Stephen Robinson: Win over Dundee could be key by the end of the season

Stephen Robinson believes the 1-0 home win over Dundee could prove hugely significant for St Mirren’s ambitions this season.

Killian Phillips separated the teams by scoring in the 39th minute as the Saints moved up to third in the William Hill Premiership.

The Paisley men struggled to win tight contests in the first half of last season, hampering their bid to qualify for Europe.

They did make the top six for the third season running and are at the outset of making another strong challenge.

Robinson was thrilled at edging a league victory after reaching the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals last week.

The St Mirren boss said: “Dundee were always in the game, credit to them. I’ve seen improvement every week from them.

“These are the games that you look back on at the end of the season.

“When there’s not a lot in it and you go away with three points, that can arguably be the difference between being a top-six side or not.

“We capitalised on a good spell in the game – that’s what good teams do.

“We were in good possession of the ball when we were under pressure.

“Overall, I was pleased and I was delighted with the result. You have to find ways to win football matches.”

Robinson was without Marcus Fraser, captain Mark O’Hara and Keanu Baccus through injury.

Baccus was hurt late in training on Friday and is a concern with a groin injury for the weeks ahead.

“Take those three boys out of any team, you’re going to potentially struggle,” said Robinson.

“But we didn’t. Other players stepped up and did very well.

“I thought the whole back five was very, very good. Miguel Freckleton was outstanding.

“Killian drives everybody, really leads the team – along with others.

“We love him to bits here. You can see the relationship he has with fans and he gets a great goal.”

Dundee manager Steven Pressley felt let down by the lack of quality deliveries at set pieces.

“It was a game where I felt there was little between the sides,” said the Dark Blues boss.

“We had good purpose in the opening 20 minutes then St Mirren got a foothold in the game and were the better side for the rest of the half.

“We did reasonably well in the second half, but my frustration is set-plays.

“Coming here, they are a big factor. St Mirren are very dangerous from them but, equally, we’ve got to be super-effective in the other box.

“We defended them with really good effect but, in an area we worked very hard on, we let ourselves down.

“Trust me on this. They can be the difference between you being a top-six side and being a bottom-six side.

“When we had good opportunities to put them under pressure and be a real threat, we just didn’t deliver properly.”