St Mirren back with a bang as vital victory over Dundee United ends winless run

dailyrecord.co.uk:

St Mirren sealed a much-needed first win in 12 matches after making the perfect return to action after the winter break.The Buddies blew off the cobwebs early as youngster Jay Henderson fired the hosts deservedly in front, putting the finishing touch on a lovely one-pass move with a fierce strike into the top right corner.And Eamonn Brophy doubled their lead on the hour mark, tapping home at the back post to mark his return from a hamstring injury with a bang.The Terrors threatened a comeback when Alan Power turned Kieran Freeman’s cross into his own net from close-range.But the Buddies held firm to seal a vital first three points since mid-October, returning from the interval in style ahead of a trip to face Ayr United in the Scottish Cup this weekend.There was a worrying sign for St Mirren fans when the team lines were announced with star man Jamie McGrath a very notable absentee.The Ireland international has been heavily linked with Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic this week, with the playmaker’s future looking increasingly to lie away from Paisley.On a more positive not there was a substitute spot for new signing Alex Greive, who found himself on the bench after sealing his switch yesterday afternoon.It was set to be up to Kristian Dennis to lead the line for the Buddies at Tannadice, but the striker pulled up in the warm-up meaningBrophy found himself thrust back into the thick of the action from the start after recovering from a minor hamstring tear over the winter break.New Dundee United addition Tony Watt had to make do with a spot on the bench after completing his move to Tannadice, with Marc McNulty up front for the hosts.Saints youngster Jay Henderson found himself restored to the right flank after