LASK 1 St Johnstone 1: How Callum Davidson's side secured another impressive European result in Austria

St Johnstone secured another impressive away draw in Europe but the Perth side should really have gone on to win after Chris Kane's opener against LASK.
St Johnstone's players celebrate after Chris Kane opened the scoring against LASK in Austria (Photo by JOHANN GRODER/EXPA/AFP via Getty Images)St Johnstone's players celebrate after Chris Kane opened the scoring against LASK in Austria (Photo by JOHANN GRODER/EXPA/AFP via Getty Images)
St Johnstone's players celebrate after Chris Kane opened the scoring against LASK in Austria (Photo by JOHANN GRODER/EXPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Kane netted in the 17th minute and Saints had a host of chances to double their lead in the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off.

But the home side secured a 1-1 draw after Jamie McCart conceded a penalty following a needless challenge in the box, which was punished by Mamoudou Karamoko on the hour mark.

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Saints survived some late scares but showed more than enough to suggest they have a real chance of making the group stage in Perth next week.

LASK were effectively away from home with their Linz ground being renovated and their fans forced to make a three-hour drive to Klagenfurt.

But they beat Vojvodina 6-1 there in the previous round and have a notable recent record in Europe, which includes reaching the last 16 of the Europa League in 2020.

Saints survived some early pressure before growing into the game and wide men Michael O'Halloran and Glenn Middleton almost teamed up for a chance before combining to set up Kane.

O'Halloran did well to get the ball back to Middleton, who delivered a measured low cross which Kane got a toe to and steered home.

Callum Davidson's side almost doubled their lead two minutes later. Ali McCann ran on to Middleton’s cut-back and controlled a left-foot shot but the home goalkeeper produced an excellent stop with his outstretched hand.

Middleton saw a free-kick saved before Zander Clark tipped over a dipping, swerving effort from Jan Boller.

The Perth men came close to scoring four times in the opening 10 minutes of the second period.

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Middleton forced a good stop with an angled drive, Callum Booth hit a powerful long-range effort not far wide, and Murray Davidson sent a free header straight at the goalkeeper.

However, the home side were gifted a lifeline moments later when McCart made a challenge he did not need to make and brought down Thomas Goiginger.

Karamoko hit the penalty agonisingly just beyond the reach of Clark and into the bottom corner.

Saints were caught on the break in the 90th minute but Keito Nakamura's header hit off the inside of the post before the danger was cleared.

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