Ross unfazed as Buddies find it tougher at the top

ST MIRREN manager Jack Ross admitted his table toppers made it more difficult than it should have been after they overcame bottom side Brechin City.

Visiting goalkeeper Patrick O’Neil’s own goal after 15 minutes proved the difference as the hosts extended their lead at the Championship summit to 11 points.

Buddies midfielder Ian McShane saw a penalty saved in the first half and Ross’ side were made to sweat by Brechin, who remain adrift at the foot of the table.

‘We made it more difficult for ourselves,’ said Ross.

‘If we had scored the penalty it would have been a long afternoon for Brechin and we probably would have won comfortably.

‘It was more nervy than it could have been.

‘We hit the bar and passed up opportunities. They had chances and you need elements of good fortune, but I don’t think we were fortunate. We dominated the match.’

St Mirren’s opener arrived with a little bit of luck. Kyle Magennis’ free-kick from over 25 yards hit the bar, the ball bounced off O’Neil and into the net.

It should have been 2-0 six minutes later when Saints were awarded a penalty after Kostadin Gadzhalov shoved Harry Davis to the ground. McShane stepped up, but O’Neil guessed correctly to tip the ball wide.

Brechin’s Liam Watt saw a 20-yard shot strike the inside of the post just after the break.

Ross’ men were relieved again on 75 minutes when goalkeeper Craig Samson pushed Dylan Mackin’s decent effort wide.

Brechin boss Darren Dods said: ‘Maybe St Mirren were feeling the pressure of being top of the league and we went for it because we had nothing to lose.’