Pace-setting Hearts dropped points for only the second time this season and their 2-2 draw in Paisley, coupled with Celtic’s 4-0 home win over Falkirk, cut the gap between the clubs to six points.

Earlier, Hearts were unchanged for the sixth game in a row, head coach, Derek McInnes, feeling the team is in a good place ahead of the game at the SMISA Stadium, but St Mirren are a formidable force on their own pitch.

It was the visitors who threatened first with Claudio Braga firing a left foot shot low. It was saved.

Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis were causing problems down the left but The Buddies broke and Mikael Mandron’s cute flick to Declan John sent the latter down the left. He flighted a ball towards Alexander Schwolow but the German rose to collect.

His opposite number, Shamal Geo

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