Declan John and Mikael Mandron helped St Mirren record their first Scottish Premiership win of the season at Falkirk.
Stephen Robinson’s side looked on course for a fourth draw of the campaign before a deflected John free-kick and Mandron’s late header put them in position to claim all three points with the 2-1 victory.
Falkirk got one back in the closing stages through substitute Brian Graham, but the visitors held on for a long-awaited triumph.
It was Saints who had the first real opportunity of the game after 23 minutes. John’s cross from the left was met by the head of Jonah Ayunga, but the striker could not direct it on target.
Jayden Richardson then teed up Killian Phillips, who thrashed a shot narrowly over as St Mirren pushed for an opener.
Falkirk responded with a Leon McCann cross which caught St Mirren goalkeeper Shamal George in two minds, allowing Ross MacIver to head towards goal. Miguel Freckleton was on hand to clear the danger.
From the resultant corner, the ball broke for Lewis Neilson, who side-footed his shot high over the crossbar.
The game had belatedly burst into life and from John’s centre, Mark O’Hara stooped for a header comfortably clutched by Scott Bain.
The visitors were forced into a defensive reshuffle late in the first half when Marcus Fraser picked up a knock and had to be replaced by Richard King.
St Mirren’s Mikael Mandron (C) celebrates scoring to make it 2-0 with teammates Jayden Richardson (L) and Killian Phillips
St Mirren had the first chance at the start of the second half. Richardson’s centre was controlled by Mandron but, rather than shooting himself, the striker played the ball back to O’Hara who drilled his effort well over the top.
Falkirk then threatened through Keelan Adams, whose low flashing effort beat George, but also the far post.
It was the visitors, however, who grabbed the lead after 63 minutes. Mandron was tripped 25 yards out by Brad Spencer, who picked up the first booking of the match.
John’s free-kick would likely have been covered by Bain, but it took a sizeable deflection to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and trickle into the net. St Mirren pushed for a second and Bain had to make a smart stop to keep out Phillips’ volley.
Miller’s deflected cross then fell just the wrong side of the far post as Falkirk chased for an equaliser. Instead, they found themselves two goals behind after 81 minutes.
John made space to get the cross in from the left and his centre was glanced in by Mandron. Bain then had to make a smart save to deny McCann from knocking another John centre into his own net.
Graham’s header from McCann’s cross gave Falkirk late hope, but Saints held on.
