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Alebiosu, Phillips (Kiltie 77), Boyd-Munce (Idowu 83), O'Hara (c), John, Mandron (Scott 58), Olusanya (Oseni 77)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Kenny, Bwomono, Tanser, Smyth

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty (Scales 27), Taylor, McGregor (c) (Yang 64),  Engels, Hatate, Kuhn (McCowan 64), Maeda (Kenny 90), Idah (Jota 64)
Subs Not Used: Sinisalo, Taylor, Ralston, Bonnar

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence 
Assistant Referee: Steven Traynor
Fourth Official: George Calder
VAR: Andrew Dallas

Attendance: 7,127

As communicated in yesterday's matchday information article, supporters should note that the lift at The SMiSA Stadium is currently out of order and will not be in use for today's match.

This means wheelchair users will be required to sit in their allocated season ticket seats as the raised platform will be inaccessible. 

We had hoped repairs would have been completed no later than Friday but unfortunately that has not come to fruition. We apologise for the inconvenience. Please email slo@stmirren.com copying in dslo@stmirren.com if you are affected.

Saints are at home in the William Hill Premiership as we face Celtic at The SMiSA Stadium on Saturday.

St Mirren vs Celtic
William Hill Premiership
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium, Paisley
Date: Saturday 1st March 2025
Kick-off: 5:30pm

The match day officials for Saturday's match are as follows:

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referee: Calum Spence
Assistant Referee: Steven Traynor
Fourth Official: George Calder
VAR: Andrew Dallas

Match Details

The game kicks-off at 5:30pm and season tickets are valid for the match. Full instructions on how to download and use the Future Ticketing digital app can be found HERE. 

Non-season ticket holders are only eligible to buy tickets if they have purchased tickets for (and subsequently attended) at least two home league matches at The SMiSA Stadium (not including versus Celtic) this season. These can only be bought directly at the St Mirren Ticket Office or by calling the Ticket Office on 0141-840-6130. St Mirren Football Club reserve the right to cancel any tickets it feels have been purchased for or by away supporters with no refund. 

The St Mirren Ticket Office is open on matchday from 1:30pm until just after kick-off (5:30pm). The match is all ticket – tickets will be on sale UNTIL KICK-OFF (subject to availability).

Away tickets were on sale to opposition fans directly through Celtic. These have now sold out. There are strictly no sale of tickets for away supporters at The SMiSA Stadium.

Turnstiles will open to supporters on matchday from 4:30pm. Supporters should arrive early to avoid delays. Supporters should be respectful of each other and remain within their allocated seats. Please do not stand in non-seated areas. Supporters should also note that there is no access between the West and North Stands.

Ticket Information

As is standard for matches against Celtic and Rangers, additional tickets are only available to season ticket holders from this season and last season online using the email address they used when buying their season ticket.

Non-season ticket holders are only eligible to buy tickets if they have purchased tickets for (and subsequently attended) at least two home league matches at The SMiSA Stadium (not including versus Celtic) this season. These can only be bought directly at the St Mirren Ticket Office or by calling the Ticket Office on 0141-840-6130. 

St Mirren Football Club reserve the right to cancel any tickets it feels have been purchased for or by away supporters with no refund. 

Ticket Prices

Adults - £35
Concession* - £25
Junior** - £20
U12*** - £14

*65+, full-time student and unemployed. 
**12-17
***Must be accompanied by an adult. 

Other Information

There will be a minute's applause prior to kick-off as we pay our respects to St Mirren Hall of Fame inductee Cammy Murray who sadly passed away at the age of 80.

A bucket collection will also take place outside the stadium in aid of St Margaret's Hospice. 

Supporters should note that the lift at The SMiSA Stadium is currently out of order and will not be in use for tomorrow's match. This means wheelchair users will be required to sit in their allocated season ticket seats as the raised platform will be inaccessible. We had hoped repairs would have been completed no later than today but unfortunately that has not come to fruition. We apologise for the inconvenience. 

Live Streaming

Saturday's match is being shown live on Sky Sports. 

International subscribers to St Mirren TV can watch the match live as part of their subscription. UK subscribers can listen to live audio commentary.

There is no PPV available for this match. 

Car Parking

The club would like to remind supporters of parking restrictions in and around The SMiSA Stadium on matchdays. Please click here for the full update.

A limited amount of matchday parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for £5. Seasonal car park pass holders must bring this season's pass to gain entry into the car park. 

Red Zone - South

For Hospitality Patrons and Home Disabled Supporters Seasonal Passes Only. 

To enter/exit Greenhill Road. Hospitality ticket to be shown for entry. 

Black Zone - Southwest

For The Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand and Main Stand Patrons.

Seasonal Car Park Passes Only.

To enter/exit via Drums Avenue. 

White Zone - West

For West Stand Patrons Seasonal Passes and Pay on the Day. Home disabled supporters in bays behind West Stand.

To enter/exit via Ferguslie Park Avenue.

Yellow Zone - North West

Away disabled supporters in bays behind the 4G pitch.

To enter/exit via Ferguslie Park Avenue.

Post Match

Drivers should not encroach onto pedestrian areas while fans are exiting the stadium.

Visitor Information

It's a quick turnaround for Saints as we host Celtic at The SMiSA Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Buddies go into Saturday's match on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night. Saints held a deserved first-half lead after Mikael Mandron kept up his good run of goalscoring form to put us ahead. But three second-half goals saw Hearts pick up the points and move above Saints in the William Hill Premiership.

Stephen Robinson's men sit in seventh place in the league, two points off Hearts and six points behind fourth place Hibernian with five games remaining before the split.

Match Details

St Mirren v Celtic
Competition: William Hill Premiership
Date: Saturday 1st March 2025
Kick-off: 5:30pm 
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

The Opposition

Celtic got back to winning ways on Tuesday night with a 5-1 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers' men, who had suffered just their second league defeat of the season to Hibernian last weekend, defeated the Dons emphatically at Celtic Park to remain 13 points clear of second place Rangers with 10 games to go in the William Hill Premiership this season.

Celtic have come out on top in the two meetings between the two sides so far this season, winning 3-0 at both The SMiSA Stadium and Celtic Park.

Our last win against the Hoops came in September 2022 when goals from Mark O'Hara and Jonah Ayunga saw us defeat the Glasgow side 2-0 at The SMiSA Stadium. 

The Officials

Matthew MacDermid takes charge of Saturday's match. He'll be assisted by Calum Spence and Steven Traynor. 

Andrew Dallas is the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

St Mirren were beaten at Tynecastle as Hearts came from behind to defeat Saints 3-1 in the William Hill Premiership.

Mikael Mandron's fifth goal in six games gave the Buddies a thoroughly deserved half-time lead. But two goals in seven second-half minutes saw Hearts go ahead before the Gorgie side added a third in injury-time to secure the points.

Stephen Robinson named the same starting lineup that defeated Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday and that meant a 100th St Mirren appearance for captain Mark O'Hara.

A quiet opening 20 minutes was briefly stirred by a VAR check for a St Mirren penalty when Marcus Fraser was clattered by Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon as he came to collect a Declan John free-kick. But the defender was offside when the ball was played in so no penalty was awarded. 

Richard Taylor made a brilliant goal-saving challenge just before the half-hour mark when Lawrence Shankland sent James Wilson in the clear. The young forward looked primed to fire the hosts ahead but Taylor showed great pace and got the challenge spot on to keep it level.

Saints hit the front on 37 minutes when Mandron scored his fifth goal in his last six appearances. Ryan Alebiosu's deep cross found John in acres of space on the far end of the box where the Welsh full-back met it first time on the volley. His effort was blocked, but it fell kindly to Mandron who finished low beyond Gordon to keep up his good run of goalscoring form.

Buddies boss Robinson was forced into two changes at the break with the introduction of Elvis Bwomono and Toyosi Olusanya in place of Alebiosu and Jonah Ayunga.

Saints had two big opportunities to double their lead a little less than 10 minutes after the restart. Taylor headed wide from a John corner before Olusanya saw an effort saved by the feet of Gordon a minute later. And frustratingly, just a minute after that, the hosts drew level. James Penrice's cross evaded the head of Alex Gogic and Taylor's attempted clearance spun up in the air before landing at James Wilson who finished beyond Zach Hemming.

Hearts took the lead on 62 minutes when Calem Nieuwenhof fired the home side ahead. It was a stunning strike from the Jambos midfielder as he curled into the net from 20 yards. 

Saints thought they had been reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining when Killian Phillips was shown a straight red card by referee Euan Anderson after a foul on Jamie McCart. The whistler showed little hesitation in producing the red, but was advised by the VAR to review the decision on the pitchside monitor and eventually downgraded to a yellow. Phillips was then replaced by Greg Kiltie who saw a low strike held by Gordon on 83 minutes. John also had an opportunity in the final minutes of normal time when he was slipped in by Mandron, but his strike was blocked.

Hearts added a third on the counter deep into stoppage with Kenneth Vargas on the end of Jorge Grant's low pass to finish from close range. 

Full-Time: Hearts 3-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Hemming, Fraser, Gogic, R.Taylor (Idowu 90), Alebiosu (Bwomono 46), Phillips (Kiltie 77), Boyd-Munce, O'Hara (c), John, Ayunga (Olusanya 46), Mandron
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Tanser, Kenny, Smyth, Scott

Hearts: Gordon, G.Taylor, Steinwender, McCart, Penrice, Beningime, Kartum (Spittal 66), Nieuwenhof (Grant 66), Shankland, Wilson (Drammeh 82), Kabangu (Vargas 82)
Subs Not Used: Clark, Forrest, Milne, Neilson, Forrester

Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Ross Nelson
Fourth Official: Grant Irvine
VAR: Gavin Duncan