First, the good news:

the return of three of St Mirren's best players from injury led to an improved performance, at least for most of the match until the trio, struggling for fitness, were replaced. The bad news is that all this result has done is earn them a quick-fire replay - tomorrow night - possibly too soon to play them all again.

Steven Thompson, captain and talisman, is the most likely to miss out after spending four months on the sidelines. "We need him," said Tommy Craig, wistfully, adding that it would be a "delicate decision" to rest him. Isaac Osbourne and John McGinn were also returning from a spell out, the former in particular strengthening the spine of the team and permitting Kenny McLean to range forward. For all that both impressed, it was only the return of one man which captured the imagination of the home support.

Every week, the stadium announcer at St Mirren Park asks the young mascot the identity of his or her favourite player. It is always Steven Thompson, who has become a better and better player as the months on the sidelines drag on. But he chuckled at the suggestion that he could be the superhero that saves a season.

Creativity is lacking, he admitted, but the suggestion that Thompson himself might start to alleviate that burden was met by a blunt answer. "I don't provide, I need to be provided," he said, with a stern look. "Probably more than 90% of my goals since I've been here have been from crosses. So that'll tell you what I need."

St Mirren took the lead in the first half when Marc McAusland nipped in front his marker at the near post to guide the ball home. It took Inverness until the hour mark to equalise, when Josh Meekings eventually scored after a bit of pinball in the box which included Ross Draper - who might have been sent off for a high challenge on Osbourne - hitting the post.

There were lots of missed chances, mostly from Inverness but also most not even on target. David Raven, the visiting defender, was the worst sinner. He should have scored - twice. "You can see why he's a full-back," sighed Nick Ross, the Inverness winger. "He needs to work on his shooting."