ST MIRREN stopper John Potter has pinpointed a convincing home win against Third Division Dumbarton in tonight's clash as the best way to stop fears of a downwards SPL spiral Saints suffered their second narrow loss of the top flight season at Hearts on Saturday and Potter says that reverse has added extra importance to the need to despatch Dumbarton in impressive fashion at Love Street tonight.

Potter said: "We have been a bit unlucky in the SPL so far with the defeats at Celtic Park and Hearts.

"But now with the Dumbarton tie we have the chance to put that all behind us and try and get a decent win under our belt that will give us a platform for the league."

Potter is also determined to avoid coming a cropper at the hands of Third Division opposition for the second successive season.

He warned: "Last season we went out at a similar stage to East Fife 1-0 at Love Street and that was a really frustrating night. We have to use that as a big motivation to get past Dumbarton."

Meanwhile, Dumbarton gaffer Jim Chapman has vowed his side won't go to Love Street to try and frustrate Saints.

Chappie said: "We know St Mirren have the advantage in terms of quality but sometimes that is not always the decisive factor in cup ties.

"After losing out in injury-time to Stenhousemuir in the league on Saturday there was a lot of frustration in our dressing room.

"This is a great chance to vent that in circumstances where we are under no pressure.

"If we keep our composure and become a bit more ruthless in front of goal and one or two St Mirren's lads have an off day, you never know."