Harambee Stars striker Jonah Ayunga came on in the 57th minute as St Mirren staged a spirited comeback to defeat Falkirk 2-1 in a Scottish Premiership match played on Saturday, securing a vital away victory and maximum points heading into the international break.
St Mirren showed resilience and determination on the road, overturning an early deficit to register their first William Hill Premiership away win since September.
Goals from Miguel Freckleton and Liam Donnelly ensured the Buddies walked away with all three points in a hard-fought encounter that tested their defensive discipline and attacking resolve.
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St Mirren rally to edge Falkirk in Scottish Premiership clash
The hosts Falkirk started the match with intent and took the lead early after capitalizing on a defensive error. Miguel Freckleton’s attempted back pass was intercepted by Dylan Tait, who quickly fed Barney Stewart.
The in-form forward made no mistake, firing past goalkeeper Shamal George to give Falkirk the advantage and put St Mirren under early pressure.
However, Freckleton quickly redeemed himself just three minutes later by rising highest to meet Scott Tanser’s corner and heading home the equalizer to bring St Mirren back into the game. The goal restored confidence in the visitors, who gradually settled and began to control possession in midfield.
Falkirk pushed hard before halftime and nearly regained the lead on two occasions, with Calvin Miller and Stewart both coming close, but St Mirren’s defense held firm to keep the scores level heading into the break.
After the restart, Falkirk continued to press, but St Mirren showed great composure and eventually found the winning goal through Liam Donnelly.
Captain Mark O’Hara delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box, and Donnelly met it perfectly with a powerful header into the far corner to give the Buddies a 2-1 lead and complete the turnaround.
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Jonah Ayunga was introduced in the 57th minute to add energy to the attack and nearly made an instant impact.
The Kenyan striker came close to scoring after cutting in from the right-hand side, but Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain reacted quickly to deny him at the near post. Ayunga’s presence helped St Mirren maintain attacking pressure and stretch Falkirk’s defense in the closing stages of the match.
Falkirk pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but goalkeeper Shamal George produced a crucial save in the 82nd minute to deny Filip Lissah, while a last-ditch defensive effort from Alexandros Gogic prevented Barney Stewart from going through on goal.
St Mirren remained organized at the back and successfully saw out the match to secure a crucial victory.
The win provides a timely boost for St Mirren as they head into the international break with renewed confidence.
