St Mirren picked up a bonus point following a penalty shoot-out for the third Betfred Cup match in a row.

The Buddies were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Queen's Park at Hampden this evening, but a 5-4 sudden death shoot-out win saw Saints claim a bonus point to keep hopes of qualification from Group H alive.

Saints had an early shout for a penalty on seven minutes when burst into the box and looked like he may have been tripped by Gerard McLaughlan, but the referee decided the defender won the ball fairly. 

Cole Kpekawa saw a header from a Cammy MacPherson corner gathered by Jordan Hart three minutes later, while a nice ball from Hayden Coulson just evaded Cammy Smith's reach on 24 minutes.

Saints best chance of the first half came on the half hour mark when Danny Mullen forced a save from Hart. Stephen McGinn played a terrific ball over the top that was brought down by Mullen inside the box. The striker's attempt was low but lacked enough power to really trouble Hart in the Queen's goal, though the former Ayr United goalkeeper had to be at full stretch to gather. 

The hosts responded and on 33 minutes Craig Samson was made to work when he pushed away a ferocious Jamie McKernon drive from 20 yards. It was struck sweetly by the ex-St Mirren player, with Samson diving across his goal to put it out for a corner. The Saints goalkeeper would be called upon from the corner. Dean Kindlan ghosted in at the back post and saw his effort blocked by Samson before Saints got it clear.

Into the second half, Alan Stubbs made changes with Kyle Magennis making his return to first team action, while Ross Stewart came on in place of Cammy Smith. 

Stewart was unlucky not to find himself through on goal after Scott Gibson made a vital intervention to deny the forward the chance to go one-on-one with Hart. 

Heading into the final few minutes, Stephen McGinn switched play out to the right where the ball found his brother Paul. Paul kept the ball in play before whipping it into the box to meet the head of Danny Mullen. The striker rose the highest but glanced the effort by the post.

There was one last chance in the match and it was hearts-in-mouth stuff for Saints as a ball across the box found Kurtis Roberts in space. It look like the Spider's player would roll the ball into the net but for a superb block from Cole Kpekawa. 

And with that the game went to penalties once again with The Buddies triumphing 5-4 after sudden death. 

Full Time: Queen's Park 0-0 St Mirren

St Mirren: Samson, P.McGinn, Kpekawa, Baird, Heaton, Coulson, S. McGinn, MacPherson (Magennis 55), Flynn, Smith (Stewart 67), Mullen
Subs Not Used: Rogers, Kellermann, Erhahon, King, Cooke

Queen's Park: Hart, Lachlan, Summers, McKernon, McLauchlan, Gibson, Roberts, Dean Kindlan (Peters 74), Osadolor (Sharpe 66), Mortimer, Martin (McGrory 71)
Subs Not Used: Nimmo, Grant, Daniel Kindlan, Dunlop

Referee: Nick Walsh
Assistant Referee: David McGeachie
Assistant Referee: Colin McAlpine

Attendance: 1,493

Tickets for St Mirren's first Premiership away trip to Ibrox to face Rangers will go on sale tomorrow morning (25th July) from 10am at the St Mirren Ticket Office. 

The sale will be restricted to season ticket holders only (one ticket per season ticket) until 10am on 1st August. 

After which tickets will be open to website members (limit one per person) and, subject to availability, will go on general sale on Monday 6th August at 10am. 

The match and tickets info is as follows:

Rangers vs St Mirren
Ladbrokes Premiership
Venue: Ibrox Park, Glasgow
Date: Saturday 11th August 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm

Ticket Prices

Adult - £27
Concession* - £20
Under 16 - £9

Wheelchair and carer**
Adult - £14
Concession* - £10
Junior - £5
Carer - Free

These can be purchased online, at the Ticket Office in person or over the phone.

*Over 65, 6-17 year-olds
**Anyone requiring a wheelchair and carer ticket must contact the Ticket Office as there are only seven wheelchair spaces available.

The St Mirren Ticket Office opening hours for the remainder of this week are as follows:

Wed, Jul 25th - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Thu, Jul 26th - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Fri, Jul 27th - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sat, Jul 28th - 10:00am - 3:00pm

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

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

St Mirren travel to Hampden tonight for our third Betfred Cup group stage match.

Alan Stubbs' side face Queen's Park at the national stadium this evening aiming to build upon the four points picked up in the opening two matches in Group H.

The Buddies began the season with an impressive performance at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock. Saints had several chances to win the match, but settled for a 0-0 draw with Steve Clarke's side before gaining a bonus point thanks to a 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory. 

Four days later, the Buddies fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Spartans at the Simple Digital Arena. Goals either side of half-time from Jason Stevens and Scott Maxwell had the Lowland League side in front. But Saints sparked a spirited comeback with substitutes Stephen McGinn and Danny Mullen scoring to take the game to penalties. The Buddies were perfect from the spot with Ross Stewart, Paul McGinn, Mullen, Ryan Flynn and Cammy Smith all netting to gain St Mirren another bonus point. 

Saints come into tonight's contest on the heels of a pre-season loss to English League One side Sunderland on Saturday. Despite the loss it was another opportunity for players to gain fitness ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership season opener in just over a week's time. 

Queen's Park, meanwhile, have picked up three points from their opening two matches to sit just below St Mirren in Group H. In their opening game they were edged out 1-0 away to Dumbarton with ex-Saints forward Calum Gallagher scoring the only goal for the Sons. 

Then, on Saturday, Gus MacPherson's Spiders came from 1-0 down to defeat Spartans 2-1 at Hampden. Jamie Dishington had put the Edinburgh side ahead on 52 minutes, but Queen's responded quickly with Scott Gibson heading home three minutes later to equalise. With 20 minutes remaining, Kurtis Roberts bagged the winner for the Spiders.

Tonight's match will be the first time the two clubs have come up against each other in competitive action since Saints defeated Queen's 3-2 at Love Street in the first round of the Challenge Cup back in 2003. 

Depending on how results go in Group H tonight, Saints could see themselves top the group with just one match remaining. Jordan Kirkpatrick remains out while Gary MacKenzie is struggling with an injury. Kyle Magennis is back in training, but it could be too soon for the midfielder to grab a place in the starting eleven.

Tonight's match is pay-at-the-gate with adult prices at £14, concessions at £6 and Under 16's just £3. So get along to Hampden tonight and back Alan Stubbs' side. 

* For children 16 and under. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional Information for Travelling Fans

Tomorrow, Tuesday 24th July, St Mirren make the journey through to Glasgow to face Gus MacPherson's Queen's Park side in a BetFred Cup group match at Hampden Park.

The referee tomorrow is Nick Walsh and he will be assisted by David McGeachie and Colin McAlpine.

Spaces are filling up fast for the St Mirren Fans Council Golf day set to take place on Thursday 6th September 2018.

More than 50% of the spaces have sold out as fans take up the chance to play golf with St Mirren stars past and present at the five star, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Bishopton. 

Manager Alan Stubbs will take part alongside members of the current squad and St Mirren legends.

Details for the golf day are as follows: 

• 8:45am - arrive for hot roll, tea or coffee and a meet & greet with players and fellow golfers
• Draw to allocate your player or Saints representative
• 10:00am - shotgun start tee off
• Team stableford format, 3 quarters of handicap
• Two course golf dinner
• Photo opportunity with players and the Championship trophy
• Presentation of prizes and raffle draw

Prices are set at £100 per person (£300 per team).  

It's first come first served so please act quickly to avoid disappointment.

If you are keen to take part please send your name and additional two team members' name to Eric Crossan at eric.crossan@talktalk.net asap. 

The Fans Council will consider individual entries if you cannot provide a team (subject to demand).

For more St Mirren Fans Council initiatives please visit www.supportsmfc.co.uk. 

Tickets for our first two home Ladbrokes Premiership matches are now on sale at the St Mirren Ticket Office and online. 

The Buddies will unfurl the Ladbrokes Championship at the Simple Digital Arena on Saturday August 4th as we host Dundee in the season opener. 

Saints are back at the Simple Digital Arena three weeks later when Ladbrokes Championship play-off winners Livingston visit Paisley.

The ticket details for the games are as follows:

St Mirren vs Dundee
Ladbrokes Premiership
Venue: Simple Digital Arena, Paisley
Date: Saturday 4th August 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm

Ticket Prices

Main and West Stands

Adult - £22
Concessions - £12
13-17 year-old - £12
12 and under - £6

Adult (Padded Seat) - £24
Concession/Child (Padded Seat) - £14

South Stand

Adult - £22
Concessions - £12
13-17 year-old - £6
12 and under - £3

St Mirren vs Livingston
Ladbrokes Premiership
Venue: Simple Digital Arena, Paisley
Date: Saturday 25th August 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm

Ticket Prices

Main and West Stands

Adult - £22
Concessions - £12
13-17 year-old - £12
12 and under - £6

Adult (Padded Seat) - £24
Concession/Child (Padded Seat) - £14

South Stand

Adult - £22
Concessions - £12
13-17 year-old - £6
12 and under - £3

The St Mirren Ticket Office opening hours this week are as follows:

Mon, Jul 23rd - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Tue, Jul 24th – 10:00am - 2:00pm
Wed, Jul 25th – 10:00am - 2:00pm
Thu, Jul 26th - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Fri, Jul 27th - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sat, Jul 28th - 10:00am - 3:00pm

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

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

St Mirren suffered a disappointing friendly defeat as they lost 6-0 to English League One side Sunderland.

Goals from Joshua Maja and Lyndon Gooch had the visitors 2-0 in front at the interval, before the pair both struck again in the second half along with strikes from George Honeyman and Luke Molyneux sealed the emphatic win for The Black Cats. 

It was Sunderland who created the first opening of the match after a quiet opening 10 minutes when Gooch dragged a shot wide. Saints responded, breaking up the park and winning a corner. The ball was worked into the box where it eventually met Danny Mullen whose terrific overhead kick was pushed wide by Jon McLaughlin.

A minute later a good move between the two McGinns and Cammy Smith saw the latter get a shot away but it was held by McLaughlin. 

Sunderland took the lead on 22 minutes with a neat finish from Maja. Adam Matthews played a lovely ball over the top that was brought down well by Scot, Chris Maguire. The forward laid it off into the path of Maja who stroked home. 

The visitors doubled their advantage 10 minutes later after being awarded a penalty. Gooch broke into the right hand side of the box and was brought down by Cole Kpekawa who mistimed his challenge. Their was no doubt in the award and Gooch stepped up, sending Craig Samson the wrong way to make it 2-0. 

Half Time: St Mirren 0-2 Sunderland

The Buddies started the second half brightly. Immediately from kick-off, Hayden Coulson got the ball and went on a terrific solo run, but when he got into the box he sclaffed the effort wide. 

But 10 minutes later, Sunderland were 3-0 up. Maguire moved in on goal and saw a powerful effort blocked by substitute Danny Rogers. Maja kept the ball alive and found Gooch who got his second of the game. 

Substitute Jeff King saw a shot blocked by McLaughlin with 20 minutes remaining before Saints fell apart in the final stages.

A quick Sunderland break saw Maja grab his second of the game with a low drive from the edge of the box. George Honeyman made it five from close range on 77 minutes with Luke Molyneux rounded it off with a sixth for the visitors just a few minutes remaining.

Full Time: St Mirren 0-6 Sunderland

St Mirren: Samson (Rogers 45), P.McGinn, Baird, Kpekawa, Coulson, S. McGinn (Kellermann 82), Mullen (King 61), Trialist A (Flynn 45), MacPherson (Erhahon 61), Smith (Trialist C), Trialist B (Stewart 72)
Subs Not Used: Heaton, McShane, Cooke 

Sunderland: McLaughlin, Matthews, Ozturk (Taylor 84), Flanagan, Love (Hume 80), Cattermole (Mumba 74), McGeouch (Hackett 84), Honeyman (Kimpioka 84), Gooch (Molyneux 78), Maja, Maguire
Subs Not Used: Stryjek

Referee: John Beaton
Assistant Referee: Dougie Potter
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Fourth Official: Greg Aitken

Alan Stubbs gives his thoughts on St Mirren's 6-0 defeat today at the hands of Sunderland. 

St Mirren are in action at the Simple Digital Arena tomorrow as we play host to Sunderland in a pre-season friendly. 

The Buddies look to continue to build fitness ahead of the opening match of the Ladbrokes Premiership in two weeks. 

Having already played two competitive matches in the Betfred Cup already, this will be Saints' first pre-season friendly. Alan Stubbs' side were due to face English Championship side Bolton two weeks ago, but an issue at the English Club saw the game postponed. 

The Buddies are undefeated in their two Betfred Cup matches with draws against Kilmarnock and Spartans. An impressive performance last Friday saw St Mirren draw 0-0 with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park before going on to claim a bonus point with a 3-2 penalty shoot-out win.

On Tuesday night, Lowland League side Spartans visited the Simple Digital Arena and stunned Saints with goals either side of half-time to go 2-0 up. But goals from substitutes Stephen McGinn and Danny Mullen saw the Buddies take the game to penalties. Again St Mirren picked up the bonus point with Ross Stewart, Paul McGinn, Ryan Flynn, Danny Mullen and Cammy Smith all scoring from the spot. 

Sunderland's visit means a return to Paisley for Jack Ross, James Fowler and John Potter. Jack and James helped guide St Mirren to the Championship title last season, leading to our promotion back to the Premiership, before moving to Sunderland back in May. John Potter, who joined Jack and James at the Black Cats, played over 200 games for Saints between 2005 and 2011. 

Tomorrow's opponents have played three friendly matches so far as they prepare for their League One opener against Charlton in two weeks. They began with a 1-0 loss to Darlington, before drawing 1-1 with Hartlepool. In their third match, on Tuesday night, Jack Ross picked up his first win as Sunderland manager with a 1-0 victory away to Grimsby. 

It'll be an interesting contest tomorrow as Saints come up against a side that are favourites to win their league next season. Kyle Magennis, Gary Mackenzie and Jordan Kirkpatrick remain out for Saints. Along with building fitness, it will allow Alan Stubbs to take a closer look at some of his squad before the league season begins in two weeks.  

Tickets for the match are priced at just £12 for adults & £6 for concessions and will be on-sale at the St Mirren Ticket Office from 10am right until kick-off (3:00pm) so come along and back the Buds. 

Our match day programme, published in partnership with Curtis Sport, will be available from the Club Shop ahead of Saturday’s game.

This issue, for the friendly match against Sunderland, is a 24 pager with a £2 cover price.

This latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Club Captain, Stephen McGinn.
The Boss - St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs looks back on the BetFred Cup tie against Kilmarnock and delivers his pre-match message for the fans.
Paisley Panda's Fun Corner – Some puzzles to keep the youngsters entertained during the half-time break.
The Opposition – Brian Corry runs the rule over Saturday's opponents, Jack Ross' Black Cats.
Last Time Out – Club Photographer, Allan Picken's pictures from the BetFred Cup tie away to Kilmarnock.
Action Shot & Q&A (Centre Pages) – Summer signing Paul McGinn. Paul also replies to our quick-fire questionnaire.
St Mirren Greats – David Cochran looks back on the St Mirren career of Dunky Walker.
Football, Bloody Hell – Alan Gallacher rounds up his look back at the 2018 World Cup.
Kit Sponsors 2018/19 – Check in to see who is sponsoring your favourite player's shirt for the season.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2018/19 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures and results for this season.
Team Lines – The two squads and match officials for Saturday’s match.

To buy this issue or to place your programme subscription for the 2018/19 season click HERE.