Late Nakamura strike denies Buddies

Hoops goalkeeper Artur Boruc had made two fine saves, from David van Zanten's volley and Billy Mehmet's driven shot, to keep the home side at bay and the game seemed to be heading for a draw.

But with four minutes remaining, substitute Nakamura, on for Barry Robson just after the hour mark, was awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal after a challenge by Gary Mason.

The Saints players and supporters protested loudly and more so after the Japan international curled his free-kick into the right corner of the net to take all three points to Celtic Park.

It was hard on the Buddies who deserved at least a point for their efforts but that will not worry the visitors who continue their pursuit of leaders Rangers.

Celtic won 5-1 on their last trip to Love Street and although the Paisley side earned a draw at Parkhead before Christmas, the visitors were odds on to continue their pursuit of SPL leaders Rangers with a comfortable win.

The visitors won two corners within the first minute which appeared to set the tone for the rest of the match. Aiden McGeady's run and cross from the left which ended with Barry Robson sending in a header with St Mirren goalkeeper Mark Howard saved, albeit with a degree of comfort, also suggested Celtic would be dominant.

However, drives from Buddies defender John Potter and midfielder Andy Dorman, both of which went wide of the target, hinted at the resistance the Love Street side would offer.

In the 85th minute Chris Killen, on for Georgios Samaras, headed a Lee Naylor cross wide of the target to the groans of the Hoops fans behind the goal.

But a minute later, after Gary Mason had been penalised for a soft-looking challenge on Nakamura, the Japan international scored a dramatic winner, curling his left-footed free-kick from 25 yards past the helpless Howard.