Lewis Ferguson’s stoppage-time goal gave Aberdeen victory and consigned bottom side St Mirren to a sixth straight Scottish Premiership defeat.

But Marley Watkins netted for the second match running to restore parity.

And Watkins set up Ferguson to squeeze a low drive past Jak Alnwick to keep Aberdeen two points off third-placed Hibernian.

St Mirren, who only listed four substitutes, remain below St Johnstone and Hamilton Academical on goal difference and a point behind Motherwell.

Jonny Hayes tested Alnwick before the St Mirren goalkeeper came into collision with team-mate Conor McCarthy whilst making a headed clearance. McCarthy was able to continue after a bout of treatment.

Ferguson was next to threaten, his strike from outside the box beaten away by the goalkeeper.

St Mirren weathered those early Aberdeen flourishes and Lee Erwin’s attempt to lob Joe Lewis from a tight angle was unsuccessful. The forward could not keep his next effort down just on half-time.

The Paisley side’s confidence was growing and blossomed when Cammy MacPherson teed up Erhahon to break the impasse from 25 yards.

Aberdeen responded and substitute Ryan Edmondson set up Watkins for an 18-yard effort that found the bottom right-hand corner.

Derek McInnes’ side continued to press and they were rewarded when Watkins squared for Ferguson to score in the same spot.

Man of the match – Cammy MacPherson

What did we learn?

St Mirren have endured a trying autumn so far with injuries and positive Covid-19 tests limiting Jim Goodwin’s options. The imminent departure of Kyle Magennis to Hibs will further stretch his squad.

Getting the first goal injected a vigour to their performance but losing Aberdeen’s second goal so late compounds a miserable period for the Paisley side.

The games will come thick and fast in October, with two League Cup matches before they return to Premiership action against Motherwell in 15 days’ time. Keeping players fit and getting others back will be the challenge for Goodwin.

By contrast Aberdeen’s recovery takes them into the international break full of confidence, despite them not hitting the heights of some of their previous displays this term.

What did they say?

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes: “There’s nothing better than a last-minute winner. I was absolutely delighted with the perseverance of the team to keep going. We were relentless with our work in that last 15, 20 minutes and just kept asking the question. We went for it.

“The players deserve so much credit. When the question was asked, we rolled our sleeves up. It’s a brilliant three points. We can go into the break feeling good about ourselves.”

St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin: “The overall performance was excellent. The players can be really proud that they put in the level of performance they did. The performance certainly merited a point and Ethan Erhahon’s goal certainly justified something from the game.

“There’s no getting away from the fact that we have been on a run of six defeats. It’s the worst in my career, never mind playing career, managerial career. It has to change, I’m well aware of that.”

What’s next?

Aberdeen face Dundee United on 17 October, their first visit to Tannadice in more than four years.

St Mirren begin their League Cup first-round group stage at home to Partick Thistle on Wednesday.