Betfred Cup Group g

ST MIRREN began life under their new regime, following the midweek supporters-led takeover, knowing they required a goal rush against the new boys in the league set-up to stand a chance of qualifying for the next stage of the new league cup format.

Saints began brightly with Kyle Hutton creating space down the right. His low cross found Lawrence Shankland and his closerange shot was pushed away by Calum Antell.

The opener arrived on 13 minutes when the impressive Lewis Morgan sent over a deep cross from the right that was headed home at the far post by the towering Shankland.

Constant pressure followed from the Paisley men, with the capital city side swamped deep into their own half.

Wing men Morgan and Rangers loanee Tom Walsh were at the heart of all the home side’s moves, with Shankland, David Clarkson and Stephen Mallan all going close to doubling the lead.

Two goals inside three minutes around the halfhour mark sealed the tie for the hosts.

Shankland fed Walsh to fire in a drive from 20 yards, and Jack Baird grabbed his second of the season when he added the finishing touch to a goalmouth scramble.

Baird almost added another into first-half injury time when his downward header was cleared off the line.

City played a containing game in the second half, which frustrated Saints, and Dean Cummings created options up front for them.

The final goals that Saints required never materialised despite the probings of Morgan and three attacking subs – and they ultimately lost out by a single goal.