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Hibernian boss Neil Lennon was "really annoyed" at his side's profligacy against St Mirren but savoured a "brilliant win" that lifted them into second in the Scottish Premeirship.

Hibs are five points behind city rivals Hearts after holding on in Paisley to record their third league win in a row.

Full-back Gray headed in an early corner and might have had a second when Craig Samson saved his thumping drive.

Paul McGinn and Cameron MacPherson wasted good chances for St Mirren.

New striker Simeon Jackson brought a save from Adam Bodgan but Oran Kearney's side, who have only scored three league goals all season, stay in 11th ahead of a trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

For Hibs, though, the victory eased the disappointment of Tuesday's League Cup exit on penalties to Aberdeen, with a home game against Hamilton next Saturday.

"We had really good control in the first half but you've got to put teams away and we missed easy chances," Lennon told BBC Scotland.

"But it's another clean sheet - that's three in a row now. The other teams around us have won so it's a it's a really important win in that context against a very spirited team."

Captain Gray maintains scoring run

Gray's place in the hearts of Hibs' fans is forever assured after his winning goal against Rangers ended the club's 114-year wait for a Scottish Cup triumph in 2016.

The captain has proved himself a regular talisman and this was his fifth goal of the season already, despite missing several games through injury, on his return to the side.

Stevie Mallan's corner appeared to carry little menace, but St Mirren left Gray all alone at the back post to nod home in the 14th minute.

The right-back might have grabbed a second before half-time but Samson got down well to beat away his effort, and for all their dominance, Hibs again lacked a clinical edge.

Mallan, Thomas Agyepong - replacing the injured Martin Boyle - and Emerson Hyndman all might have done better with efforts, while Daryl Horgan could only direct a header straight at Samson.

St Mirren's struggles in front of goal have been evident for some time, with Danny Mullen still the only player to have scored in their league campaign to date.

Jackson did have one bright moment when he cut inside Efe Ambrose down the left and arrowed in on goal, but his side-footed effort lacked the pace to trouble Adam Bodgan.

Right-back McGinn wasted the hosts' best first-half chance after Ryan Edwards and Cammy Smith combined to set him up, blazing over with his left foot when he was left alone inside the Hibs area.

His brother Stephen McGinn's precise floated ball into the area with 12 minutes left deserved a better reward, but MacPherson's cushioned volley trundled agonisingly past the far post.

Well-travelled striker Simeon Jackson "showed fantastic quality" on his St Mirren debut, says manager Oran Kearney

'Sometimes ground-out wins are required' - analysis

Kenny Crawford at the Simple Digital Arena

If St Mirren show the attacking intent and spirit they did in the second half of this match, they should soon start collecting points again.

Simeon Jackson appears to be a healthy addition and the nous that brought him English Premier League football earlier in his career with Norwich City will surely bring him goals in Paisley.

Lennon might not be happy about the way his side lost control, but there are times when wins of this nature are needed.

'Their goal came from a blatant hold' - manager reaction

St Mirren manager Oran Kearney: "I thought we more than matched them in the first half but in the second half we really kicked on and asked questions.

"I've watched the goal back and there was a blatant hold of two players. In this day and age and with the linesman at that side of the pitch, we're disappointed it wasn't spotted."

Hibs manager Neil Lennon: "It's a well worked goal and a good finish from Dave. That's his third (domestic) goal of the season and he's providing very useful ammunition from that right hand side.

"The other teams around us have won so it's a really important win in the context of the season."