Saints are back in action this Wednesday evening as we host Championship side Greenock Morton at St Mirren Park for the third of our Group G fixtures in the BetFred Cup.

We have a limited edition run of programmes, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, for the behind closed doors cup tie played on Wednesday 11th November.

This issue is a 32 pager with a £3 cover price.

This latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Kristian Dennis.
Jim Goodwin - The Saints gaffer looks back on Friday's match against Dundee United and ahead to Wednesday's BetFred Cup tie against Morton.
The Opposition – Running the rule over David Hopkin's Greenock Morton side.
Game Rewind Gallery – A pictorial look back to the League Cup tie between Saints and Morton on 23rd August 2011.
St Mirren Programme Archive - Derek Drennan reviews programmes from previous League Cup match-ups between St Mirren and Morton.
Centre Page Poster – Dylan Connolly.
Player Kit Sponsors 2020/21 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
Marketing Matters – Campbell Kennedy updates on the latest events and happenings at the club's Commercial Department.
Yesterday's Saints – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of Scottish Cup winner David Winnie.
Football Bloody Hell - Alan Gallacher picks out his all-time Greenock Morton XI.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2020/21 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures and results for this season.
Team Lines – The two squads and match officials for Wednesday's match.

To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2020/21 season click HERE.

St Mirren have teamed up with Pie Sports to add to your virtual matchday experience so you can enjoy the obligatory pie and Bovril while watching live streams of our matches.

Pie Sports was born this summer to provide football fans in the West of Scotland with freshly made pies delivered directly from bakery to their door on Scottish football matchdays.

Supporters can select their own winning formation of pies – 3-5-2, 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 – which feature various combinations of mouth-watering steak and gravy pies, scotch pies, macaroni pies and jumbo sausage rolls, all available with Bovril to wash it down. Fans can also make use of VAR – Vegan Alternative Range – and enjoy free delivery on all orders.

In addition, Pie Sports is offering all Saints fans a 10% discount on orders placed ahead of Saturday’s clash with Queens Park. To take advantage of this, simply visit www.piesports.com and use the code 'saints1' when ordering.

Fans should note that delivery is available to selected postcode areas only and orders should be placed as soon as possible to ensure delivery on Friday or Saturday. Follow ‘PieSports’ on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

St Mirren's hopes of qualifying for the second-round of the Betfred Cup will go to the final match after the Buddies were held by Morton.

A win at Hampden will be enough to secure top spot for Jim Goodwin's side, though Saints will be disappointed it has not been effectively wrapped up this evening after the cliched game of two halves at the SMiSA Stadium.

The Buddies were dominant in the first-half but only had Jon Obika's header to show for their efforts. Morton raised their game in the second-half with substitute Ross Maciver levelling seconds after his introduction on the hour mark.

Saints started brightly with Obika having the first attempt of the game just three minutes in. The forward held off a Morton defender before squeezing a low effort through the legs of Markus Fjortoft but goalkeeper Aidan McAdams held at the near post. 

McAdams denied Junior Morias and then Obika again with two good saves. First the goalkeeper got a strong hand to Morias' shot on 15 minutes, before Obika had a low effort blocked seven minutes later after McAllister's brilliant reverse pass put the forward through on goal.

It was McAllister who had the next opportunity when he almost caught the Morton goalkeeper out with a long-range free-kick. The number 10's low effort bounced in front of McAdam who eventually managed to push clear. 

Marcus Fraser was inches away from giving Saints the lead on 36 minutes after Joe Shaughnessy sent across an incredible ball from the left which only required the defender to get a toe on it to turn home. 

Saints pressure finally told two minutes later when Obika headed home from McAllister's corner to score his fourth goal of the season. 

Skipper Sam Foley had the first chance of the second half when he clipped over the bar five minutes after the restart. 

But the visitors started to grow into the match with Jak Alnwick having to be alert on 54 minutes to turn an Aiden Nesbitt chip over the cross bar.

Nesbitt was replaced five minutes later with Ross Maciver coming on in place of the number 10. And the substitute made an instant impact as his first act of the match was to head the visitors level within seconds of his introduction. 

Saints felt they should have had a penalty on when sub Dylan Connolly drove into the box before sending a ball across the box which appeared to strike the arm of a Morton defender. The Irishman protested but referee Bobby Madden was unmoved. 

Josh McPake was introduced as a substitute on 75 minutes and he almost made the same impact as Maciver with the midfielder slamming inches wide of the far post after bursting into the Saints box moments after coming on.

That was to be the best chance in the final 15 minutes with the game going to penalties for the bonus point.

Kristian Dennis missed the first penalty, but McGrath, Connolly, Erwin, Foley, Fraser and Mason all scored while Alnwick saved in sudden death from McPake to give Saints a 6-5 shoot-out win.

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-1 Morton (St Mirren win 6-5 on penalties to gain bonus point)

St Mirren: Alnwick, Tait, Fraser, Shaughnessy, McCarthy (McGrath 77), Mason, Erhahon (Doyle-Hayes 45), Foley (c), McAllister (Erwin 59), Morias (Dennis 59), Obika (Connolly 72)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Flynn, MacPherson

Morton: McAdams, Ledger, Fjortoft, McLean (McGuffie 86), McGinty, Muirhead (McPake 75), Nesbitt (Maciver 59), Salkeld (Oliver 75), Strapp, Blues (Jacobs 45), Omar
Subs Not Used: Orsi, Lyon, Colville, Wallace

Referee: Bobby Madden
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Stuart Hodge
Fourth Official: Chris Graham

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that the SPFL’s disciplinary hearing against the club has now concluded.

The club has defended its position robustly and will be advised of the outcome which is expected at the end of this month. 

Whilst we await the outcome the club will make no further comment on this matter.

St Mirren host Morton in the first Renfrewshire derby since 2018 as the Greenock side visit Paisley this evening. 

Saints have five points in Group G of the Betfred Cup after a win over Partick Thistle and a draw away to Queen of the South in our opening two matches. A win tonight would put Jim Goodwin's men in a commanding position with one game remaining. 

The Buddies come into tonight's match on the back of a 0-0 draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Friday night.

Morton, meanwhile, are a point behind Saints having picked up four points from their opening two matches. Morton drew 2-2 with Queen of the South at Cappielow but missed out on the bonus point before defeating Queen's Park 1-0. 

David Hopkin's side meet Saints tonight on the back of a 5-0 defeat away to Raith Rovers on Saturday.

Match Details

St Mirren v Morton
Competition: Betfred Cup
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2020
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

Can I watch the match?

Premier Sports have live and exclusive UK coverage of tonight's match with their coverage starting from 7.15pm. Click here to find out how to watch the match live if you live within the UK and Ireland.

International subscribers can watch the match on St Mirren TV as part of their subscription.

Manager's Thoughts

"We want to go and win our Betfred Cup group anyway but the fact it’s against Morton adds to the occasion. I certainly don’t want to be the manager that loses against Morton and I know the players don’t want to be the group that loses to Morton.

"It’s a game we need to win regardless. The fans demand it and we certainly demand it of each other. 

"I said to the players it would be great to give the fans something to cheer about. There's nothing better than beating your local rivals and getting the bragging rights."

Previous

Saints last faced Morton in April 2018 on the day the Buddies lifted the Scottish Championship trophy. 

Danny Mullen and Lewis Morgan scored either side of half-time to give St Mirren a 2-1 home win in front of a packed SMiSA Stadium.

Who are the officials?

Tonight's referee is Bobby Madden. The linesmen this evening are David McGeachie and Stuart Hodge. Chris Graham is the fourth official. 

St Mirren Football Club is delighted to welcome Clarke EPOS (UK) Ltd to our growing sponsorship family as the club’s new official back of the shirt sponsor.

The deal will see Clarke EPOS branding feature on the back of club shirts for seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22 as well as having its brand displayed in new pitch side advertising boards and the club’s official matchday programme.

Hugh Clarke, Managing Director of Clarke EPOS, said: "We are delighted to support St Mirren Football Club and look forward to a great working relationship with the club’s commercial team and partners."

ABOUT CLARKE EPOS UK LTD

Already trusted by thousands of retail and leisure businesses, Clarke EPOS is one of the fastest growing merchant services companies in the UK.

Anyone wishing to find out more Clarke's ePOS can download their digital brochure here.

Premier Sports will have live and exclusive UK coverage of the Betfred Cup Group G tie between St. Mirren and Greenock Morton this Wednesday, November 11th from 7.15pm.

The SMiSA Stadium is the venue for this clash as both sides have played two games each and three points will be crucial in qualifying for the second round.

Unlike the Partick Thistle match earlier in our Betfred Cup campaign, we are unable to show this match live to season ticket holders due to Premier Sports broadcasting agreement with the SPFL.

How to watch on TV in the UK

- Sky customers signing up at www.premiersports.com Premier Sports HD on channel 412. New customers can subscribe from just £9.99 per month with no connection fee or £99 annually. Premier Sports customers on Sky will also receive free access to the Premier Player by registering here - https://www.premierplayer.tv/subscribe/existing-customer

- Online (Web, iOS App, Android App): www.premierplayer.tv Premier Player from just £9.99 per month (or £99 annually) with no connection fee. If using App please set up account first on web browser before downloading the App.

- Virgin customers: Premier Sports channel 551. You can subscribe for £9.99 per month via the provider with no connection fee or minimum contract. Call 0845 840 7777 or set up viewing via box. (Press Home > Apps and Games > All Apps > TV Upgrades.)

Premier Sports offer paid subscription services. Payments for subscriptions to Premier Sports via Sky or the Premier Player streaming service will automatically recur monthly or annually dependent on your chosen package unless notice is given to cancel. The auto-recurring price will be at the standard rate. Cancelations must be made by phone or email and must include a minimum 5 days’ notice prior to next bill. No cancelations accepted within 48 hours of subscribing. Minimum Subscriptions period is dependant (and matches) your chosen package. Terms and Conditions apply. For full terms and conditions visit www.premiersports.com

Full Terms and Conditions available at www.premiersports.com

Scottish Cup winning captian, Hall of Fame Inductee, and D-Day veteran. Remembering St Mirren legend David Lapsley (1924-2001).

Born on 7th April 1924, Davie had a modest upbringing on the outskirts of Falkirk showing the beginings of his mercurial talent for his school team. His prowess was quickly recognised at a national level, going on trial with the Scotland School Boys Team before signing for High Bonnybridge Rose, and later Bathgate Thistle in 1940.

Like many aspiring footballers of the time, his progression into the senior professional game was disrupted with the outbreak of the Second World War. He was called up to serve in the Royal Navy and was onboard a vessel that took part in the D-Day landings, carrying ammunition across the English Channel to France.

It was whilst he was still a serviceman that he signed for St Mirren following a famous trial that involved him taking penalty kicks. The accuracy and ferocity of his set piece technique became a hallmark of his playing style and as an attacking full back, would regularly find himself on the scoresheet. He would twice end up as the season’s top scorer at the club, a formidable achievement for a player in his position.

In total, Davie spent 13 years with the Buddies, and his place in history was cemented with the famous 3-1 victory over Aberdeen in the 1959 Scottish Cup Final. 108,000 supporters were at Hampden that day to see Davie captain the side.

Since penalty kicks were his speciality, and to mark his commitment to St Mirren throughout his career, his ashes were buried underneath the penalty spot at Love Street following his death in 2001. The council further honoured the legend by naming a street in Paisley 'Lapsley Avenue'.

His wartime experiences had helped mould him into someone that could lead the team to greatness, whilst maintaining his humility and deep sense of humour. Lapsley was inducted into the St Mirren Hall of Fame in 2005 having made a total of 393 appearances, scoring 54 goals.

David Lapsley was a remarkable character. The club are proud to show our support for the Scottish Poppy Appeal and remember him, and all players and supporters of the club, who have fought in conflicts on behalf of their country.

St Mirren were held to a goalless draw by Dundee United as the Buddies returned to action for the first time in almost a month. 

Jim Goodwin's men had the better of the 90 minutes but couldn't find the goal that would have given them a deserved three points during a foggy night in Paisley.

Saints were in control of the first half with the first real opportunity coming on 17 minutes. Debutant Brandon Mason, who joined up with the squad earlier this week, sent in a terrific ball from the left which found Jamie McGrath in space inside the United box. The midfielder got his shot away but it was deflected into the path of Richard Tait who looked certain to open the scoring but for a vital block from Dundee United defender Jamie Robson. 

For all of St Mirren's possession, it would take the home side until the 35th minute to create another good chance. Tait went so close when he got the slightest touch to Kristian Dennis' flick-on but knocked it wide of the United goal.

Saints started the second-half brightly with Mason sending an effort over the bar on 50 minutes before McGrath dragged a strike wide four minutes later. On 58 minutes it was Cammy MacPherson's turn to go close to breaking the deadlock, but the St Mirren Academy graduate curled wide from the edge of the area. Tait wasn't far away either three minutes later when he lashed a low drive just past the post. 

Jake Doyle-Hayes, making his first St Mirren appearance after completing his move to the Buddies earlier this week, had an opportunity with seven minutes remaining as he burst into the box and got his shot away only for it to be deflected wide. 

With time ticking away the Saints bench were furious when referee David Munro failed to point to the spot when substitute Jon Obika appeared to be clipped in the box by Paul McMullan. It wasn't St Mirren's night with Jim Goodwin's side settling for a point in Paisley.

Full-Time: St Mirren 0-0 Dundee United

St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, McCarthy, Shaughnessy, Tait, Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon, MacPherson (Obika 71), McGrath (Morias 80), Mason (Foley 80), Dennis (Erwin 58)
Subs Not Used: Lyness, Finlayson, Sheron, Connolly, McAllister

Dundee United: Siegrist, Smith, Reynolds, Butcher, Robson, Edwards, Harkes (Powers 59), Bolton (McMullan 70), Pawlett (McNulty 59), Shankland, Clark
Subs Not Used: Mehmet, Sporle, Fotheringham, Appere, Neilson, Fuchs

Referee: David Munro
Assistant Referee: Graham Chambers
Assistant Referee: John McCrossan
Fourth Official: Alan Newlands

Saints are back in league action this evening as we host Dundee United at St Mirren Park for a Scottish Premiership match-up.

We have a limited edition run of programmes, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, for the behind closed doors Scottish Premiership fixture played on Friday 6th November.

This issue is a 32 pager with a £3 cover price.

This latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Lee Erwin.
Jim Goodwin - The St Mirren gaffer's thoughts on the matches since Saints' last home outing and his take on the upcoming fixture against United.
The Opposition – We run the rule over Micky Mellon's Dundee United side.
Game Rewind Gallery – A pictorial look back on the match played between Saints and United on Boxing Day 2013.
St Mirren Programme Archive - Derek Drennan reviews programmes that had inserts!
Centre Page Poster – Jak Alnwick.
Player Kit Sponsors 2020/21 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
Marketing Matters – Campbell Kennedy updates on the latest events and happenings at the club's Commercial Department.
Yesterday's Saints – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of John Miller.
Football Bloody Hell - Alan Gallacher previews the football documentary, 'The Three Kings'.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2020/21 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures and results for this season.
Team Lines – The two squads and match officials for Friday's match.

To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2020/21 season click HERE.