St Mirren Stay Up – McLeish wants Job.

Marcus Fraser’s 65th-minute goal sent St Mirren into a ninth straight Premiership season. His left-foot finish from a Mark O’Hara free-kick clipped the crossbar on its way in, settling a tie that had been finely balanced from the first leg. The aggregate finished 2-1 to St Mirren over Partick Thistle.

The opener at Firhill had ended 1-1. Killian Phillips put St Mirren in front before Aidan Fitzpatrick levelled, leaving everything to be decided in Paisley.

The second leg started badly for the home side. Thistle were sharper and more direct, creating the better chances in the first half. Tony Watt caused problems throughout. Fitzpatrick was denied by a last-ditch Jayden Richardson block early on, and Robbie Crawford had a clear sight of goal that he sent straight at Ross Sinclair. St Mirren were disorganised and sloppy in possession. The home support made their feelings known at half-time.

Craig McLeish, 36 and in interim charge since Stephen Robinson left in March, made his half-time talk count. St Mirren came out for the second half with more urgency. O’Hara, who had started on the bench, came on in the 62nd minute. Three minutes later, his free-kick found Fraser at the back post.

Thistle pushed for an equaliser. Logan Chalmers struck a free-kick from outside the box that Sinclair turned over with his fingertips. It was the save that preserved the win.

After the game, McLeish said he absolutely wants the job on a permanent basis, while acknowledging the club will make that call themselves. Fraser said the goal meant more to him than his opener in the Premier Sports Cup final win over Celtic in November, because this one kept St Mirren up.

McLeish stepped in at a difficult moment, won a play-off tie, and made his case plainly.

What happens next is the club’s decision.