10-man Aberdeen slipped to fourth in the Premiership table after drawing 1-1 at St Mirren on Saturday.
The Dons welcomed back both Lewis Ferguson and Ross McCrorie in Paisley but the Buddies took confidence into the game after last weekend’s League Cup victory and they had by far the better of the opening stages.
Jim Goodwin’s men started well. (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Dylan Connolly caused all sorts of problems down the right flank and with runs in behind, while Ilkay Durmus forced Joe Lewis into smart saves from a long-range effort and a well-struck volley.
Derek McInnes’ men had created next to nothing, but it was they who took the lead in the 37th minute. Matty Kennedy did brilliantly on the left wing and his cross picked out Jonny Hayes at the back post, who headed into the top right corner.
St Mirren were given a route back into the game on the stroke of half-time, though, when Tommy Hoban handled in the area. Jamie McGrath stepped up and sent Lewis the wrong way from the spot to notch his second consecutive goal against the Dons.
Aberdeen started the second period with more intent but the dynamic soon shifted again, when Ferguson was sent off for a second bookable offence after pulling back Jon Obika on halfway.
Ferguson was sent off for Aberdeen against St Mirren. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The hosts pushed for a winner thereafter, with vociferous appeals for a second penalty waved away, before Durmus could only muster a tame effort when presented with a clear opening.
Both sides had chances to win it in the closing stages but tidy work from both keepers and a goal-line clearance from a Lee Erwin shot in injury time ensured the points were shared.