St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright was delighted with the character of his side as they drew 1-1 with Aberdeen in the Ladbrokes Premiership
The Dons had looked like cutting the gap to Celtic at the top of the table to just four points, but Liam Craig’s 88th-minute penalty for Saints levelled Simon Church’s first-half opener to ensure the points were shared.
Wright admitted there was some luck involved as they came from behind to take away reward from their visit to Pittodrie.
He said: “The one thing you can never doubt is our character, and we showed that today.
“I think we probably shaded the first half in term of chances but unfortunately we conceded from a set-play. In the second half Aberdeen were better than us, but we stayed in the game – our two centre-halves were magnificent.
“We put in a shift, and when you do that you deserve a bit of luck, not that it was luck with the penalty. We got that and equalised, so I was pleased for the boys.
“The second half wasn’t as good in terms of quality. It was a difficult pitch for both sides, drying out and a bit bobbly, which made it hard to play on.”
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes was a dejected figure at the final whistle.
He said: “It’s certainly a missed opportunity for us.
“I thought all the play was in St Johnstone’s half and I felt that if anybody was going to score a second goal in the game it would be us.
“While we weren’t free-flowing and slick with our passing, we felt a goal would be enough as we kept St Johnstone at arm’s length and they didn’t really cause us too many problems until the penalty.
“I couldn’t be sure if it was a penalty kick.
“The referee is closer to it than me, and he was sure it was a penalty, so he’s given it. We’re disappointed.”