St Johnstone put the disappointment of missing out on a top-six berth behind them by coming back from a goal down to defeat Aberdeen 3-1 at Pittodrie.
Hearts’ win over Killie on Saturday ensured that Saints would remain in the lower half of the table for the remainder of the season.
However, the Perth side’s boss Derek McInnes insists that no one at the club is feeling sorry for themselves and they are still setting targets.
In contrast, a dismal Dons side must face up to the possibility of relegation after bottom club Falkirk’s win over St Mirren moved them to within six points of Aberdeen with the sides meeting next week at Pittodrie.
Saints boss Derek McInnes said, “Today’s result means we are finally safe and I am really pleased with that.
“I spoke with the players after the Hearts result to make sure there was no anti-climax today and that we need to continue to play with the freshness and enthusiasm we have shown this season.”
With Dave Mackay out with a calf injury and Danny Grainger suspended, McInnes was forced to play Liam Craig at left-back while Murray Davidson returned from suspension.
Saints made the better start, bossing possession, and could have taken a lead in the 11th minute when a break from the halfway line by Filipe Morais saw the ball moved right to Chris Millar.
He sent a searching cross in to the Aberdeen box to find the unmarked Kenny Deuchar, but the big striker headed over with the goal at his mercy.
Three minutes later Craig made a crucial intervention when Steven MacLean latched on to a long through-ball inside the Saints penalty area.
The striker looked certain to pull the trigger but the stand-in left-back made a vital block.
However the Aberdeen fans did not have long to wait for the breakthrough after an elaborate passing move in the 16th minute ended with Paul Marshall in possession on the edge of the box.
He stroked a pass into the path of Darren Mackie coming in from the right and the forward drilled the ball past Graeme Smith.
Aberdeen needed to consolidate but could only hold onto their lead for four minutes.
Craig flighted a free-kick from the right into the Dons’ penalty area and this time Deuchar made no mistake with his header, although Dons keeper Jamie Langfield should have cleared the danger.BrillianceFive minutes later Saints stormed ahead following a piece of brilliance by skipper Jody Morris on the edge of the box.
Zander Diamond made a hash of a clearing header and it fell straight to the Saints skipper.
Morris looked certain to pass to his right but instead played a disguised reverse ball into the feet of Cillian Sheridan on his left and the on-loan Celtic striker prodded home past Langfield at his near post.
Just before half-time Jerel Ifil outmuscled Morais down the Aberdeen right and made his way to the line to fire over a cross.
MacLean produced a snap header which Smith did well to turn away at his near post.
Saints almost made a dream start to the second half when Morais this time outfought Ifil and set off down the left from the halfway line.
He made it all the way to the penalty area but Sheridan was unable to latch on to his ball across the front of Langfield’s goal.
The Perth side received a slice of good luck in the 56th minute when Steven Anderson appeared to handle inside his own box.
However the referee decided the offence had taken place right on the edge of the area and substitute Derek Young blasted the resultant free-kick over the bar.
St Johnstone enjoyed better luck 10 minutes later from a free-kick of their own when Craig fired another tempting ball in from the right to Aberdeen’s back post.
Deuchar won the initial header but Langfield again should have done better to stop the ball falling to Sheridan, who lashed home from close range to double his tally for the day and extend his side’s lead.
In the 71st minute Charlie Mulgrew was replaced by Fraser Fyvie and the dynamic youngster almost made an instant impact.
Mackie fed a pass to Fyvie inside the Saints penalty area and Smith had to block his shot smartly at his near post.
However St Johnstone comfortably saw out the rest of the match for a well-deserved victory.
Attendance-7568