Hello and welcome to your bespoke St Mirren newsletter by David Irvine as Jim Goodwin returns to Paisley...

Aberdeen win was somewhat expected - Dundee United is real St Mirren test

St Mirren's victory over Aberdeen was of little surprise given the remarkable unbeaten run over the Pittodrie club when in Paisley.

If any side were to end Aberdeen's run in the league this season, then it simply ought to be St Mirren. And thanks to Toyosi Olusanya and Richard Taylor that was the case.

The victory takes St Mirren to 10 points from the last 12 up for grabs and appears to suggest a real shift in momentum in recent weeks.

This weekend, though, will perhaps be a more accurate representation of where the St Mirren squad are with Dundee United having proven themselves as tricky customers this season.

Jim Goodwin's men always have two wins over St Mirren this season - one in the league and one in the cup.

More concerning was the standard of performance from St Mirren both at Tannadice in the Premier Sports Cup and in the defeat in Paisley.

If things truly have changed for St Mirren and the season is now heading towards being another successful one then a much-improved display is required.

There is no reason to expect otherwise with Stephen Robinson's side looking seriously sharp.

Goodwin, though, boasts a decent record against St Mirren, only suffering defeat twice - once as Alloa boss and once at Aberdeen.

When at the helm at Dundee United, Goodwin is unbeaten. Two wins and one draw.

It's not brilliant reading, especially after the stats against Aberdeen were backed up last weekend with another triumph.

However, St Mirren undoubtedly have enough quality to cause United problems and take something.

The Paisley Saints have found some form, it's now about continuing it in the City of Discovery.

AND ANOTHER THING

St Mirren under-18s advanced to the quarter-final of the Scottish Youth Cup with victory over Hearts earlier this week.

Evan Mooney - who made his first-team debut at Tynecastle - scored a hat-trick in another impressive outing for the teenager.

It's little wonder Stephen Robinson has the 16-year-old amongst the first-team at Ralston.

Speaking last month, Stephen McGinn said of the winger: "Ultimately we don't want to have them, if we lose Evan to the first team then great.

Evan obviously made his debut at 16 years old, we are really proud of him at the academy, he works hard and he gave, apart from obviously the scoreline wasn't ideal, but he gave everyone at the academy, the boys on Sunday were so buzzing to see him and hopefully it's not, he goes on to have a real good St Mirren career.

"The manager and Keith [Lasley], great, they're both very proactive to get the games here, they come and support, they keep a keen eye on the boys and it's just a reminder that they are competing, Evan getting an appearance, they are competing with the first team for places and the manager will put them in.

"We're really proud of Evan, we're delighted for him, it just shows you the level he's at that he's able to make his Premier League debut at 16."

AND FINALLY

Peter Urminsky's contract extension at St Mirren has been confirmed.

The goalkeeper has penned a new deal until at least the summer of 2027.

The big Slovakian is viewed as a real contender to take on the No1 shirt next season while in contention to displace Ellery Balcombe this term.

"We believe Peter is a really good young goalkeeper," said Stephen Robinson.

"Our challenge now is that we need to get him experience. He's pushed Ellery [Balcombe] all the way this season and now we're looking to get him game time, whether that's in our first-team or a loan option, because we believe at the start of next season he's a real viable option of being our number one.

"We want to develop him but we also feel he is very close to being a first-team starter. We believe he's got a big future in the game.

"Credit to Jamie Langfield, he found him and has developed him. Peter's confidence has grown naturally as he's trained with the first-team and we believe he has all the attributes to be a top class goalkeeper."