St Mirren play their first home match of the new season this evening when David Hopkin brings his Livingston side to The Paisley 2021 Stadium for a Group H match in the Betfred Cup.
Saints got their campaign off to the perfect start on Saturday when they ran out 4-1 winners away to Stranraer. The home side took an early lead when former Buddie, Scott Agnew put Stranraer ahead but Gavin Reilly pulled Saints level again on 27 minutes when he scored his first goal for the club. Four minutes later striker Ross Stewart netted his first goal for Saints too and then five minutes before the half-time break Lewis Morgan stretched the lead with a long-range shot that flew into the back of the net. The three points were sealed on 56 minutes when Gregor Buchanan scored his first goal for St Mirren.
Meanwhile over in Livingston, last season’s League One Champions gave Premiership side Partick Thistle a tough outing at The Tony Macaroni Arena. Chris Erskine fired The Jags into the lead early in the first half but Livi struck back right at the start of the second half when Keaghan Jacobs netted for the home side. There was to be no more scoring in the ninety minutes but Livi secured an all important bonus point by winning the penalty shoot-out.
This evening’s meeting between St Mirren and Livingston will see the sides go head to head for the third season running in the League Cup. Two season’s ago Saints hosted Livi in Paisley where goals from Calum Gallagher and Stevie Mallan weren’t enough to stop Livi taking the win thanks to goals from Liam Buchanan, Danny Mullen and a late winner from Declan Gallagher. Last season Saints made the trip through to Almondvale where another five goal thriller was put on display. David Clarkson gave Saints the lead just ahead of the 15 minute mark but strikes early in the second half from Nicky Cadden and Dale Carrick put Livi into the lead. St Mirren weren’t to be denied the win though as Lewis Morgan got Saints back on level terms before Clarkson was on target again with a late strike.
St Mirren go into tonight’s match sitting on top of Group H a point ahead of tonight’s visitors. Matches between Saints and Livi are strange affairs as the home side never seems to win! Saints will be looking to buck that trend at The Paisley 2021 Stadium this evening as they hope to strengthen their position ahead of Saturday’s match at Firhill while David Hopkin’s men will be out to prove that Saturday’s result against Partick Thistle was no fluke.
Tickets for this evening's match at The Paisley 2021 Stadium are £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Tickets are on sale from the St Mirren Ticket Office right up till kick-off. For the matchday info click here.
