MANDRON LEADS THE GOAL RUSH AS SAINTS HIT EIGHT

Striker's hat-trick helps put Galabankies to the sword

- Taylor Murray

St Mirren set up a tasty top-of-the-table clash in the Premier Sports Cup after hat-trick hero Mikael Mandron led the way in a SMISA Stadium goal rush.

The French forward's hat-trick — the first by a Saint in six years — along with a double from Killian Phillips and strikes by Jayden Richardson, Roland Idowu and Richard King earned the Buddies one of their biggest-ever League Cup victories.

Stephen Robinson's men were 3-0 up inside nine minutes on Saturday but a Myles Gaffney brace brought the League Two side back into it.

However, Saints responded in emphatic fashion with four goals in the final eight minutes plus injury time confirming their dominance.

The group winners will be decided live on TV next Sunday when the Buddies host Ayr United, who beat Arbroath and face Forfar Athletic tomorrow night.

Robbo made six changes to the team which edged out Forfar with keeper Ryan Mullen coming in for his debut as Peter Urminsky dropped to the bench.

Scott Tanser, Mark O'Hara, Mandron and Fraser Taylor all came in while Richard King made his full home debut.

Richardson, Oisin Smyth, Idowu, Alex Iacovitti and Declan John were among the substitutes.