Stephen Robinson staying positive despite St Mirren’s first loss in five

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson is refusing to be too downbeat despite seeing his side’s recent unbeaten run come to an end against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.

The Buddies had won three and drawn one of their previous four games before playing the Terrors.

It looked like St Mirren would secure at least a draw in Dundee but the game turned on its head in the 79th minute when Kevin Holt scored a penalty for the home side.

The Buddies then had Marcus Fraser controversially sent off after conceding another spot-kick and although Holt failed to convert this one, fellow defender Emmanuel Adegboyega popped up seconds later to seal a 2-0 win for United.

However, Robinson was determined to remain positive.

He said: “We have played a lot worse than that and have picked up points.

“We only had one shot on target, which is a disappointment, but I have to credit Dundee United because they defended their box really well.

“Their centre-halves were outstanding in terms of dealing with the balls we put into the area.

“When you win everything isn’t brilliant and when you lose everything isn’t rubbish – despite that being the world we live in at the moment.”

St Mirren delivered 35 crosses during the game but United boss Jim Goodwin insisted his side created the better chances.

Goodwin said: “St Mirren have good quality in the wing-back areas and they look to get the ball into your box at every opportunity.

“But I think when you look at the chances created in the game we probably had the best clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

“Sam Dalby had a good one in the first half and Will Ferry crashed the bottom of the goal post.

“We made their keeper make a few saves in the second half and I don’t think (United keeper) Jack Walton has had a great deal to do in terms of saves.”

While delighted with the defensive effort, Goodwin was also pleased to see Holt make his mark in attack.

He added: “We encourage the centre-backs to join in and take part when the ball goes forward to become that extra man in midfield.

“Kevin was actually really unlucky with a cutback from Glenn Middleton on the edge of the box which just went past the post.

“But yes, Kev stepped up and slotted home the first penalty really well.

“The second one, in hindsight we probably could have given that to Louis Moult. I am glad it hasn’t cost us.

“It was a game where we had to roll our sleeves up. We know we can play better but it is a huge three points.”