Jon Obika leads late St Mirren blitz to deny Partick Thistle a Betfred Cup point

St Mirren opened their Betfred Cup Group G campaign with a 4-1 vIctory over Partick Thistle.

Richard Tait, Jon Obika, a Reece Breen own goal and Dylan Connolly all got in on the act in Paisley.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing with Glasgow side making plenty of chances and drawing level through Blair Spittal midway through the second half.

There was only one change for Jim Goodwin ’s men with Tait replacing the Ireland under-21 international Conor McCarthy.

Meanwhile, McCall’s side were playing their first competitive fixture in over six months as they get ready for life in the third tier, with latest signing Spittal on the bench.

And it was the visitors with two glorious opportunities in the first 15 minutes.

Gordon Shea broke clear but was denied by Jack Alnwick, before Brian Graham’s goal-bound effort was cleared by Marcus Fraser.

(SNS Group)

Saints once again looked vulnerable on 35 minutes as Tait was forced to make a brilliant recovery challenge while Erwin’s effort was deflected wide at the other end two minutes later.

Then, largely, against the run of play, Tait met Jamie McGrath’s stoppage time corner to put the hosts ahead at the break.

Graham’s cross should have turned home for the equaliser early in the second period but it just evaded Gordon and Murray should have buried a free header.

Thistle did deservedly get on level terms as sub Spittal’s low drive beat Alnwick with 25 minutes remaining.

But the Buddies would get three goals in a rapid-fire blitz in the final 15 minutes.

Obika’s clinical third goal of the campaign put the hosts ahead, before Breen turned into his own net and Connolly’s first time finish sealed St Mirren 's victory.

Full Betfred Cup results

Hibs 3 Brora Rangers 1

Airdrie 0 Alloa 2

Kelty Hearts 1 St Johnstone 2

Brechin 2 Dundee United 6

Montrose 3 Ross County 3 (County win 5-4 on pens)