Buddies’ case for defence

STEPHEN ROBINSON, who has overseen just three wins since moving to St Mirren in February to replace Jim Goodwin, tried to put a positive spin on the progress of his Paisley team.

The Buddies didn’t cause many problems for Dons keeper Joe Lewis at Pittodrie but their determination, drive and work-rate were impressive.

Robinson, with a rebuilding job on his hands in the summer, was upbeat about his side’s performance in the goalless draw, especially his defenders and goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.

He said: “That’s the first time since 2011 that St Mirren have kept four clean sheets in a row in the league.

“So the template is there defensively. Jak Alnwick was very good before I came in and he was very good again at Pittodrie.

“But I believe we have replaced him already with a like for like, which is difficult.

“We have done some very good business early when we knew Jak was leaving.”

Robinson brushed aside the controversial moment at the end of the first half, when ref Don Robertson gave a penalty kick to Aberdeen then overturned that decision after discussions with his assistant.

He said: “It was never a penalty. There’s nothing else to say. It’s about time we got a bit of luck.”

There was also a pat on the back for departing Dons hero Andy Considine.

The Saints players formed a guard of honour for him as he took to the pitch and Robinson joined in the plaudits.

He said: “I’ve been involved in Scottish football now for eight or nine years and it’s rare in football you get that kind of loyalty.

“I’m not part of Aberdeen but I thought it was important that both teams showed respect for a player who has played at the top level for a long time and who is also a really good boy.”