Jimmy Thelin said his team went to Paisley determined to end the seven-year league hoodoo that has dogged successive Aberdeen sides at The SMISA Stadium, and it was that mentality that eventually saw them home.

 “It’s always a really tough game here. We talked about it during the week, it was a long time since we have won here, so our focus was trying to break this chain. The way we start the game, we were brave between the lines, we found some connections. 

 “But against St. Mirren, there is always some part of the game when they create a lot of corners, free kicks, throw-ins around the box, and they are really strong there. But I’m really happy how our team is growing in these areas and taking responsibility to deal with it. 

 “We try to push for a win in the end, and sometimes you need an individual stepping forward and making the difference, and today Marko did this. But for me, it was a really good collective effort today. And when the collective works, everybody also looks much better on the pitch.

 “Marko has this talent. Of course, we signed him for a reason! Before you bring a player here, you have to believe in them. Sometimes it takes one week, sometimes it takes six months, sometimes it takes one year, but we know why we have signed the players.

 “He is working very hard, taking responsibility and helping the team to achieve things. And then, you still have this individual skills, that’s what you need in a team. You need to be first a really, really good team player, and then this kind of situation can make the difference like it did today.”

 The win saw the Dons move off the bottom of the table, but having posted back to back wins in the wake of the strong display against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League, the Dons boss is looking to see further improvements from his side.

 “The way we start the game and play as a team today, I think we can see signals. We are getting a little bit better week by week, but it’s a long way to go and a lot of games, so we need to be humble and keep improving. Today was a really good away game. The chances we created today, the amount of shots, we know we have to improve a little bit when we get these opportunities to use them better, to score more goals. But also a clean sheet again, that’s important for us.

 “It’s still early in the season, we have a lot of new players, we try to be focused on the things we can control, the way we train, the way we grow as a team and grow as individuals. We are clear about what we want to do but we also have really good teams in the league, so you can’t just say, ‘win this game.’ 

 “I think in the end, if you keep doing better and better performances, in the end you get what you deserve. We still have to be better. Some things today we still have to improve, but the way they work for each other and then the players who don’t start the game and come into the game, that’s what we need, this team spirit and the connection with our fans. That connection is so, so important.”