St Mirren’s pre-season trip to Belfast ended with a flourish after beating NIFL Premiership champions Linfield.
The Buddies were backed by a strong contingent of travelling fans who made the short trip over to Northern Ireland for the clash.
After beating Crusaders 3-0 in their opening fixture of the training camp, it took just 90 seconds for the Paisley club to take the lead on Saturday afternoon.
New Zealand international Alex Greive was on hand to knock Jonah Ayunga’s cross into the net from close-range.
Linfield loanee Daniel Finlayson levelled for the home side on 19 minutes, scoring against his parent club just weeks after making the temporary switch to the Belfast side.
The defender slotted home well after being teed up by Stephen Fallon.
St Mirren re-took the lead on 37 minutes though when the impressive Ayunga smashed home a superb strike from just inside the area that left the home keeper no chance.
The English summer recruit could have notched his second three minutes later when he sent a free header over from close-range, before also squandering a second half chance that would have put the game to bed.
Saints keeper Trevor Carson made an important save in the dying minutes to deny Chris McKee and ensure Stephen Robinson’s side would return to Scotland with two wins in the bag.
St Mirren were expecting to face Paul Hartley’s Hartlepool United tomorrow evening in their first home pre-season fixture.
That clash was surprisingly called off, with the English side citing “unforeseen circumstances” as the cause.
The Buddies moved quickly to arrange another opponent, with English League Two side Northampton Town now travelling to Paisley for tomorrow evening's friendly.
A Saints spokesperson said: "St Mirren will face Northampton Town at the SMiSA Stadium on Tuesday night following the cancellation of our match against Hartlepool United.
"Tickets for the original Hartlepool match will be valid for Tuesday's match against the Cobblers, though anyone that would prefer a refund for the Hartlepool fixture can get one by contacting the ticket office.
"We would like to thank Northampton Town for taking on this match at such short notice as our preparations for the new season continue. "
