Nicky Clark netted a stunning, stunning overhead kick in the final minute of stoppage time to save St Johnstone a point.
The experienced forward showed remarkable skill and technique to send the travelling support of 473 wild before the full-time whistle sounded moments later.
The Perth Saints had taken the lead from the spot through Graham Carey before Greg Kiltie levelled for the hosts as the half-time whistle approached.
Centre-half Alex Mitchell was later dismissed - after a VAR check - to hand the momentum to the Buddies and they nudged in front thanks to a Mark O’Hara screamer with time running short.
That looked to be that but alert Clark was the hero with his acrobatic wonder goal from Ali Crawford’s cross.
Remi Matthews had recovered from a slight hip problem to take his place between the posts, but the same central defensive three who coped admirably with Rangers - Ryan McGowan, Mitchell and Andy Considine - kept their place.
Goal hero James Brown switched to left wing-back to pave the way for Drey Wright to take on the right-sided role.
Melker Hallberg, Carey and Jamie Murphy patrolled the middle of the park, with Nicky Clark and Connor McLennan deployed up top.
McLennan went close with a glancing header in the opening minutes and, even earlier, Carey pinged a left-footed strike from a well-worked corner towards goal. It was on target but blocked.
Saints had started strongly although Matthews needed to pull off a very smart stop to deny a 13th minute Curtis Main effort from the edge of the box.
Main fancied his chances again not long after and, while his strike had the required power, the ball was never dropping low enough to trouble the net.
A 24th minute home corner then swung towards the box, wind-assisted, which Clark nodded narrowly over his own crossbar. There was certainly a slight sigh of relief .
St Mirren players were holding their breath on the half hour mark when referee Euan Anderson was called over to the VAR monitor for a potential handball from Scott Tanser.
After a lengthy discussion, then check, a penalty was awarded and expertly dispatched low into the corner by Carey.
Just shy of the half-time whistle, however, the Buddies were level when the ball dropped for Kiltie on the edge. He made no mistake in finding the bottom corner.
The rain continued to fall and wind swirl as the teams returned for the start of the second half. Closest for Saints after the break was Clark’s header which flashed wide of the post.
VAR was called back into action just after the hour mark to decide the fate of Mitchell, who was initially shown yellow for a challenge on Kiltie. It was soon upgraded to a straight red.
Liam Gordon was immediately called from the bench and replaced McLennan then, shortly after, Crawford was on for Murphy.
Saints were dealing with the added pressure well but could only watch as O’Hara fired a long-range effort into the top corner on 81 minutes.
World Cup-hopeful David Wotherspoon was sent on alongside Theo Bair as the Perth men attempted to stage a late revival. It looked like the bus was heading home with defeat.
But one final ball arrived in the box - a lovely cross from Crawford - for Clark to send a beautiful overhead kick into the back of the net.
