LOSS TO SONS IS ALL PART OF THE EVOLUTION OF YOUNG SAINTS

Peter Hartley admitted “naive” defending cost St Mirren’s young guns in their KDM Evolution Trophy opener on Tuesday night.

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But the former Motherwell centre-back, who is the club's head of first-team transition and loan pathways, insists the players will benefit from the experience.

The Buddies ‘B’ team lost 4-2 to League Two Dumbarton at the Marbill Coaches Stadium.

It was their first outing in the new-look competition which has been modelled on UEFA’s European club competitions.

Participating Premiership ‘B’ sides are allowed to field three outfield players and a goalkeeper over the age of 21.

Shot-stopper Ryan Mullen, Jamaican winger Jalmaro Calvin and midfielder Fraser Taylor featured in the starting XI with hot prospect Evan Mooney also getting the nod.

Both Mooney and Taylor got on the scoresheet but Stevie Farrell's Sons emerged with all three points.