It should have been a lot more comfortable than 2-0 but St Johnstone were worthy winners in the battle of the Saints, a victory that takes them into seventh in the Premiership.
The Perth men missed TWO second half penalties but thankfully they were already a goal in front and in total control.
David Wotherspoon had put them ahead with a side-foot finish on the hour mark and by that point St Mirren keeper Craig Samson had made two excellent saves to keep out Tony Watt and Matty Kennedy headers.
It was an afternoon to forget for Watt, who missed a sitter early in the second half and also failed with the first of Saints’ two spot-kicks.
The other culprit was Liam Craig, who blasted the ball high into the Ormond Stand.
It didn’t matter in the end as on 83 minutes Kennedy tucked the ball away from close range after a Jason Kerr header was saved by Samson.
Saints are now 10 points clear of the Buddies and 11 points above bottom of the league Dundee.
They will be looking to make it three wins in a row at Livingston in midweek.
