St Mirren were in scintillating form as they cut the gap at the bottom of the league to just one point with a stunning 6-2 win over Ayr United.

Goals from Stevie Mallan, Gary MacKenzie, Stephen McGinn, Kyle Magennis, Lewis Morgan and Cammy Smith gave the Buddies a third league win on the spin - the first time the club have done so since 2008.

It was another massive three points for Jack Ross' side as they aim to avoid relegation to Ladbrokes League One. 

Saints got off to the perfect start with just five minutes on the clock. It had been the visitors had had the better of the early pressure but would find themselves behind when Stevie Mallan drilled home from the edge of the box to put the Buddies ahead. It was the midfielder's 8th goal of the season as he picked the ball up on the edge of the box and sweetly finished it low into the far corner. It was the ideal way to ease any early nerves in a match that could play a significant part come the end of the season.

St Mirren took a firm grip of the match and doubled their advantage on 20 minutes when Gary MacKenzie nodded home. Kyle Magennis was tripped inside the Ayr half winning a free kick. Mallan stepped up to swing the ball into the box, picking out MacKenzie who peeled away from Conrad Balatoni and cushioned a header into the net.

And there was no let up from Saints as they went 3-0 up just moments later. Stelios, back in the team in place of the suspended Gary Irvine, did exceptionally well running down the right, twisting and turning his way into the area before picking out Cammy Smith. Smith's effort was blocked on the line as Ayr tried in vain to get the ball away from the danger area, but McGinn was on hand at the back post to guide it home. It was the perfect way for the captain to mark his 100th appearance for Saints. 

At 3-0 with just 23 minutes played you could be forgiven for thinking this was all an April Fools day prank. But this was very real and the Buddies were rampant. It really should've been four just five minutes later when nifty foot work from Mallan saw the 21 year-old open up space for the shot but he sent his attempt just wide of Greg Fleming's post. 

Saints fans were in dreamland and it was only going to get better when Magennis grabbed his second goal in the black and white with a little under 10 minutes to half time. McGinn did well to rob Alan Forrest of possession in the middle of the park with Smith picking up the loose ball. He slipped it through for Magennis who rounded Fleming and slotted home from the tightest of angles. 

Billy O'Brien had to be alert heading into the interval and he did well to push a low effort from Robbie Crawford by the post. 

Half Time: St Mirren 4-0 Ayr United

St Mirren were eager to start the second half the way they had finished the first and added a fifth goal just seven minutes in thanks to Lewis Morgan.

The winger, fresh from a man of the match performance in his Scotland U21s debut on Tuesday night, was played in with a delightful through ball from Loy. And the finish was every bit as pleasing as he walloped it beyond Fleming from the edge of the box.

However, Saints, and Morgan, were dealt a major blow 10 minutes later when he was stretchered off. The 20 year-old has attempt to run on to a flick on from Loy but clipped ankles with Mike Rose and fell to the turf in agony. It was a major blow to the youngster who has been in fine form for the side throughout the season. 

The match looked to be petering out with the atmosphere dipping after the injury to Morgan. But Ayr pulled a goal back when half time substitute Paul Cairney lashed home. Saints couldn't clear their lines from a United corner and the midfielder finished low into the net. 

And the Honest Men grabbed a second, much to the frustration of the home support who felt Stelios had been fouled in the build up. The Cypriot was clattered into by Cairney allowing the ball to fall to Craig McGuffie who crossed to Farid El Alagui with the striker reducing the deficit to three with a header that left O'Brien with no chance. 

But such was the character and desire St Mirren had showed throughout, they made it 6-2 a minute later with Smith grabbing a much deserved goal. Josh Todd jinked into the box before providing John Sutton with a wonderful cross. The Englishman headed into the ground and watched as it came off the post, only for it to fall kindly to Smith who knocked it home. 

It was the end of the scoring and saw Saints earn a massive three points to claw themselves to within just one game of today's visitors with a game in hand.

Full Time: St Mirren 6-2 Ayr United

St Mirren: O'Brien, Stelios, Baird, MacKenzie (Webster 86), Eckersley, Mallan (Todd 79), McGinn, Magennis, Morgan (Sutton 68) , Smith, Loy
Subs: Langfield, Gordon, Fjelde, Quinn, 

Ayr United: Fleming, Devlin, Boyle, Gilmour (Cairney 45), Rose, Crawford (Wardrope 61), Meggatt, Balatoni (McGuffie 25), Docherty, Forrest, El Alagui
Subs Not Used: Hart, Murphy, Moore, Harkins,

Referee: Gavin Duncan
Assistant Referee: Stuart Stevenson
Assistant Referee: Alan MacFayden

Attendance: 4,620

Stephen McGinn makes his 100th St Mirren appearance as the Buddies take on Ayr United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

The captain has been in fine form since rejoining the Saints in January and he'll be partnered by Stevie Mallan in the midfield. 

Jack Ross has made two changes to the side that lost last week with Cammy Smith returning in place of John Sutton after being cup tied last weekend. Gary Irvine misses out due to suspension to be replaced by Stelios Demetriou. 

We'll have all the action covered on our Twitter and Facebook pages, while expat supporters can watch the match live on St Mirren TV. 

St Mirren: O'Brien, Stelios, Baird, MacKenzie, Eckersley, Mallan, McGinn, Magennis, Morgan, Smith, Loy
Subs: Langfield, Webster, Gordon, Fjelde, Quinn, Todd, Sutton

Jack Ross says he and the players know how significant tomorrow's match is, but believes that's been the case for every match the side have played over the last few months. 

The Saints would close the gap at the bottom to just one point with a win over Ayr United. However, conversely, a loss would see them fall seven points behind with just six games remaining. 

It's no exaggeration to say that tomorrow's match could have a huge bearing on who stays in the Ladbrokes Championship next season. 

But the manager admits that he has confidence in his side that they can lift themselves off the bottom over the last period of the season. And he praised the squad for the way they have performed over the last month or so.

He said: "Anyone who has spoken to me over the last few months knows that my belief in being able to turn this around has never wavered.

"I have a very strong belief in this group and I think the key thing over the last six to eight weeks is that they now feel that way. It was easy for it to be me that feels it, but I'm not the one that has to go out there and perform. They believe that now, they can feel it within the changing room and on a training day and a match day.

"I have absolute belief that we will continue to win games between now and the end of the season.

"We've been used to having these types of games for the past two or three months where people place huge amounts of significance on them. We know the importance of the game and the importance of winning the game. The group have dealt with that for a while now. In terms of how prepared they are, they're used to it. 

"It will be a difficult game because their form is as good as anybody in the league as well. But it's a game as a player that you should be excited about. These games are the ones that, as a player, the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and you want to be involved in. The good thing is that I have a group now that I know want to play in that game and that is a huge comfort for me as a manager. 

"They are a good group," he continued. "Their ability is good. Their attitude and determination to get out of this position is terrific and they've had to show strong character to deal with the pressure games we've had.

"This game is hugely important, yes, but so was the game at Somerset not so long ago because of the ramifications of losing that. As I said, we are used to having these types of games and we have dealt, by and large, quite well. It's not been perfect. We've still lost a game or two in that period, but in the main it has been very good. If we continue with that frame of mind we will be fine."

Jack made several changes to the playing squad in the January transfer window, bringing in 10 players. It was a calculated risk from the manager who believes that it has, so far, paid off. And he confessed that he is desperate to keep the side in the Championship so the team can build upon the strong foundations in place. 

The feeling around the training ground is very different," he said. "The chemistry within the group is very good, I enjoy working with them. How enthusiastic they are on a day-to-day basis is terrific and I think that has been reflected in how they have played. I think fans have recognised that as well.

"I'm pleased with what we have at the moment. I'm just so determined to keep us in this league so we can try and build on what we have here at the moment." 

Lewis Morgan and Stevie Mallan made their debut for the Scotland U21 side in the 0-0 draw with Estonia at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Tuesday night. Both impressed, with Morgan picking up the man of the match award.

The gaffer was quick to praise the two for what he believes were merited call ups and said it also highlights the good work done by the St Mirren Youth Academy.

It's deserved recognition of their abilities," he said. "I was pleased they gave a performance that reflected their abilities.

"It's a testament to the work this club has continued to do on the academy side that we've continued to produce young players who play in our first team. I'm delighted for them first and foremost and really pleased for the club as well."

St Mirren could cut the gap at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Championship to just one point when they face Ayr United at the Paisley 2021 Stadium. 

The Buddies have faced Ian McCall's side five times this season with Saints coming out on top on three occasions, while the side couldn't be split on the other two. 

The first match of the 2016/17 season at the Paisley 2021 Stadium took place against Ayr United in the Betfred Cup. Stevie Mallan saw a penalty saved by Greg Fleming with a little over ten minutes to go on a swelteringly hot July night. But the Buddies battled through the heat to secure the win when Jack Baird managed to bundle the ball over the line deep in to stoppage time. 

Saints would need another late goal the next time the sides met over a month later. However, Tom Walsh's 89th minute header was only enough to rescue a point for St Mirren after Jamie Adams opened the scoring for Ayr early in the first half. 

Jack Ross was in charge of Saints for the third meeting of the two and still searching for his first win as St Mirren manager when the Honest Men headed through to Paisley for the IRN-BRU Cup quarter-final. The hosts looked to be heading out of the competition when substitute Andy O'Connell fired Ayr ahead on 68 minutes. But the Buddies battled back to secure that first victory for Jack Ross as John Sutton scored two in two minutes 

And Ian McCall's side were back in Paisley less than a month later with three points in the Ladbrokes Championship up for grabs. But both would have to settle for a share of the spoils with Sutton scoring late on 

Late goals have been a theme in these matches with each of the five yielding at least one goal in the final ten minutes. This was no different in the fifth contest back in February when Lewis Morgan's 82nd minute strike sealed a 2-0 win for the Buddies after Sutton had put Saints ahead with his fourth goal in three games against United.  

St Mirren have been in terrific form since that win, with three wins from five in the league. The Buddies overcame Queen of the South 2-0 at Palmerston in their last Championship match and will be desperate to positively react to last week's IRN-BRU Cup final defeat to Dundee United. 

While Ayr chalked up two precious wins in recent weeks, defeating Dunfermline and Dumbarton. They did, however, lose 2-1 to Dundee United in midweek, but know how vital a win could be in their hopes of staying up. 

Harry Davis, David Clarkson and Lewis McLear will miss out for St Mirren due to long-term injuries, while Gary Irvine is suspended. Rocco Quinn and Ben Gordon could be in line to return after playing a part in recent development squad matches with Cammy Smith and Josh Todd come back into the fray after being cup-tied for last weekend's final.

All signs point to another tight match and it would take a fool, an April fool if you will, to confidently predict the outcome of tomorrow's match. If either side can come away with the three points it could prove to be pivotal in the race to stay in the Championship. 

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 Ladbrokes Championship match against Ayr United, is a 48 pager with a £3 cover price.

The latest edition includes the following:

Front Cover – Cammy Smith.
The Gaffer - St Mirren manager Jack Ross with his thoughts on recent matches and his pre-match message for the fans.
Buddies News Update – News of the latest happenings in and around the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
Last Time Out – Match report and pictures of last Saturday's IRN-BRU Cup Final between St Mirren and Dundee United.
Football, Bloody Hell – Alan Gallacher looks at the glass half empty or half full debate as Saints head into the end of season run-in trying to retain their Championship status for next season.
The Opposition – Brian Corry gives the lowdown on Saturday's visitors, Ian McCall's Ayr United side.
Hall of Fame – David Cochran highlights the St Mirren career of Lex Richardson.
Player Interview – Stuart Gillespie talks with Saints' defender Gary Irvine.
Action Shot (Centre Pages) – Forward Cammy Smith.
Last Time Here – A pictorial look back at Ayr United's last visit to Paisley on league business on 17th December.
Fans Corner – Ticket prices, travel clubs update, match info and dates for fans to keep in their diary.
Championship Round-Up – Kyle Gunn updates us on week 29 of the Ladbrokes Championship season.
Saints in the Community – The latest info from the St Mirren in the Community team.
Last Time Out 2 – Report of the 2-0 win away to Queen of the South two weeks ago.
Kit Sponsors 2016/17.
Marketing Matters – Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy brings us up to date with all the commercial activities within the Club.
St Mirren Fixtures & Results 2016/17 – A handy reference page of all the fixtures 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 2016/17 season click HERE.

If you live outside the UK & Ireland, St Mirren TV is your way to watch Paisley’s top football side live in action each and every home match day.

This service, which is delivered by media students from the University of the West of Scotland, will cover all of St Mirren’s home games.

As usual the St Mirren TV team will be presenting all the action from The Paisley 2021 Stadium when Ayr United are the visitors on Saturday afternoon.

If you want to tune in here is the info you will need:

St Mirren v Ayr United
Ladbrokes Championship
Venue: Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley
Date: Saturday 1st April 2017
Kick-off: 3:00pm BST

To access this match day service:

1 Day Pass – €6.99 EUR
Season Pass – €69.99 EUR

To view Terms & Conditions and get started with St Mirren TV please click HERE.

For technical support with St Mirren TV please e-mail tvsupport@stmirren.com

We are giving fans the opportunity to vote for the man of the match and also put two lucky fans in with the chance of winning a £10 voucher for the Club Shop.

Every home game we’ll throw open the voting on the 60 minute mark for 20 minutes where votes can be cast on Facebook and Twitter. All you have to do is use the hashtag #SMFCMOM followed by the name of the player you are voting for, eg ‘#SMFCMOM MALLAN’.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining all the votes will be counted then Stadium Announcer Phil Clark will confirm the winning player over the tannoy system.

From all the fans who nominate the winning player one will be picked at random from the Facebook account and another from the Twitter account and they will each be awarded a £10 voucher for the Club Shop. The winners will be notified through the account they posted from.

So get yourself ready on the hour mark of Saturday’s game against Ayr United and get voting with #SMFCMOM.

Paisley Panda is all set for Saturday’s match against Ayr United with his preparations all in place for the popular match day competition ‘Bung a Baw’.

To take part in ‘Bung a Baw’ fans need to purchase a small foam ball which is numbered and they will then have a chance to throw their ball towards our club mascot Paisley Panda in front of the Family Stand. Each person will have 60 seconds to do this and the winner will be the person who has thrown the ball closest to the feet of the Panda with the winner being confirmed over the PA system.

The competition is sponsored by The Linwood Farm Restaurant who are supplying a family meal voucher as the prize for the contest winner.

Each ball will cost £1 to buy. The balls will be available from sellers inside the Family Stand in the 30 minutes leading up to kick-off and then again in the first 5 minutes of half-time before the competition starts (subject to availability). Each ball is numbered and participants will also get a ticket with the corresponding number which they will use to claim the prize if they win.

Paisley Panda reports that ‘Bung a Baw’ continues to be very popular so he advises that you get in early tomorrow to purchase your ball to take part.

Paisley Panda has also teamed up with the St Mirren Club Shop so you will be able to buy hats and scarves for the game from the 'Bung a Baw' stands.

Paisley Panda is pleased to confirm that ‘First Scorer’ will be back for tomorrow's game against Ayr United.

‘First Scorer’ gives fans the opportunity to predict in advance of the game who they think will score St Mirren's first goal in Saturday’s match against The Honest Men.

Two winners will be picked at random from those who guessed correctly and they will each win a Movie Munchie Box from Tasty Treats of Bridge of Weir.

To enter all you have to do ahead of the game is post your prediction of the first St Mirren scorer on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #Saints1stgoal.

The lucky winners will be notified through the account they posted from confirming the instructions to collect their voucher from the Club Shop after the match.

St Mirren in the Community are delighted to confirm that the SMiSA Panda Club will be open as usual for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Championship fixture against Ayr United at The Paisley 2021 Stadium.

The SMiSA Panda Club will open at 1:00pm on Saturday. Parents please note that you should pick up your kids after the final whistle from the community office at 5:00pm.

Please note that for tomorrow's game entry to the SMiSA Panda Club is FREE of charge.

For further information about the SMiSA Panda Club or to book your place at the next SMiSA Panda Club match day please contact Stephen Gallacher by e-mail at stephen.gallacher@stmirren.com.

Panda Club details for Saturday’s game are as follows:

St Mirren v Ayr United
Saturday 1st April 2017
1:00pm – 5:00pm

To find out more about the Panda Club click here