St Mirren failed to end their title-winning season on a high on Saturday as they lost 1-0 to Falkirk for the second time in 11 days.

Bairns substitute Ryan Blair’s late effort was the difference between the sides as the Buddies lost their third game out of the past five, but still finished 12 points clear of runners-up Livingston.

Before the game, Falkirk technical director and former Saints manager Alex Smith, who led the club to their 1987 Scottish Cup win, received a standing ovation from both sets of fans on his retirement from the game.

St Mirren started the game well and with confidence. Stelios Demetriou let rip with a cracking 20-yard shot early on, which was deflected behind by Falkirk keeper Robbie Mutch.

The full-back’s effort was the best chance that fell to either side during the half.

The second-half was a slightly livelier affair, however, and the home side had a great chance to fire themselves ahead after several minutes, as Craig Sibbald struck an excellent volley, only to be denied by a Craig Samson wonder save.

Several good chances then fell to the Buddies as they seemed to edge closer to a goal, with the best opportunity coming six minutes from time with Morgan through.

His effort was blocked and Saints were left to rue earlier missed opportunities as Blair’s superb strike gave Falkirk the win.

While, the Buddies may not have ended the season on the high they would have liked, there was still some joy to come for manager Jack Ross, who picked up the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year Award on Sunday night ahead of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, Hibernian boss Neil Lennon, and Kilmarnock’s Steve Clarke.

He said: “I’m proud. I’m surprised to win the award given the calibre of the other nominees and what they’ve achieved, not only this season but in the game in general.

“I was just delighted to be nominated in that company, but to receive it is a tremendous honour, particularly when it’s voted on by managers throughout the country as well.”