St Mirren came away from East End Park, the home of in-form Dunfermline, with a point after Gary MacKenzie's second half header. Saints had fallen behind in the first half when Kallum Higginbotham scored from the penalty spot. But experienced MacKenzie earned the Buddies a share of the spoils with an early second half goal in a high tempo encounter.

Stephen Mallan had a free kick opportunity with less than a minute on the clock. Saints had won the ball from Dunfermline's kick-off and won the set piece in 'Mallan territory'. The midfielder stepped up and curled it just beyond the left hand post.

The visitors started in good fashion and Rocco Quinn was next to go close when his long range effort was deflected wide for a corner. However, Mallan's delivery had too much on it and evaded Gary MacKenzie who was running in from deep at the back post.

Saints won another corner but only after Langfield had to be alert to deny Michael Moffat. The ball was played through to the striker, taking out the Saints defence, with Langfield doing well to block the attempt. The corner for the Buddies

The home side started to take a foothold in the match and only some last ditch defending from Andy Webster denied Nicky Clark the opportunity to get a shot away at goal. It was again Webster to the rescue when he cleared the ball off the line. Paul McMullan found space in the box on the right hand side and hit a shot which deflected beyond Langfield with the captain there to scoop the ball away from danger.

Dunfermline felt they should've had a penalty around the half hour mark when Michael Moffat felt he had been fouled in the area by MacKenzie. The referee was unmoved and play raged on.

However, the Pars would win a penalty minutes later when MacKenzie was adjudged to have fouled Moffat this time. Kallum Higginbotham made no mistake from the spot as he smashed it into the net beyond Langfield to gives Pars a 1-0 lead.

The Buddies could've been level mere minutes later when both Kyle McAllister and MacKenzie went mightily close. 17 year-old McAllister burst through on goal on the left hand side and saw his effort pushed by the post by Sean Murdoch in the Dunfermline goal. From the resultant corner defender MacKenzie bulleted a header goalward only to see it crack off the post and be cleared away. Saints kept up the pressure with more corner kicks but nothing was falling for the visitors and Dunfermline took their 1-0 lead into half time.

Half Time: Dunfermline 1-0 St Mirren

Saints made the perfect start to the second half when MacKenzie headed home an equaliser. Mallan's shot was pushed up into the air by Murdoch and headed behind for a corner. The ball was whipped in where MacKenzie climbed above his marker to slam the header into the Pars net. It was the defender's second goal in three games and was the ideal way to get the second half going.

Dunfermline should've retaken the lead less than 10 minutes later when Clark found himself free on the right hand side. The forward expertly picked out Moffat who somehow managed to send the ball wide when it looked easier to score.

The home side were having the bulk of the pressure and were denied a second goal by a wonderful save from Langfield. Clark rose the highest to head the ball towards the left hand corner of the net but the experienced goalkeeper - playing his first match since November - clawed the ball away. 

The Buddies were very much still in the match though and MacKenzie's aerial presence at corners saw him almost score a second. Again the defender rose the highest but this time his header nestled in the arms of Murdoch. Moments later, substitute Lewis Morgan flashed a shot just over the bar from the edge of the box. 

Higginbotham went close to getting his second of the afternoon when he let rip from outside the box watching it fly just wide of the left hand post. And the forward did similar from a free kick minutes later after Storie had pulled back Moffat. 

The game petered out with half chances for either side, though Clark had a wonderful chance for the home side, but his header went just beyond the post and both sides took a point,

Full Time: Dunfermline 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Irvine, Webster (Baird, 45), MacKenzie, Quinn (Morgan, 58), Storie, Mallan, Loy, McAllister (Magennis, 74), Sutton
Subs Not Used: Willison, Clarkson, Fjelde, McLear 

Dunfermline: Murdoch, Talbot, Ashcroft, Fordyce, Herron, Geggan, Wedderburn, Higginbotham, McMullan (Cardle, 89), Clark, Moffat
Subs Not Used: Hutton, Martin, Morris, McCabe, Reilly, El Alagui

Referee: William Collum
Assistant Referee: Stephen Mitchell
Assistant Referee: David Doig

Attendance: 4,108

Match report and gallery pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography and John Millar - © millarpictures

Jack Ross makes three changes from the side that lost to Queen of the South last week with debuts for loan signings Craig Storie and Rory Loy.

Jamie Langfield makes his return in place of the injured Scott Gallacher, while Lewis Morgan and Kyle Magennis are on the bench. 

Norwegian Pål Fjelde is also on the bench after the club received clearance for him last night.

Kick off is at 3pm and we'll have full updates on Twitter @saintmirrenfc and on our Facebook page. 

St Mirren: Langfield, Naismith, Irvine, Webster, MacKenzie, Quinn, Storie, Mallan, Loy, McAllister, Sutton
Subs: Willison, Baird, Clarkson, Fjelde, Magennis, Morgan, McLear

Jack Ross admits that he's ready to pitch in his new signings when Saints travel to East End Park to face Dunfermline.

The manager has bolstered his squad with the signings of Craig Storie, Rory Loy and Pål Fjelde this week and he says he'll have no qualms about involving them in tomorrow's Ladbrokes Championship clash with the Pars.

Pål is subject to clearance, but certainly Rory and Craig will be involved and hopefully Pål as well. It's given us a freshness at an important time for us. I said I wanted to wait to get the right ones in and I'm happy with what we've managed to get so far. Hopefully we've still got one or two more to come in. 

"They're fit, they've trained well so I have no hesitation about any of those players being involved in the group tomorrow."

The signing of Pål came from left field with many caught out by the deal to bring in the Norwegian after he left Byrne FK in his native country towards the end of 2016. The midfielder has trained with the squad and played for the team in a bounce match recently. 

We've had an awful lot of players put to us over the last couple of months," the manager said. "We were able to look at him during a game. He's been down in England for a wee while with a couple of clubs and we thought he might sign down there. But there was an opportunity for him to come back up here and play in a game a couple of weeks ago and train with us.

"He's been good," he continued. "He's still a young man but I think there is potential in him. He's a really good type and he's desperately keen to try and progress his career in the United Kingdom. I'm looking forward to having him in the group. I think he'll be an asset for us moving forward."

Saints come into tomorrow's match on the back of a 3-0 loss to Queen of the South last Saturday. But the manager believes that the team will be raring to go when they play Dunfermline.

We spoke on Monday and Tuesday because we had to address some of the issues from Saturday. We had some frank discussions on Monday and Tuesday, but the reaction in training has been good.

"I certainly think with the freshness we've had with new players has helped that. Training this morning has been bright, sharp and good. We're going to a venue that is an enjoyable place to play as well so I feel we'll be very competitive in the game." 

St Mirren Football Club can announce that it has officially signed the release papers for loanee Lawrence Shankland.

Aberdeen announced their intentions to recall him earlier this week and that has officially been completed today.

Meanwhile, Calum Gallagher has left the club to join Dumbarton on a short-term deal subject to the completion of the paperwork. We wish him all the best in his future career.

St Mirren make their first away trip of the new year on Saturday when Jack Ross' side take on Dunfermline at East End Park in a 3pm kick-off. 

Loan signings Craig Storie and Rory Loy go into the squad for the match after joining up with the Buddies this week from Ladbrokes Premiership sides Aberdeen and Dundee respectively. Midfielder Pål Fjelde will also go into the squad subject to international clearance after signing a deal until the end of the season following his departure from Byrne FK in his native Norway.

Saints come into the match on the back of a 3-0 loss to Queen of the South at the Paisley 2021 Stadium last weekend. The Buddies were undone by late goals from Joe Thomson and an own goal from Gary MacKenzie in the last 10 minutes of the match after Stephen Dobbie had given the visitors a first half lead. 

Dunfermline are the form team in the Ladbrokes Championship with four wins from their last seven league matches with the most recent coming last Saturday in a 2-0 win away to Ayr United. The Pars haven't lost in the league since a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice at the start of November. 

The two teams have faced each other 90 times in league action with Saints winning 29, drawing 23 and losing 38. The Pars have come out on top of both meetings this season by a single goal. In October, two goals from John Sutton and a strike from Ryan Hardie couldn't save Saints from a 4-3 defeat at East End Park. The last clash between the two came in November when Nicky Clark's first half effort was enough to see Dunfermline leave Paisley with all three points. 

The Buddies last victory against Dunfermline came last season in the Challenge Cup when a Stevie Mallan brace was added to goals from Calum Gallagher and Scott Agnew to seal a 4-0 win.

The aim for Saints continues to be to win as many matches as possible as we look to lift ourselves from the foot of the table. Meanwhile, Dunfermline will be looking to maintain their run of good form which has given them an outside chance of moving into the promotion play-offs.

The club are offering a superb 'Burns' themed corporate hospitality when we welcome Falkirk to The Paisley 2021 Stadium on Saturday 28th January.

You will be welcomed to the Westmarch Lounge where you will be served a glass of Chilled Bubbly on arrival at your reserved table by your hostess for the day.

Guests will also enjoy a fantastic three course meal accompanied with wine and a drinks service both pre and post match.

You will also get an exclusive Q&A with our Matchday Ambassadors pre match as well as get the chance to meet some of the players who will visit the lounge post match.

The corporate hospitality details for the upcoming match against Falkirk are as follows:

St Mirren v Falkirk
Ladbrokes Championship
Venue: Paisley 2021 Stadium, Paisley
Date: Saturday 28th January 2017
Kick-off: 3:00pm

* Arrive 12:30pm.

* Private car parking facility.

* Enter through the exclusive Westmarch Hospitality Suite entrance.

* Glass of chilled bubbly on arrival.

* Hostess table service.

* Dram of Whisky courtesy of Loch Lomond Group.

* Three course meal complemented by fine wines with main course.

* Accreditation in the match day magazine.

* Exclusive match day competitions.

* Match day magazine & corporate team sheets.

* Exclusive Q&A with matchday Ambassadors (Scott Walker).

* Executive seating in Main Stand.

* Half-time hot and cold snacks served with tea or coffee.

* Post Match presentations by the Match Sponsors Man of the Match.

* Post Match visit to the lounge by players.

* Inclusive drinks package both pre and post match.**

* Last orders: 5:30pm.

* Hospitality concludes: 6:00pm.

Cost per person: £95 + VAT (drinks inclusive)**

Season Ticket holder: £80 + VAT (drinks inclusive)**

Cost per person: £75 + VAT (pay bar)

Child: £40 + VAT

Adult Season Ticket holder’s £15 discount is applicable to Season Ticket holders only, seat details are required when booking to get discount.

Burns Themed Menu

Haggis, neeps and tatties with peppercorn sauce

*****

Steak pie with roasted potatoes and green beans

***** 

Scottish Berry Brulee served with shortbread fingers

*****

Freshly brewed Tea & Coffee

For more information or to reserve your package please contact Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy by Tel: (0141) 840-1337 or E-Mail: commercial@stmirren.com.

To find out more or to book your place please click here

This coming Saturday (14th January) St Mirren head to 'The Kingdom of Fife' for a Ladbrokes Championship match-up with Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park.

The latest info on Travel Clubs heading to East End Park for the match is as follows:

Cockles Wilson Supporters Bus

We are leaving at 1.00pm for the game at Dunfermline.

Bus tickets are now available in the Bankhouse.

Tile Bar Supporters Bus

The bus for the match at Dunfermline will leave at 1:15pm.

Bus tickets for this match are now on sale.

Chivas Travel Club

The bus for Dunfermline will leave at 1:00pm.

Non members tickets are now on sale from The Court Bar.

North End Travel Club

The bus to Dunfermline will leave the Sneddon at 12:45pm.

Bus tickets are available in the Brewer's Tap, £6 each.

Additional Information for Travelling Fans

Tomorrow, Saturday 14th January, St.Mirren head to 'The Kingdom of Fife' to face Dunfermline Athletic in a Ladbrokes Championship match-up.

The gate prices have now been confirmed for the fixture at East End Park and these are shown above.

The referee tomorrow is William Collum and he will be assisted by Stephen Mitchell and David Doig.

For directions to East End Park click here

St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Norwegian midfielder Pål Fjelde subject to international clearance.

The 22 year-old previously played for Viking Stavanger and joins the Buddies until the end of the season after leaving Byrne FK in his native country. 

The midfielder - who can also play at centre half - told stmirren.com: "I feel happy. It's a big challenge ahead but I'm looking forward to it and hopefully together we can stay up. 

It's always been my dream to play in the UK and I'm really looking forward to it. 

"I know Maurice Ross so I know a bit about Scottish football. I will definitely call him up and speak to him about the move."

Jack Ross has boosted his attacking options with the signing of Rory Loy on loan until the end of the season.

The striker, who made 8 appearances for St Mirren over the second half of season 2009/10 after signing on loan from Rangers, joins from Premiership side Dundee and goes into the squad for Saturday's match against Dunfermline.

Speaking to stmirren.com, Rory admitted his previous spell at the club played a part of him joining along with the chance to work with Jack Ross.

Having had been here before and not being given an opportunity I was keen to come back and show the club and supporters why they signed me back then and why I can be a good acquisition now," he said.

"I was very young back then. I've played in this division for two years and did very well in it so I'm not sure it's a case of having anything to prove. But I'm certainly looking to come here and do well."

Rory had been linked with other clubs within this division and while he expects that choosing Saints may have turned a few heads he wants to play his role in a team he feels will be good enough to push up the league table.

I'm sure there will be plenty of opinions on my decision," he confessed. "But at the same time I still feel with the squad here we can turn it around and I want to be a part of that. I want to score goals and I want to help keep the club up. 

"I know the training ground, I know the stadium, I know the pitch and I know there's a good infrastructure. I was looking forward to being a part of that and I've heard only good things about Jack Ross as a manager and as a coach so I want to experience that first hand."

The striker goes into the squad for the trip to East End Park on Saturday and says he's looking forward to the match.

I'm looking to come here and play some minutes. It was a good training session this morning so raring to go.

"I've been there many times and it can be quite a hostile atmosphere. I actually went to watch them a couple of weeks ago and they were very good so we'll need to be on our game."

Jack Ross said: "I'm delighted to have someone of Rory's calibre on board. He's got a good pedigree at this level and we're happy to have him in."