Ross County 1-2 St Mirren: Analysis

After losing their last three, County were reliant on their home form giving them a lift before Christmas yet, they rarely looked like winning this one.

Hampered by injuries to Eli Campbell and Alex Samuel, they also had to do without the unwell James Brown and the reshuffle did not work for Don Cowie's side.

That's now four losses in a row - although there are defeats by Rangers and Celtic among them - but it won't help the confidence as they gear up for another relegation battle.

They've got more problems up front. Ronan Hale, the usual dangerman, didn't threaten and that's now just 14 goals in 18 games, the lowest tally in the league.

They've also conceded 35 - only Kilmarnock have conceded as many.

Unable to score and unable to keep a clean sheet is not a recipe for staying up, and Cowie has a real job on his hands.