Billy O'Brien 7

After a shaky showing last week produced a solid display. Nade's header was close to him but from six yards out it would be harsh to say he should've saved it.

Gary Irvine 5

His use of the ball was poor throughout. Didn't react quickly enough to prevent Thomson turning and finishing at the second goal.

Harry Davis 7

A solid enough debut. Lost Nade for the first Sons goal but made amends with a good headed goal at the other end.

Gary MacKenzie 7

Dominant in the air as ever. Dealt with the physical threat posed by Nade well.

Adam Eckersley 6

A decent enough showing on his debut. Noticeably feeling the pace late on and was subbed.

Craig Storie 8

Covered a lot of ground in a fine combative display. Made a number of good interceptions and started attacks well.

Kyle Magennis 7

He has been out of sorts in recent weeks but this was a return to the form he showed when he first broke into the team.

Stephen McGinn 7

The new club captain improved as the game wore on. His composure in midfield will be crucial for Saints if they are to avoid the drop.

Cammy Smith 8

Another eye-catching display from the winger. Seems to have settled in quickly, set up the first goal with a great cross and proved a constant threat to Sons.

Lewis Morgan 7

Plenty of endeavour from the winger, just lacking the final product he was able to come up with regularly in the early part of the season.

David Clarkson 7

Chased plenty of lost causes and scored a good goal.

Subs

Josh Todd 5

Struggled to make an impact as the game became frantic late on.

John Sutton 5

Again didn't have much to go on during his cameo but put in plenty of effort.

Stelios Demetriou 5

Showed some good touches.

Manager

Jack Ross 7

There was positives to take for the St Mirren manager in the team's display, but he knows more than anyone results have to improve quickly or there will be no way back for Saints.

When you are seven points adrift at the bottom of the Championship and take the lead twice at a part-time side only a win will suffice.

Slack defending cost Saints again and Ross will have to make the Buds more solid at the back with haste.

He has the unenviable task of trying to integrate 10 new players into the squad while doing that, he wanted that turnover of players but it doesn't make it any easier to pull off.

New arrivals Cammy Smith, Stephen McGinn and Craig Storie were particularly impressive while no one at the game could argue any of the squad aren't pulling for the manager or the club.

The two upcoming cup games may be a blessing to give Ross time to assess his signings and work on the fitness of some, ahead of a trip to nearest rivals Ayr United which could go a long way to deciding Saints' relegation fate.