Ross County . . .0 St Mirren . . . .2
Kean 16 , Sutton 63
TONY Bullock tormented his former club Ross County with four superb saves to lay the foundations of a crucial St Mirren win in the Highlands.
Stewart Kean and John Sutton did the rest with goals in this fine display from the First Division champions, who can now clinch their place in the Premierleague next week at home to Dundee.
In the process, managerless Ross County were consigned to their first league defeat in 15 games - a proud record stretching back to December 17.
But though St Johnstone's win kept the champagne on ice for another week, a commendably big Paisley support left the far north in jubilant mood. The 1500-strong Paisley support had crammed into Victoria Park, but Gus MacPherson's side were initially a touch hesitant on the ball.
But Bullock's first telling save - in the second minute, from Alex Burke - seemed to settle them down.
After 16 minutes, a poor Mark McCulloch pass allowed Simon Lappin to dink the ball into the box for Stewart Kean. And the Saints striker was completely unmarked as he dived to angle a header past County's Ian McCaldon from 10 yards.
Three minutes later it might have been when Kean smacked the top of the bar from eight yards.
At the break, injury to Ian McCaldon forced Ross to introduce young goalkeeper Joe Malin for the second half.
It was a test of nerve for the County teenager in front of the packed and noisy away end, but Malin passed the test with flying colours, getting his angles right for a fine block as Kean tore through and drove at goal.
But St Mirren's big support were already singing of Premierleague football when their second hit the net after 63 minutes. On-loan Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam found a route to the by-line on the left side and, from a few yards out, the towering figure of John Sutton powered home a far post header.
County looked demoralised in the final quarter of the match, and even the introduction of striker David Winters for a tiring Alex Burke failed to lift their spirits.
Man of the match: Bullock Ross County: McCaldon (Malin 46);
Cowan, Webb, Lauchlan, Djebi-Zadi 8;
Cowie, McCulloch (Anderson 84), Rankin, McKinlay; Burke (Winters 68), Higgins.
Subs not used: MacDonald, Tiernan.
St Mirren: Bullock; Potter, McGowne, Broadfoot (Reid 9, ); Van Zanten, Murray (Anderson 88), Millen, Adam, Lappin;
Sutton (Mehmet 85), Kean. Subs not used: Smith, Reilly.
Referee: E Smith. Att: 3,588.
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