"Neither team did enough to win," admitted St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson. "Chances were at a premium but our reaction to their goal was pleasing." Watching his side score then concede in the space of a few minutes was a cause of frustration for Falkirk manager John Hughes. "We're better than that," he stressed. "We've not quite hit the heights. If we play to the standard I know we can, we'll be okay."

St Mirren had managed their first win of the season last weekend against Inverness while Falkirk had scored their first points in the win over Hearts. Premier League life had improved for both teams. This was reflected in the start at Love Street. Neither side lacked confidence, but they were short of craft.

Jim Hamilton's early hook shot threatened a post and a Franco Miranda free-kick resulted in a spinning header from Hamilton that almost paid dividends. Michael Higdon got a talking-to from the referee for a clumsy tackle on Will Haining. A goalmouth scramble needed a vital clearance by Falkirk's Darren Barr.

The visitors were on the front-foot with a great cross from Tam Scobbie and Graham Barrett flung himself at it but the header was wide. Saints replied through Andy Dorman's free-kick with Haining diving to nod just off target. Set-pieces were causing the most problems.

Franco Miranda centred for Billy Mehmet to volley a decent effort and shortly before half time Mark Howard tipped Higdon's bold drive over the bar.

Falkirk took the lead two minutes after the break. Neil McCann was the crosser and Barrett was the finisher with an easy close range header and Howard not doing anything much right.

But it didn't take St Mirren long to recover. Kevin McBride handled the ball in the box and was yellow-carded. Mehmet smacked a convincing spot kick sending the goalie the wrong way.

Rather than jealously guard their lead, Falkirk had simply thrown it away.

Barrett made way for Steve Lovell as Hughes shuffled his forward pack but it was Falkirk doing most of the defending. Hamilton caught the ball on the volley and Howard made a diving catch. It was Hamilton's final contribution as he was replaced by Craig Dargo.

With 15 minutes remaining the game was there for the taking but which side would seize the opportunity? St Mirren looked the more likely at this late stage. Whenever Falkirk caught sight of goal, their strikers fluffed their lines. Home goalscorer Mehmet was removed and Dennis Wyness thrust into frontline action for St Mirren.

A Dorman drive was blocked and his sharp boot denied. Miranda took a head knock and required bandaging. There were three minutes of added time in the sunshine and Falkirk forced a couple of late corners. Neil McCann was neither here nor there with each of his efforts and that was that. St Mirren and Falkirk were deserving of the result. A win would have flattered either.