Connor Ronan nets St Mirren winner as Jamie McGrath returns for Jim Goodwin's side

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Connor Ronan scored the winner for St Mirren as they beat Aberdeen 1-0 in the Scottish Premiership

Ronan (23), who is on loan at the Paisley-based club from Premier League Wolves, curled home from 16 yards in the 61st minute to earn the Buddies a 1-0 victory and put the side within one win of the top six.

It was a third victory of 2022 for Waterford native Jim Goodwin's side but their first at home since Ronan scored a double against the Dons four months ago.

Ronan's goal - his fourth of the league campaign - was the bright spot of a game lacking in goalmouth action and Aberdeen never threatened an equaliser.

It was a night in which Ireland senior international Jamie McGrath was restored to St Mirren's starting line-up after missing two games because he had been affected by transfer speculation.

Speaking about the former Dundalk and St Patrick's Athletic midfielder on Monday, Goodwin had said, "All the noise about whether (McGrath) is or isn't moving was affecting him and we have had a chat and I have asked him to try to put all that to the back of his mind."

Aberdeen had midfielder Dean Campbell deputising for the injured four-time Ireland cap Jonny Hayes at left-back.

The hosts started well and Marcus Fraser and Greg Kiltie threatened but neither could hit the target.

Aberdeen improved in possession but could not make any inroads in the final third.

Lewis Ferguson did come close for the visitors from long range when space opened up for the midfielder to drive forward. He unleashed a left-footed strike from 25 yards which curled just away from the top corner.

The only time a goalkeeper was called into meaningful first-half action was when Calvin Ramsay's cross was too close to Jak