BUDDIES PUT THEIR CUP FINAL DRIVE IN TOP GEAR

Robbo's men finally get motoring as win over United provides a Hampden boost

- Taylor Murray

St Mirren ended their 70-day wait for a Premiership win to ensure the perfect preparation for Hampden.

A goal in each half from Conor McMenamin and substitute Keanu Baccus sank Dundee United at the SMiSA Stadium on Saturday.

It was the Buddies first league victory since September 27 with an eight-game winless run snapped.

Saints boss Stephen Robinson made three changes to the team which salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw at Aberdeen in midweek.

Declan John, Richard King and McMenamin came in for Scott Tanser, Jayden Richardson and Baccus.

Academy graduate Luke Douglas, 16, was named on the bench after impressing for the Under-19s.

Saints were keen to go into next Sunday's Premier Sports Cup Final with Celtic in positive fashion.

And they almost got off to the perfect start through McMenamin.

The Northern Irish international beat Krisztián Keresztes to the ball and looked favourite to score after taking a lovely touch but United keeper Dave Richards was equal to his effort.