Saints hit top spot after a struggle

DALE HILSON’S winner helped St Mirren climb to the top of the Championship table as basement boys Brechin were left searching for an elusive first victory.

Saints’ victory, coupled with Dunfermline’s defeat to Dundee United, means the Buddies now enjoy pole position but it was hard going against a dogged City side.

Paisley boss Jack Ross was happy with the result but admitted: ‘It was sheer relief and joy when we grabbed the winner because games like that will play a big part in our drive to get promotion. It’s vital that our home form is very good because that can dictate how successful your season can be.’

After an uninspired opening Saints broke the deadlock in 14 minutes through Cammy Smith.

The midfielder latched on to a pass from captain Stephen McGinn and despite scuffing his finish, the ball trickled past onrushing Brechin goalkeeper Graeme Smith into the net.

But the visitors hit a shock equaliser before the break when former St Mirren striker Kalvin Orsi met a superb Jordan Sinclair cross with a firm header beyond Craig Samson.

And Brechin felt aggrieved when referee Gavin Duncan ignored two penalty claims after grappling in the box following corners.

Free-scoring Saints, with 27 goals in their last ten games, pressed for a winner in the second half but lacked creativity, with Lewis Morgan surprisingly quiet.

Instead, City might have scored when Connor McLennan broke into the box and flicked the ball past Samson but Jamie McCart saved Saints by clearing off the line.

And the Buddies took advantage of that let-off when substitute Hilson latched scrambled in the winner from close range.

Brechin boss Darren Dods admitted he was frustrated to leave Paisley empty handed.

‘I’m disappointed for the boys,’ he said. ‘But our confidence is increasing. We played well and could have had a penalty, but those calls seem to go against us.’