United 'gifting goals' and you 'don't see that often from St Mirren'

St Mirren's 2-0 win over Dundee United was "a perfect example" of what currently separates the two sides, according to former Aberdeen, Rangers and St Johnstone full-back Richard Foster.

The hosts' opener came from "poor defending at the back post" and the second came from a goalkeeping error.

"You don't really see that often from St Mirren," Foster told BBC Scotland's Sportscene.

He suggested centre-half Bert Esselink was at fault as St Mirren midfielder Conor McMenamin met a cross at the back post to head powerfully past goalkeeper Dave Richards.

"You are expecting your defender to at least challenge for the ball," Foster said.

The second came from what "should be a relatively simple save" from Richards, who has replaced Yevhen Kucherenko in goal after the Ukrainian's own recent errors.

At the other end, striker Zac Sapsford fired against Shamal George when through one-on-one with the goalkeeper then sent a powerful free-kick against the crossbar.

"That was the story of the game," Foster said. "When it's not your day, it's not your day.

"St Mirren took the chances that they created, albeit with help from the goalkeeping and defending, and Dundee United never."

Sportscene host Stephen Thompson added: "It's six without a win. They are finding it difficult to replicate that form they had last season and a lot of it is down to the defending. They look fragile. They are gifting goals to teams."