Pressure? What pressure?
Livingston manager David Martindale is a master of the press room and knew exactly what he was trying to do when he said last Saturday’s clash was more of a must win for the Buddies than his Lions in the build-up to the game.
But the only pressure in the opening 45 minutes of the match was on Livi’s goal.
Martindale’s mind games appeared to have the opposite effect, with St Mirren totally dominant in the first half and taking a healthy three-goal advantage into the break.
Make no mistake, there was a huge amount of pressure on the Saints as they looked to bounce straight back into the top-six with just three games remaining to the split.
But Stephen Robinson’s side played with a confidence and assuredness that was far better than desperation to claim all three points at any cost.
Yes, VAR certainly lent a helping hand (literally), but the chances came because St Mirren were camped in the Livingston half – putting huge pressure on the visitors and forcing them into mistakes.
The Paisley side knew keeping all three points at the SMiSA was crucial to their hopes of finishing in the top half this season and they stuck to their task with aplomb in the second 45, with Livi rarely looking like they were capable of mounting a serious comeback.
Talking about pressure, one man who is certainly feeling the heat right now is Hearts boss Robbie Neilson.
After four consecutive defeats, the Jambos healthy lead in third place has been eroded down to just a single point.
While the Edinburgh side’s home form has been impressive this season, this is surely one of the most significant games for Neilson as he aims to shoot down the doubters and keep his job.
St Mirren can certainly capitalise on that pressure at Tynecastle. While undoubtedly one of the best stadiums in the country, the Gorgie ground can quickly turn sour if things are going against the home team.
If the Buddies can get off to a positive start tomorrow afternoon, the atmosphere will very quickly turn on Neilson and his men - something Robinson and his staff will be acutely aware of as they plan to pull off a second crucial win on the spin.
With a very difficult trip to Ibrox to follow, St Mirren know beating Hearts tomorrow could play a huge part in maintaining their spot in the top-six.
And a Saints player that could prove crucial to that task is striker Tony Watt.
The former Celtic forward’s talent has rarely been in doubt wherever he’s plied his trade. His attitude however has been called into question.
Robinson has been one of the best managers in terms of drilling the best out of the enigmatic frontman.
After a unimpressive loan spell with Hearts back in 2016, I certainly wouldn’t put it past the 29-year-old to shine on his old stomping ground and show what he’s still got in his locker.
Particularly after breaking his duck against Livingston, showing all the calmness we know he’s got when in the box to slot home his first goal.
Alongside Curtis Main, the pair can be a real handful and cause Hearts’ jittery back line plenty of problems.
There’s no denying that Hearts home form has been superb and St Mirren’s away form, up until now, hasn’t been anywhere as near as strong.
But with an expectant home crowd waiting to pounce on their own side if something goes awry, there’s every chance the Buddies can pounce and capitalise on that pressure in Gorgie tomorrow afternoon.
Bringing three points back to Paisley would certainly go a very long way towards achieving that top-six goal the Saints are craving.
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