PENALTIES PROVIDE A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR ROBBO

Shoot-out win gives Saints huge lift after dreadful run

- Taylor Murray

St Mirren had all the answers after being put on the spot to progress in the Scottish Cup.

Roland Idowu fired the Buddies into the lead at the Home of the Set Fare Arena on Saturday but Scott Arfield levelled things up.

That was it in regulation with no breakthrough in extra-time sending this fourth-round tie to penalties.

Malik Dijksteel maintained his 100 per cent shootout record to win it for Saints with keeper Shamal George again doing his bit with a key save from Tete Yengi.

Paisley boss Stephen Robinson had laid it on the line after Wednesday night's 2-0 Premiership defeat to Hearts with the black-and-white army demanding a response.

And the opening goal arrived after just four minutes.

A brilliant ball from Killian Phillips found Jayden Richardson who drilled a pass across the face of the goal for Idowu who stroked home at the back post.

However, despite the fast start, Livi equalised in the 11th minute following a well-worked move.