GLASGOW — St Mirren secured their Scottish Premiership status for next season as Vaclav Hladky saved three penalties in his side's 2-0 shoot-out win against Dundee United on Sunday.

Following a goalless first-leg draw in the Premiership/Championship play-off at Tannadice on Thursday, the return in Paisley was a thrilling affair.

Nicky Clark put second-tier United ahead on aggregate with a 23rd-minute penalty.

But Saints forward Danny Mullen leveled with a fine volley three minutes later.

St Mirren were reduced to 10 men late in extra time when substitute Duckens Nazon was given a red card by referee John Beaton for leading with his elbow in an aerial challenge with United defender Mark Connolly.

In the shoot-out, Hladky made saves from Peter Pawlett, Pavol Safranko and Callum Booth, while Osman Sow hit a post.

Paul McGinn and Mihai Popescu scored for the home side, rendering Mateo Muzek's own strike against a post as irrelevant as Oran Kearney's side ensured they will stay in the top flight for another season. — AFP