St Johnstone 2 St Mirren 0: Home side win battle of the Saints

St Johnstone took all three points against St Mirren at McDiarmid Park in a game they dominated from start to finish.

The first half was embarrassingly one-sided in the home side’s favour with chance after chance being created.

The St Mirren goal led a charmed life with the Perth Saints twice hitting the woodwork, firstly through a looping Stevie May shot from 18 yards and then a Dave Mackay free-kick cannoned off the cross bar.

St Johnstone also came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when Nigel Hasselbaink raced through on to a great reverse pass from May. The Dutchman beat St Mirren goalkeeper Christopher Dilo to the ball but his stabbed effort rolled just wide of the post.

The start of the second half was a frustrating affair for the Perth side but they finally received their just rewards in the 70th minute when Murray Davidson powered home a David Wotherspoon header.

Then just three minutes later, May hit a stunning looping shot that struck the inside of the post before nestling in the back of the net to double St Johnstone’s advantage and secure all three points.For full match coverage, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.