St Mirren boss Oran Kearney was left frustrated after his side’s 4-1 defeat at Pittodrie.

Saints, who have picked up just one point since their opening day win against Dundee, started positively as they contained a dangerous Dons attack in the early stages.

Simeon Jackson, the former Norwich and Gillingham striker who joined Saints at the end of September, looked lively and was the first to threaten as he struck the outside of the post after just nine minutes, but Aberdeen quickly began to overrun the visitors.

Saints’ good work early on was in vain as Sam Cosgrove got the ball rolling for the Dons with a 26th minute header, before Connor McLennan made it two on the half-hour mark.

Dons were 3-0 up before the interval after a prolonged period of possession ended with a Gary Mackay-Steven shot deflecting to Max Lowe, who looked as surprised as anyone when the ball fell to his feet in the middle of the penalty area before calmly picking his spot to all but seal the win.

Cosgrove added a fourth with 25 minutes remaining before Jackson bagged the late consolation goal.

Substitute Cammy Smith did well to intercept a loose pass from goalscorer Lowe and pick out Jackson who calmly dinked it over Joe Lewis for his first Saints goal.

It didn’t mean much in the terms of the contest, but allowed the Canadian to get off the mark for Saints after a lively start to his Buddies career.

Kearney, who was understandably annoyed with his side’s defeat, said: “It’s very disappointing. Particularly away from home you come with a game plan and try to implement that. We know Aberdeen are generally quick starters and I thought for 20 to 25 minutes we negated that.

“We spoke to the players before the game and said when we get to that point it shouldn’t be a breath of relief that we’ve got there, but we should try to impose ourselves and do a bit of damage ourselves, but it’s disappointing the way things went after we got to that stage.

“Goals bring adrenaline and I thought the crowd were starting to get anxious and the goal gave them a lift. It’s so important that you react to that and sadly we didn’t do that today.”

Kearney’s Buddies now have a much-needed break before returning to action on October 20 when they welcome Kilmarnock.