Everybody assumed that the seven-goal thriller the last time St Johnstone and Hearts met was a blip as far as the Perth club was concerned.
After all, Saints had built a reputation for being low-scoring at one end, but hard to get past at the other.
Now that the two sides are to meet for a second time at McDiarmid Park tomorrow, manager Tommy Wright has admitted that it actually proved to be a sign of things to come.
“I thought the 4-3 game at the start of the season would be a one-off,” he said. “Maybe it epitomises how our season has panned out.
“We have been scoring goals but still conceding too many for my liking.
“I have no doubt we will continue to score goals. We just have to tighten up defensively as a group.”
Wright added: “A lot has been made of our great run ending against Celtic but after any defeat you want to bounce back immediately.
“Our aim is to get back to winning ways and get another run going against a very good side that is right in the mix for European places.”
On Saturday’s opponents – who Saints will leapfrog if they win – Wright said: “It doesn’t surprise me Hearts are at the right end of the table.
“They are a winning squad from last season, they have a really good manager and they have recruited a lot of highly experienced players, and some that know the league.
“We are expecting a tough game.
“The dynamic of their squad has changed. There were more younger players in the team last season but that is determined by the Premier League. They quickly identified you need experience in this league.
“They have also looked outwith Scotland to bring in players from abroad, which shows the scope of their scouting network.”
Simon Lappin will definitely miss the game, with Chris Millar and Graham Cummins doubts.
“Lappin will be another two weeks before he gets back,” Wright explained. He has had a wee twinge but he saw the consultant and there is nothing to concern us.
“Cummins should train fully with the first team early next week.
“Chrissie Millar may have an ever so slight strain in the hamstring so we will assess him after Friday train. If there is any doubt he won’t face Hearts.”
Saints will allow Sierra Leone midfielder Michael Lahoud to train with them, but he isn’t being viewed as a potential signing.
Wright said: “I don’t really know anything about the lad. It’s not a trial. He is just in training as a favour to someone.”