THE euphoria of victory over Rangers carried St Mirren to another victory yesterday as they consigned Hamilton to their fourth straight defeat in an enthralling New Douglas Park clash.

Franco Miranda's opener and a Billy Mehmet goal handed St Mirren their first win in Hamilton since 1988, with Jack Ross's own goal proving to be little more than a consolation for Accies.

St Mirren now move two points clear of their hosts, who now have to rediscover their early season form to consolidate their position in the SPL.

On their day, Hamilton are a joy to watch and they have been a refreshing addition to the SPL, but they now have to dig deep to stay here.

The fact that St Mirren managed to cause Accies so much damage without the need to start with their man of the moment, Stephen McGinn, will make it more alarming for the Lanarkshire men.

He may have been the toast of Love Street with a vintage strike in their first win over Rangers in two decades last time St Mirren played, but yesterday he found himself consigned to the bench.

His omission should come as no surprise to many, though, as Saints manager Gus MacPherson prides himself on a solid, consistent line-up. That policy has kept Saints in the top flight for the past three seasons and it served them so well early on yesterday.

For long spells the Paisley side found themselves pinned back by their hosts with a swirling wind engulfing New Douglas Park and making life difficult for the keepers.

Former Saints star Mark Corcoran almost took full advantage of the conditions in four minutes as his swerving, dipping corner evaded everyone – except Buddies keeper Mark Howard who punched clear.

Richard Offiong then came close for Accies as he met a David Graham cross only to head over from six yards.

However, St Mirren were clinical in their first attempt on goal as Steven Robb powered forward before playing a perfectly weighted pass to Franco Miranda. He finished with style, his 18-yard strike beating Tomas Cerny.

The joy, though, was short-lived as Corcoran sent in another curling 25-yard free-kick that took the faintest of touches off St Mirren defender Jack Ross en-route to goal.

There was drama at almost every turn, none more so than in 32 minutes when St Mirren were awarded a debatable penalty.

Robb skipped into the box and was pushed over by Simon Mensing. Referee David Somers appeared to ignore the claim at first only for stand side assistant referee Brian McGarry to insist on the award.

Billy Mehmet stepped up to take the spot-kick but Cerny saved well and plucked the striker's headed rebound out of the air.

Mehmet did, though, play a significant role as Saints regained their lead on 40 minutes. Hugh Murray headed on a Miranda cross and with Mehmet nodding over Cerny, Chris Swailes could only help the ball into the net.

If that wasn't enough excitement for the first period, we had one further talking point as the sprinklers came on mid-game, causing Cerny to embarrassingly slip 25 yards from his own goal.

Accies boss Billy Reid threw caution to the wind by chucking on forwards Lucas Akins and Stephen Ettien, but despite enjoying long spells of possession, they couldn't find a way past Howard and St Mirren held on for a precious win.