Stockport County 0-1 St Mirren: Grainger signs on

ST MIRREN won on and off the pitch on Saturday as the Paisley side defeated hosts Stockport County 1-0 and ­manager Danny Lennon completed the signing of former Hearts defender Danny Grainger on a one-year deal.

Scorer: St Mirren - Harkins (86)

After losing the Renfrewshire Cup Final 4-2 to Morton last Saturday and going down to Queen of the South by the same score in midweek, the success against the Conference North side was much-needed for Lennon’s men.

Steven Thompson, John McGinn and Thomas Reilly all passed up opportunites before Gary Harkins netted a late winner, with the summer signing from Dundee perfectly placed to control a knock-down from Thompson and net from eight yards.

Lennon said: “Stockport had a bit of the play in the second half and Darren McGregor made a great challenge to deny them a goal but ­overall we were in charge. Hopefully we can show a more ruthless side once the league games start.Gary took his goal well and will be a big player for us.”

Lennon has been impressed with Grainger, who trained with the Buddies last week prior to signing. “Danny is a top-drawer defender and we are delighted to bring him to the club,” he said.