Merpro were able to match their opponents for long spells but some soft goals early in the match and a late flurry of finishing made it a frustrating outcome and ultimately a flattering scoreline for their Premier League opponents.
Merpro had th
e first opening when Christie charged down a clearance but his effort went past the post.
St James then began to control the opening exchanges without creating any chances.
Merpro had a good chance to take the lead from a dangerous Allan curling cross to the back post but Milne's 8 yard header went over the bar in 17 minutes. Milne then set up Christie but his effort went wide.
With the game evenly balanced St James went ahead with a fortunate goal when a long low free kick was overhit but as Dunbar came to collect the ball on the edge of the box he appeared to slip and the ball went through his grasp and left an easy tap in.
Dunbar made amends with an excellent point blank save from 8 yards in 28 minutes
St James went further ahead after Smith was adjudged to have pushed his opponent as both tussled for the ball in the box and although no claim was made a penalty was awarded and duly converted by McAlpine ex- Dundee FC Youth player in 35 minutes.
St James went further ahead with an attack on the break and some good wing play from Heggie setting up an easy tuck home for Nielson from 6 yards.
Merpro almost got a goal back from a long Dunbar kick out only for the alert St James keeper to come outside his box and head clear from Christie.
Merpro were not denied for long with Craig Christie turning inside his marker to curl a glorious 25 yard shot into the top corner of the net for goal of the season contender in 41 minutes.
The game was ebbing back and forth with both sides seeking the next crucial goal and ultimately St James made the breakthrough when a low trundled shot from 16 yards went underneath the blocking tackles to sneak into the net in 70 minutes.
St James went further ahead 5 minutes later with a clinical finish on the break.
Milne then made a good run and cross into the box and Christie had his close range shot reflex saved by the keeper.
St James scored again in 85 minutes.
Milne then set up the alert Doyle who broke through but his 10 yard shot was well saved by the keeper.
In the final minute St James were awarded a mystery penalty when Christie back defending was deemed to have nudged his opponent with the kick subsequently converted .
Merpro: Dunbar, S.Wilson, Houston, Allan, Smith (Doyle), Findlay, Stephen (Emerson), Whitworth, Christie, Milne, Donaldson. Sub C.Wilson.
Match Sponsor Scott Smith. On Saturday, Merpro are at home to Harris, kick-off 2pm.
