Inside St Mirren's soaring Livingston win as Paisley unites behind Stephen Robinson's achievers

St Mirren fired themselves into fifth place with a convincing victory over Livingston in Paisley - after VAR gave them not one but two first half penalties. Mark O’Hara converted both spot kicks either side of a Tony Watt strike and other scores elsewhere went in their favour much to the delight of gaffer Stephen Robinson. Incredibly after 15 seconds there was a lengthy VAR check for a penalty to the hosts after a possible Fitzwater handball. Ref John Beaton was then called across to look himself and awarded the spot kick, which was duly tucked away by O’Hara to give St Mirren the perfect start. Livi never recovered that poor beginning and it was 2-0 before the 20 minute mark, this time Watt cooly side stepped Shamal George in goal to roll home after being found by Curtis Main In the box for his first Buddies goal.

Then a second VAR check and a second St Mirren penalty for another handball, again slammed home by O’Hara for 3-0. There was even time for a fourth to be correctly ruled out after Main had the ball in the net but Douglas Ross put his flag up. Livi then had VAR check in stoppage time, of which there was seven minutes, but nothing was given.

A frustrated David Martindale - who brought on Christian Montano and Stephane Omeonga on for James Penrice and Jason Holt at the break - saw his side nearly get an early goal back first through Montano and then Nicky Devlin. VAR would then deny Stephen Kelly - another Livi sub for Scott Pittman - a penalty after he fell down in the box. Kelly would also bring an extended save from Trevor Carson as St Mirren kept a clean sheet for the 3-0 win.

Here’s 3 talking points from Paisley.

Stephen Robinson was never going to totally write off or celebrate their team’s top six