St Mirren B will face Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park in the First Round of the SPFL Trust Trophy. 

Tickets are available to buy now online by clicking HERE. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and U16s go free! 

Match Details
Berwick Rangers v St Mirren B
Tuesday 30th July 2024
SPFL Trust Trophy
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Shielfield Park

In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, matches will be decided by a penalty shoot-out. The winners will face William Hill League One side Dumbarton FC away from home in the Second Round on the midweek of 13/14th August. 

It's all to play for in Paisley next week as St Mirren's European return ended goalless in Iceland.

Stephen Robinson's side created a number of chances during an open 90 minutes, but couldn't find the breakthrough goal in Reykjavík. 

In our first competitive match of 2024/25, the manager gave debuts to summer signings Ellery Balcombe and Oisin Smyth as he went with the same starting eleven from last week's pre-season fixture against Carlisle United. 

The open nature of the game was evident from the off with the hosts starting fast. They could have taken the lead inside the first minute when an Elvis Bwomono headed clearance was swung into the back stick by Tryggvi Hrafn Haraldsson. Jonatan Ingi Jonsson managed to stay onside as the Saints backline moved forward, but goalkeeper Balcombe was out quickly to block with his face.

Saints had a big opportunity just minutes later on the counter. It was two-v-one as Mikael Mandron and Toyosi Olusanya broke clear. Mandron fed the ball to Olusanya, but his effort was blocked by a Valur defender. The Saints forward was causing the hosts problems early doors and forced a top class save from Frederik Schram in the Valur net. 

It was Balcombe's turn next to keep the ball out of the net with the loanee down well to push away a low effort from Haraldsson after loose possession from Richard Taylor. 

Saints were dealt an early blow when Caolan Boyd-Munce had to be replaced on 15 minutes. The midfielder has gone down earlier in the match but managed to continue on for a bit before having to be replaced by Dennis Adeniran for his St Mirren debut.

The Buddies were pressing for an opener and had two decent chances within the space of two minutes to break the deadlock. Olusanya came close to turning a low Jaden Brown ball into the net on 34 minutes but stuck it wide. It was then Brown's turn to almost put us in front when he had a header saved after Mandron had forced on a Marcus Fraser cross. 

Loose possession from Saints gifted the home side a big opportunity as we headed into the final five minutes of the half. Sigurdur Egill Larusson let fly from 20 yards on the angle but his strike cannoned off the side net. 

It was an open first 45 and it was the Buddies who would have the final real chance of the half when captain Mark O'Hara's brilliant pass picked out Smyth. The debutant shuffled to create the space to get his shot away on the edge of the area but sent it over the bar. 

The hosts could have found themselves in front a little over five minutes after the restart when their record goalscorer Patrick Pedersen got in behind the Saints defence only to see his effort blocked by Balcombe. 

After a decent opening 45, Saints hadn't really got going in the second-half and that forced manager Stephen Robinson to make a change. He introduced Roland Idowu in place of Smyth. And it was a substitution that almost paid dividends a minute later. Idowu found himself in space at the far post and cut the ball back searching for Olusanya. It didn't find the forward did fall to the feet of his strike partner Mandron at the far post. He didn't get the connection he'd have wanted on the first effort before his follow-up was blocked. 

Balcombe was called into action again just after the hour mark and it was perhaps his best save of the game when he was at full-stretch and got two strong hands to turn behind a header from Haraldsson. 

Stephen Robinson made a double substitution when he brought James Scott and Jonah Ayunga on in place of Olusanya and Mandron. It came just seconds after the latter had seen his turn and shot goes agonisingly just by the far post. 

With 15 minutes remaining, Valur goalkeeper Schram made a good save to turn away a strike from Idowu before Scott fired a cross over the bar. The game continued to ebb and flow and Balcombe was called into action once again when he brilliantly tipped a Gylfi Sigurdsson strike over.

The home side were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes remaining when substitute Aron Jóhannsson was shown a straight for hauling down Ayunga as he looked to race clear on goal. Idowu sent the resulting free-kick into the arms of Schram. That was to be the last of the action with Saints ready to return to a sold out SMiSA Stadium with everything to play for.

Full-Time: Valur 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Smyth (Idowu 57), O'Hara (c), Boyd-Munce (Adeniran 15), Brown, Olusanya (Scott 67), Mandron (Ayunga 67)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Kelly, Kenny, Sutherland, Tanser, F.Taylor, Mooney, Jamieson

Valur: Schram, Gunnarsson (Saevarsson 62), Pálsson, Helgason, Larusson, G. Sigurdsson, Antonsson, K Sigurdsson (c) (Jóhannsson 73), Haraldsson (Heimisson 73), Pedersen (Unnarsson 84), Jonsson
Subs Not Used: Ágústsson, Kristinsson, Tryggvason, Eyjólfsson, Ómarsson, Stephensen, Finsen

Referee: Damian Kos
Assistant Referee: Bartosz Heinig
Assistant Referee: Marek Arys
Fourth Official: Lukasz Kuzma

Manager Reaction - "We wanted to be in the tie and we certainly are."

The manager gave his thoughts following our First Leg draw with Valur in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round.

For any St Mirren supporters that have bought tickets in the Valur home end please contact fotboltivalur@gmail.com  and they may be able to facilitate moving your tickets to the away end. 

Additionally, Valur have made a limited amount of tickets available to St Mirren supporters for tonight's match in Reykjavík. 

Saints face the Icelandic side at the Hlíðarendi Stadium in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round. 

Tickets can be purchased online HERE. They are priced at 3000ISK. 

St Mirren are in Iceland to face Valur in Reykjavík on Thursday evening in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round. 

Hundreds of St Mirren supporters will descend upon Iceland's capital as we embark on our first European tie since 1987.

Match Details

Valur v St Mirren
Competition: UEFA Conference League
Date: Thursday 25th July 2024
Kick-off: 6:45pm local team, 7:45pm (UK)
Venue: Hlíðarendi Stadium 

The Opposition

Valur currently sit in third place in the Besta deild karla with 28 points after 14 matches. They were due to face Fram on Monday in league action but the match was postponed. 

The Icelandic side reached the the Second Qualifying Round after an emphatic 4-0 win over KF Vllaznia in Albania on Thursday night saw them progress 6-2 winners on aggregate. 

One man to watch for Valur is striker Patrick Pedersen. The 32-year-old is their all-time leading goalscorer with 133 goals in 228 games across three spells and has netted 14 goals in 21 appearances this season.

Travel 

There will be plenty of excitement for the travelling support. Click HERE for some safety travel tips from our safety team to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Valur have invited travelling supporters to join them in their clubhouse, Fjósiō, before the match. Fjósiō will open at 4:30pm local time with alcohol and food for sale. 

How to watch

Due to the hosts owning the broadcasting rights, we are unable to show Thursday night's match on St Mirren TV.

However, supporters can watch the match live on PPV for a cost of 120 Swedish Krona which works out at just under £9. Click HERE to buy a pass. 

Saints' Euro History

This will be only our fifth campaign ever in European competition with our first coming almost 45 years ago when we entered the then UEFA Cup in 1980. The Buddies defeated Swedish side IF Elfsborg 2-1 in our first ever European match with Doug Somner and Billy Abercromby scoring the Saints' goals. 

Our last European match came in the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1987 when a 2-0 loss at Love Street to eventual winners KV Mechelen saw us exit at the Second Round stage. 

Perhaps our most famous European tie was during the 1985/86 season when a double from Frank McGarvey and Brian Gallagher goal saw us defeat Slavia Prague 3-0 after extra-time at Love Street in the UEFA Cup. 

From the Manager

Manager Stephen Robinson spoke to the press ahead of Thursday's match. 

"It's my job to play the occasion down but for the fans it's fantastic. They've waited a long time and they are rightly excited. There will be a lot of focus on the game.

"It's a shame we've only got a certain amount of tickets for the away game so we're aware we have to be in the game for the second leg to get the Paisley crowd behind us.

It's a huge chance to put the football club on the map and for me as a manager and the players, it's for us to navigate the game and concentrate solely on what's in front of us."

As we approach the start of the season, and our historic first venture into European competition for 37 years, I wanted to provide an update on behalf of myself and my fellow Directors.

We finished last season on a tremendous high, achieving our second successive Top Six finish and grabbing the final European qualifying spot. I hope you all agree that finishing one place higher than season 2022/23 represents real success and progress for us as a Club. None of that would have been possible without a massive team effort so I want to thank every fan, player, member of staff, sponsor, volunteer and Director for their contribution.

It was great see so many of you enjoyed a fantastic evening at the 2023/24 Player of the Year Awards which incorporated the Women’s team for the first time. These events require a massive amount of careful planning and my thanks go to Campbell, Lynsey and the team who made it all possible.

A new season always brings great excitement and the thought of European football back in Paisley makes this one a bit special. I’m delighted to report this is being reflected in Season Ticket sales (now over 4,100 well breaking through our 4k target), the rapid sell out of tickets for the tie against Valur on Thursday 1st August, and the highly successful launch of this season’s Home and Away kits. It would be great if we could also break records in the number of Help a Buddie tickets for the upcoming season. If you are able to contribute, please click the link HERE or visit the St Mirren Ticket Office to buy a ticket for someone, who otherwise couldn’t afford to join our growing band of fans, to get to a game.

I also want to extend a warm welcome to the new players who have joined the squad. You will be part of a very special group of players backed by great fans. I wish you every success individually and as a team.

In preparation for the season ahead we have invested in new playing surfaces at the stadium and training ground along with improved drainage at Ralston. We want to provide Stephen and his team with the best possible conditions to train and play. The increased attendances and income from commercial operations helps us to re-invest in the Club and is much appreciated. However, we still have work to do to generate increased revenue and a more sustainable financial model for the business going forward.

Vital work has continued in the community over the summer with lots of programmes for local people of all ages. This wouldn’t be possible without the hard work from Gayle and her team in the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, and Stephen and his staff at Street Stuff. They are a vital part of the wider St Mirren family and our strategy as a Club.

Our Academy continues to flourish and it’s great to see our recent graduates being included in the first-team squad and getting minutes on the park. Congratulations are also due to those who have achieved international recognition recently such as Jonah Ayunga, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Conor McMenamin, Elvis Bwomono and Alex Gogic joining a growing list of internationalists in the first-team squad.

I know the short notice for our games in the UEFA Conference League Qualifying has caused lots of challenges for fans and staff alike. However, I hope you can see that everything is being done by Keith and his team to maximise the number of fans attending the games. I thank you all for your patience and support. The game on 1 August will see the biggest home attendance ever at The SMiSA Stadium and the team will relish the special atmosphere you create to be that 12th person on the night.

So, to those fortunate enough to be going to Iceland, I wish you all a safe and smooth journey. I remember my trips to Elfsborg and St Etienne in 1980 fondly. You will be ambassadors for the Club and I know you’ll do us proud.

For everyone else, including our Women’s team, I wish you all an enjoyable season ahead.

Thank you again for your unstinting support.

John Needham
Chairman

We're On Our Way!

As we prepare to face Valur in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday, take a look back on how we qualified for Europe for the first time in 37 years.

With never-before-seen footage, relive the exciting story of season 2023/24.

Remaining tickets for our home match against Valur in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round will go on sale at 10am on Wednesday 24th July.

The Buddies will host the Icelandic side in the second leg at The SMiSA Stadium on Thursday 1st August. 

Around a further 900 tickets have become available for Saints supporters in the North Stand and can be bought at the St Mirren Ticket Office and online at stmirren.com/matchtickets. 

Match Details

St Mirren vs Valur FC
UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium, Paisley
Date: Thursday 1st August 2024

Season tickets are not valid for this match. 

Ticket Prices

Adult - £29
Concessions* - £20
12-17 - £15
Under 12** - £10

*Over 65, Full-Time Students with valid matriculation card and unemployed.
**U12s must be accompanied by an adult

Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com

St Mirren travel to Iceland this week as we take on Valur in Reyjkavík in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round. 

Saints face the Besta deild karla side on Thursday evening in our first European tie since 1987. 

Traveling to Iceland for a football match can be an exciting experience. Here are some safety travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:

Before You Go

Research and Plan Ahead:

Weather: Check the weather forecast. Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.

Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary travel documents and visas, if applicable.

Health Precautions:

Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for Iceland.

Travel Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and trip cancellations.

Travel Documentation:

Make copies of important documents like passports, tickets, and insurance papers. Store them separately from the originals.

Airport Security:

Arrive early at the airport to allow ample time for security checks and boarding procedures.

Luggage:

Always keep your luggage within sight. Use locks and tags to secure and identify your bags.

Upon Arrival

Local Transportation:

Taxis and Public Transport: Use licensed taxis and familiarise yourself with the local public transport system.

Driving: If renting a car, be aware of Iceland's driving laws and road conditions.

Accommodation:

Stay in reputable hotels or accommodations. Use hotel safes to store valuables.

During Your Stay

Safety at the Stadium:

Tickets: Only purchase match tickets from our official sources.

Crowds: Be cautious in large crowds and follow the instructions of local authorities and event staff.

Behaviour: Respect local customs and laws. Avoid any behaviour that could be seen as disruptive or disrespectful.

Personal Safety:

Alcohol Consumption: Drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings.

Night Safety: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night.

Emergency Contacts:

Know the local emergency numbers (e.g., 112 for emergency services in Iceland).

Have the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Iceland.

Weather Preparedness:

Dress appropriately and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Carry waterproof and windproof clothing.

Be cautious when participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking or exploring natural sites. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.

Communication:

Stay Connected: Have a working mobile phone with international roaming or a local SIM card.

Share your travel itinerary with family or friends back home.

Cultural Respect

Local Customs: Familiarise yourself with Icelandic customs and etiquette. Icelanders are known for their politeness and respect for nature.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Iceland.

Away section:

Turnstiles will open at 5.45pm local time.

If you have concerns regarding access to the stadium, please contact slo@stmirren.com as soon as possible.

Permitted Items:

• Small Bags: Bags should not exceed 25cm x 25cm x 25cm; backpacks should be left in the cloakroom.
• Battery Packs and Charging Cables
• Flags and Banners: These should not exceed 2m x 1m and will be checked by security for inflammatory language.
• Essential Medicines: Including inhalers.

Prohibited Items:

• Video Cameras
• Toiletries: Including perfume bottles.
• Please see appendix for the full list of prohibited items provided below.

How to get to the stadium:

It is a an approx. 36min from the centre of Reykjavik to the Hlíðarendi Stadium, see map in pix

Useful Information

British Embassy Reykjavik

Laufásvegur 31
101 Reykjavík
Iceland

Passport advice line: +44 300 222 0000

Emergency services in Iceland

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Useful Links:

Appendix

Unless otherwise authorized in writing, Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons are not permitted to use, possess, hold, or bring into the Stadium the following Prohibited Items:

• Weapons of any kind.
• Anything that could be used as a weapon or to cut, thrust or stab, or as a projectile, in particular long umbrellas and other unwieldy implements.
• Bottles, cups, jugs or cans of any kind as well as other objects made from glass or any other fragile, non-shatterproof or especially tough material or Tetrapak packaging, hard cooler boxes
• Fireworks, flares, smoke powder, smoke canisters, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnics.
• Alcoholic beverages of any kind, narcotics, or stimulants.
• Racist, xenophobic cause, charity, or ideological concern related materials, including but not limited to banners, signs, symbols and leaflets, objects, or clothing, which could impair the enjoyment of the event by other spectators, or detract from the sporting focus of the event.
• Flagpoles or banner poles of any kind. Only flexible plastic poles and so-called double-poles that do not exceed 1 meter in length and 1 cm in diameter and which are not made of inflammable material are permitted.
• Banners or flags larger than 2m x 1m50. Smaller flags and banners are permitted if they are made from material which is deemed “of low flammability” and complies with national regulations and standards.
• Any promotional or commercial, materials, including but not limited to banners, signs, symbols and leaflets, or any kind of promotional or commercial objects, material, and clothing.
• Gas spray cans, corrosive, flammable substances, dyes, or receptacles containing substances which are harmful to health or are highly flammable:
• Unwieldy objects such as, large bags, rucksacks, suitcases, and sports bags. “Unwieldy” is given to mean all objects which are larger than 25cmx25cmx25cm and which cannot be stowed under the seat in the Stadium.
• Large quantities of paper and/or rolls of paper.
• Mechanically operated instruments which produce an excessive volume of noise such as megaphones, hooters, or gas-powered horns. Drums will not be permitted.
• Laser pointers.
• Cameras (except for private use and then only with one set of replacement or rechargeable batteries), video cameras or other sound or video recording equipment.
• Computers or other devices used for the purposes of transmitting or disseminating sound, pictures, descriptions, or results of the events via the internet or other forms of media.

We can confirm that we have this afternoon received delivery of tickets from Valur for this Thursday’s UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round tie.

Saints head to Iceland this week to take on the Besta deild karla outfit in Reykjavík in our first European tie since 1987.

We are aware that many are travelling for the match soon and will be keen to have their tickets secured. Season Ticket Holders successful in the ballot should visit the St Mirren Ticket Office tomorrow morning (Tuesday 23rd July) from 10am to receive a paper copy of their ticket with proof of ID. 

If you are unable to visit the St Mirren Ticket Office, then please give us a call on 0141-840-6130 to pay for your tickets and we will send you a digital ticket via email. Please note this must be the email address that you used when entering the ballot. Tickets are priced at £18. If phone lines are busy, please send an email to tickets@stmirren.com and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience.

The winner of the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round Tie between St Mirren and Valur will face either Go Ahead Eagles (NED) or SK Brann (NOR) in the Third Qualifying Round.

The UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round draw took place this afternoon in Nyon, Switzerland and saw Saints face a potential trip to either the Netherlands or Norway should they progress past Icelandic side Valur.

These ties will be played on the weeks of August 8th and 15th.