Saints Claim Another Notable Scalp on the Way to Survival (2017)

(first published in the match programme for St. Mirren v Rangers, 15^th March 2026)

On Wednesday, 15^th March 2017, St. Mirren met Dundee United at the Paisley 2012 Stadium for a vital Championship fixture. Saints were still trying to claw their way out of the relegation zone, while their Tayside opponents, sitting third in the table, were looking to maintain their promotion bid. The match was also seen as a rehearsal for the IRN BRU Cup, which the sides were due to contest ten days later.

The programme for the match was Issue 18 for 2016/17, the first season under the auspices of West Midlands based company Curtis Sport. Entitled "The Saint PA3 1RU" (the Club's postcode), it comprised 48 pages, measured 24cm by 17cm, and was priced at £3. It was a bright, modern issue, mixing monochrome and colour photography throughout and with yellow spot colour used for feature headings.

The cover for the Dundee United match featured full match details alongside a photo of goalkeeper Billy O’Brien, who had quickly become a fans’ favourite following his arrival on loan from Manchester City in January. O’Brien was also the subject of the full colour centre-page spread.

Jack Ross’s “The Gaffer” column welcomed the visitors and reviewed Saints’ two most recent matches, a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Raith Rovers and a goalless draw at home to Dunfermline. While acknowledging the upcoming Challenge Cup final, Ross stressed that the immediate priority was securing Championship points and closing the gap on the teams above. He concluded by once again thanking the supporters for their backing and urging them to stay behind the team.

“Last Time Out” provided narrative and photos of the midweek trip to Kirkcaldy and, later in the programme, “Last Time Out 2” covered the 0-0 draw against the Pars.

Alan Gallacher’s “Football Bloody Hell” reflected on discussions with a United supporter about the forthcoming League and Cup meetings. This was followed by four pages about the opposition, presented on suitably orange tinted pages, profiling the United squad and revisiting a fixture from 2001.

The double-page “St. Mirren Hall of Fame” feature focussed on Kenny McDowall, recalling highlights from his St. Mirren career, including winning goals against Rangers and Tromso, and a penalty save against Dundee United which helped secure a Saints win.

Josh Todd was the subject of the “Interview” feature and discussed the former Dumbarton player’s experiences since his arrival at Paisley during the January transfer window.

“Matchday Gallery” showcased hospitality photos from the last home match, whilst “Buddies News Update” promoted a Family Stand season ticket holder event and the Fans Council Golf Day.

“Championship Round-Up” covered all matches from Weeks 26 and 27 and “The Academy” featured photos from the Under-20 side’s 0-2 defeat to Celtic U-20s in the SPFL Development League at Lennoxtown.

As usual, Player Sponsorship, Marketing Matters, and Fixtures & Results appeared towards the tail end of the issue and the back page listed the squads and match officials for the evening’s game.

Before a meagre crowd of just 2,766, St. Mirren got off to a dream start with a goal after just 100 seconds. Stevie Mallan’s free kick from midfield was headed back towards goal by Rory Loy, nodded on by John Sutton, and flicked past Cammy Bell at the near post by Harry Davis.

Saints looked comfortable for much of the first half, but Dundee United equalised in the 33^rd minute when a momentary lapse in the home defence allowed Simon Murray to square for an unmarked Tony Andreu to net from close range.

In the 37^th minute, Loy won a free kick for the home side wide on the left. With Bell and the Dundee United defence expecting a cross, Mallan lofted the ball towards the unguarded near post and restored Saints’ lead.

First goalscorer Davis’ night, and season, came to a premature end just before half time when he was stretchered off with a dislocated kneecap. It was a cruel blow for the Englishman, who had been an excellent addition to the squad since his arrival on loan from Crewe Alexandra.

The visitors had a couple of chances to level early in the second half, as Andreu struck a post and a Charlie Telfer effort went narrowly wide. However, just on the hour mark, a surging run by former Tannadice man Cammy Smith led to a low ball across goal. Loy just failed to connect, but Lewis Morgan, following up at the back post, netted to put Saints 3-1 up.

United weren't out of it, and pulled a goal back 10 minutes later when Andreu did well to twist and turn before curling home from the edge of the box. However, Saints held firm to secure what proved to be a hugely significant three points by the end of the season.