TOMMY CRAIG is hoping that a wonder goal by supersub Ross Caldwell can be the catalyst to turn round St Mirren's poor start to the season.

The former Hibs striker came off the bench to notch a double that secured a 2-1 comeback win over Dunfermline on Tuesday.

The result earned Saints a Scottish Communities League Cup third round tie away to Partick Thistle next month. And it provided their first victory and goals of the campaign after three straight SPFL Premiership defeats.

Buddies boss Craig had been left frustrated by his team's hit-or-miss performances, with promising displays against Motherwell and Dundee either side of a dismal showing against Hamilton Accies.

There appeared to be more agony in store for the home fans at St Mirren Park on Tuesday as Dunfermline went into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a strike from Lewis Spence. The turning point was Caldwell replacing Isaac Osbourne at the interval.

Soon after the 20-year-old forward pulled Saints level with their first goal of the campaign.

That proved to be a vital confidence booster for Craig's men, who went on to win thanks to a second Caldwell goal late on.

St Mirren's manager said: "This could be the catalyst to move on to better things now that we have finally got a goal and a win.

"Young Ross conjured a goal out of nothing. That was important as it starts to play on your mind when you go a few games into the season without scoring."

Craig, however, is wanting more from his men ahead of their home league meeting with Dundee United this Saturday.

He added: "We played better against Dunfermline without getting close to the type of performance I would demand. Overall we were ordinary.

"Endeavour got us this result but we need to be better."