THE opening-day Championship encounter between these two sides was packed with goals, dismissals and touchline drama as St Mirren ran out 3-1 winners in the Paisley sunshine.

But on a grey afternoon at the Falkirk Stadium yesterday, that August barnstormer only served to make this drab, goalless affair all the more disappointing.

In the intervening time, St Mirren have gone from last year’s relegation escape artists to early title contenders, while Falkirk failed to build on the previous term’s promotion push and dispensed with manager Peter Houston after a horror run.

The new man in charge, Paul Hartley, has yet to see his side win, lose, score or concede during a low-key first 180 minutes in the dugout.

He did, however, feel that his outfit deserved all three points, despite needing a crucial save from Robbie Thomson to secure a draw.

Hartley said: “I thought we were strong, we took the game to St Mirren and were excellent second-half. We’ve had four clean sheets in a row now but it’s just at the other end, finding that composure.

“We’re on the right track, I can see it. There’s nothing won [at this stage of the season]. We’ll go on a run, and I mean that – we’ve got enough quality if we can just find the back of the net.

“We’re getting into areas and snatching at things, it’s something we’ve spoken about. We’ll find it, I have a really good group in there.”

Hartley’s men did just about edge it with Nathan Austin going closest before half-time. The striker latched on to James Craigen’s cross six yards out but headed into the ground and the ball looped over the bar.

Jack Ross’s side were largely restricted to efforts from distance, with Cammy Smith and Lewis Morgan both trying their hand. Smith then bore down on Thomson with seconds remaining but the keeper stood firm to ensure a share of the spoils.

A point keeps St Mirren top of the standings and for Ross the result was indicative of how far they’ve come since flirting with the drop this time last year.

“Nine or 10 months ago we would’ve lost that game,” he said. “We’ve not had many games where we’ve had to be dig things out but we have a stronger belief now.

“We came here as league leaders and we leave as league leaders. I’ll take that for every game between now and the end of the season.”