LAST season's top scorer Billy Clarke ensured City made a winning finish to their week in Scotland with victory at St Mirren this afternoon.

The Irishman notched his first pre-season goal in the 15th minute, calmly poking the ball beneath advancing home keeper Mark Ridgers.

At the other end, Ben Williams made a fine low save from Steven Mallan and then denied the follow-up attempt by former Burnley striker Steven Thompson.

Clarke almost had another eight minutes after the break but his half-volley rattled the bar.

City added another trialist to their squad today. Defender Steve Saunders, who can play centre half or right back, was among the raft of second-half substitutes.

Saunders, aged 24, previously played for Motherwell and Ross County and has one Scotland international cap as a substitute against the Faroe Islands.

Mark Marshall also came on and showed his pace in a move that saw Filipe Morais go inches away from scoring a second.

But St Mirren almost grabbed a draw in the final minute when Alan Gow's free-kick clipped the woodwork.

CITY: Williams, Hendrie, McArdle, Sheehan, Meredith, Mottley-Henry, Knott, Liddle, Morris, Clarke, Hanson. Subs: James, Morais, Routis, Balatoni, Fotheringham, Leigh, Saunders, Marshall, Wright, Cracknell.