BRILLIANT BUDDIES SPARK A PARTY IN PAISLEY

Mandron helps seal memorable win as Robinson and Co book Hampden return

- Colin Paterson

It truly was All Saints Day as Mikael Mandron starred on Scottish football's biggest stage to send his Buddies into a first League Cup Final in over 12 years.

The French-born forward - who is eligible to play for Scotland - marked his 100th appearance for St Mirren with a deadly double to sink Motherwell at Hampden.

He had the first say and last word as Stephen Robinson's men delivered in style to set up a silverware showdown with Celtic next month.

Dan Nlundulu put Saints 2-0 up and, while Callum Hendry pulled one back, goals from Richard King and Mandron set the seal on an incredible performance.

Both sets of supporters produced tifo displays that were as stunning as they were inspiring when the teams stepped into Saturday night's bright lights.

'All Saints Day - Faith Over Fear' was the message from the black-and-white army.

Lumps in the throat and butterflies in the tummy, it was time for the Buddies to invoke the spirit of 2013.

It was the Steelmen who settled quicker, starting stronger, as they dominated possession and territory.