Lion’s den
supporters from Paisley.
Dykes took full advantage of some slack defending on 58 minutes to put his side 2-0 to the good – another unmarked six-yard effort.
To Saints’ credit, they didn’t throw in the towel as Magennis reduced the deficit in the 64th minute when the 21-year-old picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and sent it into the top corner to give the Buddies renewed belief.
Goodwin responded by adding Junior Morias to the attack and going two up top. But it was the hosts who threatened next after another counter – Steven Lawless this time with a stinging drive just over the crossbar.
Saints had chances too and none better than a diving header from Obika. Paul McGinn was proving a constant menace down the right and crossed low and for the arriving Englishman but he couldn’t hit the target from close range.
The frustration started to bite for the away side as first McGinn and then defensive teammate Gary MacKenzie were booked for dissent.
McGinn then made the wrong choice after McAllister had set him free. The right-back chose to shoot and drew a comfortable near-post save from when perhaps a square ball was the better option.
Livi probably should have capitalised from Saints gung-ho attitude late on but two blocks on the line, not to mention the woodwork, saved Goodwin’s men from a larger margin of defeat.
Five minutes of additional time gave Saints hope but despite their best efforts, they were unable to salvage a late equaliser.