Decisive figure's set-piece header carries St Mirren past Falkirk | OneFootball

Liam Donnelly settled the contest in the 63rd minute with a towering header, as St Mirren beat Falkirk 2-1.

Before half-time the defender imposed himself at the back, stepping in front of runners and dealing cleanly with crosses as the Bairns looked for early territory.

His breakthrough came from a dead ball. Attacking Mark O'Hara's whipped free-kick, Donnelly guided a precise header into the top left corner (63.).

The numbers underlined a commanding display: nine clearances, six interceptions and two tackles won from two, plus 23 accurate passes from 30 attempts. His only effort on target was the match-winner.

Because St Mirren kept compact distances and won first contacts, Donnelly could read second balls and, at the other end, attack a premium set-piece lane that Falkirk left open.

St Mirren host Aberdeen next. The Bairns visit Motherwell.