The St Mirren U20s fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Motherwell at Forthbank Stadium in the SPFL Development League.
The hosts took the lead on 14 minutes when David Turnbull slotted the ball beyond Chris Henry to draw first blood.
St Mirren were back on terms 10 minutes later though when Dylan McKendry prodded home after the Steelmen failed to clear their lines from a Saints corner.
Both sides had chances to go ahead after the break with Andrew McDonald hitting the post for Saints and Henry pulling off a terrific save to deny Motherwell's James Scott.
But it was the home side who would seize the initiative on 66 minutes as Adam Livingstone cut in from the left side and curled the ball into the back of the net.
It was effectively game over a little over five minutes later when Shaun Bowers headed home a Steven Hammell free-kick.
While Saints tried to get back into the match, Motherwell would grab a fourth on 83 minutes. Once again Hammell was the provider, with Scott a willing recipient as he got in ahead of the St Mirren defence to score with a header in off the post.
With that the Young Buddies search for a first SPFL Development League win continues after a draw and two losses in their opening three matches.
To find out more about the SPFL Development League please click here.
