Connor Ronan strike enough for St Mirren to see off Aberdeen

Connor Ronan’s second-half strike moved St Mirren three points behind opponents Aberdeen.

Ronan curled home from 16 yards in the 61st minute to earn the Buddies a 1-0 victory and put them within one win of the cinch Premiership’s top six.

It was a third victory of 2022 for Jim Goodwin’s side but their first in Paisley since Ronan scored a double against the Dons four months ago.

Ronan’s goal was the bright spot of a game lacking in goalmouth action and Aberdeen never threatened an equaliser.

Jamie McGrath was restored to St Mirren’s starting line-up after missing two games because he had been affected by transfer speculation.

Aberdeen had midfielder Dean Campbell deputising for the injured 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 Alnwick and the Saints number one palmed the ball behind.

The players went down the tunnel to the strains of Orange Juice’s ‘Rip it up and start again’ and the Dons fans were given some encouragement that the game might come alive just after the break.

Scott Brown swept a first-time shot just over from 18 yards before seeing an effort cleared off the line by Charles Dunne after Alnwick missed Campbell’s deep cross.

The game came to life in St Mirren’s first decent attack of the second half.