ST MIRREN secured their place in the IRN-BRU Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Ayr United.

Here we give our man by man ratings on Saints' first home win since July.

Scott Gallacher 6

Could do nothing for Ayr’s goal. Other than a good save from Alan Forrest in the first half had little to do.

Jason Naismith 7

A strong defensive showing and he provided an attacking outlet on the right at times.

Jack Baird 7

Coped well with the Ayr attack, never unduly troubled.

Gary MacKenzie 8

St Mirren’s best defender. Read the game well, made important interceptions and won everything in the air.

Gary Irvine 7

The defender has been a model of consistency for Saints this season and once again didn’t put a foot wrong.

Kyle McAllister 8

Saints’ best player in the first half, faded slightly in the second period but it was still an excellent afternoon’s work for the young winger.

Stevie Mallan 8

A creative fulcrum for Saints all afternoon. Took possession in difficult situations and his set-piece delivery caused problems for Ayr.

Kyle Magennis 8

Continues to give an energy in midfield that Saints have lacked this season. Shows a composure on the ball beyond his 18 years. Great run to set up winner.

Lewis Morgan 6

Never stopped trying to make things happen but was extremely well marshalled by Ayr right back Nicky Devlin.

David Clarkson 5

Had little impact on the game playing just behind Sutton.

John Sutton 8

His two goals won Saints the game. First was a brilliantly controlled volley, second a good finish from close range.

Subs

Tom Walsh 5

Left out of the squad completely last week and showed plenty of endeavour to try and force his was into the manager’s plans during his cameo.

Lawrence Shankland 6

Got just over half an hour. Gave plenty of energy, had a goal chalked off and hit the bar.

Jordan Stewart 3

Introduced very late on.

Manager

Jack Ross 8

Any type of win was going to be well received in Paisley given Saints’ predicament but there was plenty for Ross to take from the game beyond the result.

The defence looked solid and were cut open just once for the Ayr goal. The midfield looked quick, dynamic and played with more grit than has been evident throughout most of the season.

Young midfielders Kyle Magennis and Kyle McAllister have responded brilliantly to their manager’s faith in them and Magennis in particular already looks a key part of the team.

Twenty-year-old Stevie Mallan was the eldest midfielder for Saints but easily the most experienced and seemed to thrive on that responsibility.