St Mirren were unable to keep their lead as Dundee United ran out 2-1 victors at Tannadice.
John Sutton had scored to put the Saints in front but an immediate reply from Simon Fraser and a goal on the half time whistle from Simon Murray saw all three points go to United.
St Mirren started the match well with Lewis Morgan creating two chanced in the opening stages. The youngster made his way into the box and tried to get his shot away but it was blocked and cleared by the United defence.
Moments later the ball fell to him again but his shot from 30 yards out was no trouble for the goalkeeper as it flew high over the bar.
Play switched to the other end of the park and United had two quick chances of their own. Blair Spittal headed over from a corner before a second set piece saw the ball trickle wide.
Both sides were forced into early changes as Gary MacKenzie and Mark Durnan clashed heads in the penalty area after a Saints corner.
Jack Baird replaced MacKenzie whilst Coll Donaldson was introduced for United and it was shortly after the latter substitution that deadlock was broken.
United had a throw in deep in their own half and after an error from Donaldson, John Sutton latched onto the loose ball and slotted past Cammy Bell.
The lead didn't last long, as just a minute later Scott Fraser had equalised for Dundee United.
St Mirren came close to regaining the lead just a few minutes later, as the ball was played to the back post where Naismith was lurking, however his close range effort was saved onto the post and cleared.
Despite the Saints efforts to find a second goal, it was United who struck the killer blow. Scott Fraser took a free kick on the corner of the box and it was flicked past Gallacher by Simon Murray right on the stroke of half time.
Half Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren
Dundee United started the better in the second half winning a free kick just outside the box. Scott Fraser stood over it and blasted it over the bar.
Gallacher was then forced to make a save low to his right when Sean Dillon headed towards goal.
St Mirren made their second change as Rocco Quinn made way for David Clarkson and he almost made an instant impact as yle McAllister crossed the ball from the right and Clarkson looked to get on the end of it but it was just too far out of reach.
Lewis Morgan then forced Cammy Bell into a save with a optimistic shot from distance before creating another great chance.
He found himself through on goal but he didn't take the shot in time and William Edjenguele made the challenge and cleared.
With ten minutes left to play Lawrence Shankland replaced Kyle McAllister.
Much like Clarkson, Shankland came close after coming on. The ball was played to him at the back post and he tried to slot it past Bell but Edjenguele was there to clear once more.
Despite late pressure from the Saints, they were unable to find the equaliser and it finished Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren
Full Time: Dundee United 2-1 St Mirren
St Mirren: Gallacher, Naismith, Irvine, Webster, MacKenzie (Baird, 19), Quinn (Clarkson, 60), Magennis, McAllister (Shankland, 79), Mallan, Morgan, Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Langfield, McLear, Hardie, Gallagher
Dundee United: Bell, Dillon, Dixon, Durnan (Donaldson, 25) , Spittal, Murray (Smith, 80), Fraser, Telfer (Van Der Velden, 70), Edjenguele, Flood, Andreu
Subs Not Used: Zwick, Murdoch, Obadeyi, Robson
Referee: John McKendrick
Assistant Referee: Alasdair Ross
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Attendance: 7,247
Match report and gallery pictures by Allan Picken – © Allan Picken Photography
