Richard Taylor headed home a late winner as Aberdeen saw their unbeaten start in the William Hill Premiership come to an abrupt end in a 2-1 defeat at St Mirren.

After seeing kick-off delayed by an hour to allow for a relentless effort by the Saints staff to clear snow from the pitch, the Dons were caught off guard by a fierce start from the hosts.

Toyosi Olusanya put Stephen Robinson’s side ahead in the 20th minute and their advantage could have been bigger at half-time.

Aberdeen improved in the second half and Jamie McGrath drew them level five minutes after the restart.

St Mirren showed tenacity to regain control of the match – and deservedly claimed victory after Taylor scored five minutes from time.

Connor McMenamin saw a low shot deflected back for a corner in the opening minutes as the hosts started brightly.

The Buddies were displaying their full attacking threat, and when Olusanya’s fantastic run was only temporarily halted, Scott Tanser hit the ball inches wide of the target.

Jimmy Thelin’s men were slow to emerge from the traps but almost found themselves in front in the 13th minute when Ester Sokler produced a smart save from Ellery Balcombe.

The deadlock was resolved after 20 minutes in the most simplistic way.

Balcombe flicked Tanser’s back pass upfield and Olusanya dominated the Dons’ hesitant central duo before firing coolly past Dimitar Mitov.

All the momentum was with the Buddies, although they appeared to have handed Aberdeen a reprieve shortly after taking the lead.

In the 26th minute, John Beaton showed Alex Gogic a red card after the Cyprus international launched a challenge on Shayden Morris.

The referee wasted no time in making his decision, but following a VAR check the penalty was reduced to a yellow.

An uncharacteristically flat first half from the Premiership title challengers was summed up by Leighton Clarkson sending a harmless long-range effort past the post.

Kevin Nisbet replaced Clarkson at half-time in a bid to breathe some life into the visitors’ attack.

The change had an almost immediate impact as they took control of the debates.

Jack McKenzie burst through then volleyed the ball against the Saints keeper’s legs before the leveler arrived in the 50th minute.

A powerful run from Duk saw him pick out Nisbet with a low cross who inadvertently sent his missed shot into the path of McGrath to drill home.

Much of St Mirren’s threat came from the tireless work of Olusanya who, once again, did well to find space inside the box before scoring just over, while McGrath s ‘closed with a low strike at the other end.

A golden opportunity presented itself to McMenamin, which was denied at close range by an excellent save from Mitov.

Having survived a period of pressure from the Don, Robinson’s men seemed the most likely.

They got their just reward seven minutes from time. A precise delivery to the back post from Mark O’Hara allowed Taylor to propel the Saints in front.

Aberdeen were on borrowed time to maintain their unbeaten league record – and they almost produced an instant response when Duk’s back heel struck the foot of the post – their last chance of a high-energy contest.