Brechin took the lead after about half an hour when two of Scottish football's ugliest men combined to score. Gerry Britton crossed for Kevin Byers and the midfielder headed the home side in front.
Fortunately the lead didn't last long, as John Sutton volleyed home Simon Lappin's corner a few minutes later to level the scores.
Midway through the second half, Saints scored a quickfire double. First, a superb pass from Charlie Adam found Sutton and he headed past the hapless (or should that be hopeless) Craig Nelson, then minutes later Stewart Kean srhugged off challenges from various Brechin defenders to add Saints third.
That should have been that, except Paul Ritchi (yes, that one!) came off the bench to score with ten minutes left and set up a tense finish. Fortunately Saints held out, due in no small part to the heroics of Chris Smith in goals.
Hamilton drew with Dundee, so having played the same number of games as everyone else we are six points ahead of second placed Ross County. Hooray!