PRICELESS POINTS IN THE FIGHT TO AVOID PLAY-OFFS

Saints finally discover spark under interim management team with battling victory

- Colin Paterson

Up for it Donnelly nods in the opener for Saints after his earlier penalty was cancelled out by Stewart's early spotkick. Inset: The Saints savour the end of a six-game winless run in style

If only all of St Mirren’s away games could be played at The Falkirk Stadium and Hampden.

The Buddies have a 100 per cent record at both venues this season with Saturday delivering a victory that was perhaps needed more than the previous three earlier in the campaign.

Set-piece goals from Miguel Freckleton and Liam Donnelly wiped out Barney Stewart's opener and mercifully ended a six-game winless streak in the league.

It was a first triumph for interim head coach Craig McLeish who was shoved forward for a special moment in front of the black-and-white army at time up by midfielder Killian Phillips.

And these three priceless points ensured Kilmarnock could not capitalise on their win at home to Livingston by moving out of the relegation playoff spot.

A nervy final seven matches remain, however, everyone will be breathing somewhat easier at Greenhill Road during this international break.