Robinson hails 'maverick' Idowu and goalscorer Phillips

St Mirren Clinch Top Spot with Phillips' Brace

Idowu and Phillips Shine in 2-1 Victory Over Ayr United

St Mirren secured top spot in Premier Sports Cup Group D and a place in the last 16 after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ayr United.

Two goals from Killian Phillips, set up by "maverick" Roland Idowu, proved decisive for the Buddies at Somerset Park. Manager Stephen Robinson praised both players following the victory.

"Roland, we played him just off [striker] Mikael [Mandron] and told him to float into those wider areas where the goal came from because it's very congested in the middle of the pitch," Robinson explained to BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "He was excellent. He was involved in both goals. He's a maverick, he's someone who can change the game for us and he's someone we're trying to bring into the game."

Robinson also highlighted Phillips' contributions after his permanent transfer from Crystal Palace.

"We have worked constantly on cutting balls back and making runs and Killian is getting his just rewards and he's adding goals to the other good attributes he's got," Robinson stated.

Ayr United pulled a goal back in the second half, but St Mirren held firm to secure the victory. Despite some complacency in the second period, Robinson acknowledged the positive aspects of his team's performance.

"The way we played in the first half, I thought we were outstanding," he said. "We got a little bit casual in the second half and didn't do the simple things well. We lose a goal from a set-play and the momentum swings and puts us on the back foot, but we showed the character and quality and we should have gone and finished the game off with three or four more goals."