MANDRON WRAPS UP WIN AS CUP HANGOVER IS AVOIDED

Striker delivers perfect Christmas present as goal ensures season of goodwill goes on

- Colin Paterson

Supersub Mikael Mandron popped up to deliver the Christmas present of a third straight victory for League Cup winners St Mirren.

The French-born forward took his tally to 10 goals for the campaign with a festive fancy which saw off rock-bottom Livingston at the SMISA Stadium on Saturday.

There was no cup hangover following the famous triumph over Celtic last weekend as Stephen Robinson's men dominated this contest throughout.

Incredibly, Saints had a seventh goal ruled out in 11 games by VAR after Hampden hero Jonah Ayunga found the back of the net early in the second half.

However, the black-and-white army's frustration was eased by Mandron as the Buddies extended their unbeaten run to four games while putting more daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.

There was one change to Saints' cup-winning starting lineup as Australian midfielder Keanu Baccus dropped out due to a long-term hamstring injury with Roland Idowu recalled.