Jim Goodwin lamented the goals Saints lost in today's narrow defeat against Rangers in the cinch Premiership.

We were coming into the game high on confidence and we wanted to keep that unbeaten run going. Right now it's just frustration at the cheapness of the two goals we've conceded today."

St Mirren's six match unbeaten run came to an end as the Buddies were edged out by Rangers at the SMiSA Stadium.

Connor Ronan's incredible 30-yard strike had given Saints an early lead, but two goals in a minute just before the interval saw the visitors take the points. 

Jim Goodwin named the same starting eleven for the fourth game in a row as Saints looked to maintain their good run of form that had saw them win their last three and go six unbeaten. 

The Buddies came flying out the traps and got off to the perfect start when Ronan rattled home to open the scoring on four minutes. The Irishman drove forward after shrugging off John Lundstram and unleashed an absolute rocket which flew into the top corner away from the despairing outstretched arm of Jon McLaughlin. 

Connor Ronan celebrates after opening the scoring for Saints (Image: Allan Picken)

Saints were brave in possession in the opening exchanges and were worthy of their early lead. But Rangers started to grow into the game after a slow start. Connor Goldson twice met corners from James Tavernier only to head into the arms of Jak Alnwick both times. 

Ianis Hagi was proving a threat for the visitors with the Romanian seeing an effort save by Alnwick on 32 minutes before flashing a strike just wide five minutes later. It was Hagi who would prove instrumental in the Rangers equaliser when he drew a foul inside the box to win Rangers a penalty. Kemar Roofe stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards despite Alnwick diving the right way. And within a minute Rangers were ahead. 

Despite their excellent start, Saints couldn't replicate that in the second 45 and never really troubled McLaughlin in the Rangers goal. Indeed, Rangers didn't particularly look like adding a third in a second-half that passed without much incident. The Buddies did have to deal with an injury to Jamie McGrath who had to be stretchered off in the closing minutes, however, there is no update yet on how severe the injury may be. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-2 Rangers

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar (Main 76), Power, Erhahon (Flynn 45), Tanser (Tait 46), McGrath, Ronan, Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Dunne, McAllister, Dennis

Rangers: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic, Lundstram, Davis, Aribo, Hagi (Arfield 78), Roofe (Patterson 86), Morelos (Sakala 69)
Subs Not Used: McCrorie, Bassey, Kamara, Bacuna

Referee: Steven McLean
Assistant Referee: Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee: John McCrossan
Fourth Official: Alan Muir

Attendance: 6,100

St Mirren Football Club are proudly continuing their support for the education charity, Show Racism the Red Card. Our club have supported the charity’s messages of tolerance and inclusion within football for many years. Now more than ever, the importance of this cannot be overstated.

'Show Racism the Red Card' is more than a slogan. The charity provides schools, sports clubs, other youth settings and workplaces across Scotland with anti-racist educational workshops and resources, with the help of footballers as inspiring role models.

In addition to helping the charity’s work in Scotland, it sends a powerful message of support for those who continue to face racism in society, and that discrimination in all its forms will never be tolerated in Scottish football.

Saints captain Joe Shaughnessy said: "When you target someone for their skin colour, nationality, religion or culture - it's racist, and it's not welcome in our game."

St Mirren are back at the SMiSA Stadium this weekend for the first time in almost a month as Saints play host to Rangers in the cinch Premiership.

Jim Goodwin's side take on the Ibrox club on Sunday off the back a six-match unbeaten run that has seen the Buddies pick up three wins from their last three. 

Saints returned from the international break with a 3-2 win away to Ross County. Eamonn Brophy, Marcus Fraser and Scott Tanser all scored as the Buddies followed up on wins over Livingston and Aberdeen in recent weeks.

Rangers sit atop the cinch Premiership - a point ahead of Hearts. Steven Gerrard's men were held to a 1-1 draw by the Gorgie side at Ibrox last Saturday. Like Saints, Rangers have won three and drawn two of their last five league matches. 

Match Details

St Mirren v Rangers
Competition: cinch Premiership
Date: Sunday 24th October 2021
Kick-off: 12pm
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

Ticket Info

General sale tickets are available to home fans. However, as has been in case in previous matches against Celtic and Rangers, you must be pre-registered on the ticket platform to purchase. No tickets are available for away supporters. 

St Mirren PPV is not available on Sunday as the match is being shown live on Sky Sports, but season ticket holders who can't make the match as well as international subscribers to St Mirren TV can still watch live on St Mirren TV.

Previous

Saints became the first domestic side to beat Rangers last season when Jim Goodwin's side defeated the Ibrox side in dramatic fashion in the League Cup. 

Jamie McGrath scored a double after Connor Goldson had given Rangers the lead. It looked like the game was heading to extra-time when Steven Davis scored a late equaliser, but Conor McCarthy popped up deep in injury-time to slam home the winner. 

Conor McCarthy celebrates after scoring an injury-time winner against Rangers (Image: Allan Picken)

Rangers were victorious in all three league matches last season - winning 3-0 at Ibrox twice and 2-0 at the SMiSA Stadium.

St Mirren's last league win over Rangers was on Christmas Day 2011 when goals from Aaron Mooy and Paul McGowan saw the Saints win 2-1 at the SMiSA Stadium.

The officials

Steven McLean is the referee on Sunday. Graeme Stewart and John McCrossan are the linesmen and Alan Muir is the fourth official.  

St Mirren Football Club is pleased to confirm that season ticket holders in sections M4 and M6 will be able to take their own seats for the first time this season as a large section of the red zone is removed.

Reduced Red Zone

However, a small section of the red zone will remain at the SMiSA Stadium for this weekend’s cinch Premiership match against Rangers, and for all future matches, to comply with ongoing requirements.

A recent update from the Joint Response Group allowed clubs to make their own decision based on individual risk assessments. After careful consideration taking many factors into account, the club had hoped to scrap the entire red zone at the SMiSA Stadium.

However, should any club wish to continue with 2m physical distancing measures on match days, this must be accommodated by the home clubs as per the existing protocols.

Rangers have informed the club that they require a section for physical distancing at Sunday’s match. This will affect a small section of supporters in M5 who the club has contacted via email to confirm. While we appreciate this is frustrating for those affected, we are bound by current rules to provide this area.

Tickets for Sunday

St Mirren host Rangers on Sunday as we look to maintain our good form with three wins from our last three and six undefeated.

Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holders who buy tickets in the Main or West Stands before 2pm on Friday 22nd October will get them at the reduced price of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Please note these cannot be purchased online. They can only be purchased by visiting the ticket office or over the phone. The ticket office will be open from 10am to 2pm through to Friday, with additional late-night opening on Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. On match day the ticket office will be open from 9.30am until kick off at 12pm.

Any Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holder who misses the deadline will have to pay the general sale price of £27 for adults and £17 for concessions.

General sale tickets are available in person at the St Mirren ticket office or online. However, as has been in case in previous matches against Celtic and Rangers, you must be pre-registered on the ticket platform to purchase.

We ask that if you plan to purchase your ticket at either ticket office on Sunday before the match that you allow plenty of time to ensure that you don’t miss kick off. Tickets will be available to purchase online in the lead up to the game, so we encourage this as an alternative to buying in person.

West Stand Ticket Kiosk

We are pleased to announce that for the first time this season, the West Stand Ticket Hub will be open pre-match so any supporter wishing to buy a ticket for the West Stand on match day should purchase there and not the Main Stand Ticket Office. Please note West Stand ticket sales will be card only, no cash payments.

Season Tickets

Those who haven’t received their new season tickets can now uplift them at the St Mirren ticket office during ticket office hours. We anticipate the ticket office being extremely busy on match day and would ask that supporters pick them up by close of play on Friday.

Bar code readers

We are aware some supporters had issues with the new turnstile readers at recent matches. Further testing has taken place over the past few weeks and several of the readers have been reconfigured to ease access issues.

Vaccine Passports

Proof of vaccination will not be required at Sunday's match.

We thank you for your continued patience throughout this period and look forward to seeing you on Sunday. #COYS #BeInThatNumber

Tickets for our trip to Motherwell next week are now on-sale at the St Mirren Ticket Office and online.

The Buddies head to Lanarkshire for our cinch Premiership fixture against the Steelmen on Wednesday 27th October 2021. 

Motherwell vs St Mirren
cinch Premiership
Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell
Date: Wednesday 27th October 2021
Kick-off: 7:45pm

The ticket prices as follows:

* - Over 60, 16-18 year-olds, full-time students. 
**15 and under

The Ticket Office hours for the remainder of the week are as follows:

St Mirren Ticket Office Tel: (0141) 840-6130.

St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com

We are seeking to appoint a qualified Doctor with relevant sporting/football qualifications to join St Mirren Football Club as the Club Doctor.

The role requires match day attendance for all first team matches and also to be on hand to offer medical advice, expertise and support as required in liaison with club medical staff.

Outside of matches, the position should not impact too much on any existing commitments. However, attendance will be required at the club’s premises on one occasion per week for appointments with first team players to provide referral letters and to meet with club medical staff to provide support and advice.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Liaise with club medical and administrative staff in relation to the cardiac screening of first team players.
• Understand and comply with the SFA Anti-Doping Regulations and WADA List of Prohibited Substances & Methods.
• Maintain accurate records of any medical interactions with players and staff and associated use of electronic notes system.
• Have excellent knowledge of sports and exercise medicine and strong clinical assessment skills.
• Understand the needs and requirements of a football squad.
• Assist in the development and implementation of best medical practice protocols, including the club's Emergency Action Plans.

Required Qualifications (SFA and SPFL Regulations)

• Licence to practice by the GMC.
• Diploma in Sports Medicine or equivalent higher professional qualification desirable.
• Continue a programme of CPD as determined from time to time by the Sporting Governing Bodies.
• Hold a valid Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (Sport Promote) qualification or equivalent or be able to be enrolled on a course.
• Required to hold Medical Indemnity Insurance.

If you have the relevant qualifications and experience to meet this role, please apply by email with your CV and covering letter to vicki.gilzean@stmirren.com.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at 5pm.

St Mirren Football Club promote inclusion and confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership, nationality, ethnicity (race), religion or belief, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity and encourage equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

The decision-making process and outcome regarding the use of the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand for Celtic and Rangers matches is currently ongoing. However, for the upcoming game against Rangers on Sunday 24th October the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand and the North stand have been allocated to the away support. We understand there is frustration along with unanswered questions surrounding the use of the stand for away fans. Please be rest assured that discussions have been taking place at club and board level and with SMiSA members. We are trying to work to a reasonable solution that accommodates everyone, but at this time these conversations are ongoing.

John Needham, Chair of the Board, said: "I share the strength of feeling on this issue and have discussed options with my fellow Directors which would avoid the need for any of our fans to move from their seats for matches in future. The major hurdle is replacing the income generated which is in the region of £120K for the three guaranteed fixtures each season. However, my initial thinking has been well received and I am working on refining the proposals before consulting you, the fans, on whether you would support my idea."

Ticket Sale Arrangements

Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holders who buy tickets in the Main or West Stands before 2pm on Friday 22nd October will get them at the reduced price of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. 

Please note these cannot be purchased online. They can only be purchased by visiting the ticket office or over the phone.

Any Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand season ticket holders who miss the deadline will have to pay the full price of £27 for adults and £17 for concessions. 

General Sale for St Mirren v Rangers

General sale tickets are now on-sale and are available in person at the St Mirren Ticket Office or online. However, as has been in case in previous matches against Celtic and Rangers, you must be pre-registered on the ticket platform to purchase. 

Match Details

St Mirren vs Rangers
cinch Premiership
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium
Date: Sunday 24th October
Kick-off: 12pm

*Children with under 12 season tickets will be moved free of charge with a paying adult/concession season ticket holder.
**Wheelchair users free of charge.

 Please note these cannot be purchased online. They can only be purchased by visiting the ticket office or over the phone

Manager Jim Goodwin was thankful to the travelling support as more than 400 Saints fans made the trip to Dingwall to support the team in our cinch Premiership win over Ross County.

I hope they understand how much the players and staff appreciate it.

"We're well aware of the expense they go to and I'm thankful today we could make that worthwhile."

St Mirren won their third cinch Premiership match in a row after coming out on top by the odd goal in five in Dingwall.  

Goals from Eamonn Brophy, Marcus Fraser and Scott Tanser had the Buddies comfortably ahead in the first-half despite Blair Spittal scoring for the home side. Alex Iacovitti pulled a goal back for the hosts, but despite plenty of pressure from Ross County, Jim Goodwin's men were able to hold on for all the points. It's the first time the Saints have won three top-flight matches in a row since 2008 and extended the current unbeaten run to six matches.

Jim Goodwin named the same starting eleven as he did for the wins over Livingston and Aberdeen before the international break and the Buddies looked eager to keep that run going with Brophy going close to scoring the opener on 13 minutes. The striker was slipped in by Connor Ronan and made his way into the box before sending his strike inches wide of the right-hand post.  

A little over a minute later the forward would put Saints ahead with a stunning strike. It came after a wonderful through ball from Ethan Erhahon to pick out Brophy who was making a run into the box. He took a touch with his right foot to steady himself before smashing high into the net with his left foot to open the scoring. 

Jak Alnwick was forced into a top save when he tipped Ross Callachan's effort over the bar just after the half-hour mark as the home side looked for a leveller. But St Mirren were still on top and scored a second goal on 34 minutes. Tanser's corner from the right was floated all the way to the far post where it met the unmarked Fraser who headed home against his former club. 

Marcus Fraser puts St Mirren 2-0 ahead (Image: Ken MacPherson)

The hosts quickly pulled a goal back to reduce the deficit. Spittal's free-kick - two minutes after Fraser's goal - deflected off Alan Power in the St Mirren wall taking it over the outstretched Alnwick. 

Saints would regain their two-goal advantage almost immediately when Tanser would take advantage of a mix-up in the Staggies defence. County captain Jack Baldwin left a ball over the top hoping goalkeeper Maynard-Brewer would collect. Tanser was alert to it and got in ahead to lift over the Ross County keeper to give the Buddies a 3-1 lead going into the interval. 

Jim Goodwin's side came at County early in the second-half with wave after wave of attack in the opening exchanges of the second 45. Brophy went close twice within a minute as he looked for his second of the afternoon, while Ronan and Power both had opportunities.

Saints couldn't add a fourth and the home side started to get a foothold in the game as they looked for a way back into the match. Harry Clarke cracked post for the home side on 55 minutes before heading into the arms of Alnwick four minutes later. 

County's pressure told on 66 minutes when Iacovitti rose above the Saints defence to head home a Clarke cross from the right.

The hosts would push hard for an equaliser with substitute Joseph Hungbo going closest with 10 minutes to go when he hit the post from close-range, but the Buddies were able to hold on to ensure the long journey back to Paisley would be made with all the points. 

Full-Time: Ross County 2-3 St Mirren

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (c), McCarthy, Millar, Power, Erhahon (Flynn 68), Tanser (Tait 73), McGrath (Main 73), Ronan, Brophy
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Dunne, McAllister, Dennis

Ross County: Maynard-Brewer, Clarke, Iacovitti, Baldwin, Burroughs (B.Paton 56), Cancola (Hungbo 71), H.Paton, Callachan, Spittal, Charles-Cook, A.Samuel (White 56)
Subs Not Used: Laidlaw, D.Samuel, Watson, Tillson

Referee: David Munro
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Andrew McWilliam
Fourth Official: Graham Grainger