St Johnstone win came from 'one of worst performances' as St Mirren hit out at red card

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson has claimed his side picked up a first victory in ten league games after their worst performance of this barren spell.

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson: happy his side got three points against ten man St Mirren despite under-par display (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

While the story of this season for the Perth side has been failing to gain the rewards their performances often deserve, that was not the case against St Mirren.

A 1-0 win courtesy of Chris Kane’s winning goal 28 seconds into the second half, and with St Mirren having played 35 minutes with ten men after Cammy MacPherson was red carded, was a timely boost before next Saturday’s Betfred Cup semi-final v Hibs.

But whether it was deserved is a moot point. Nevertheless, after the frustration he has experienced this season, Davidson will take it. The win moves St Johnstone on to the same 23-point mark as their opponents – with St Mirren having won their appeal against being handed two 3-0 defeats against Motherwell and Hamilton due to alleged Covid-19 protocol lapses. The games will now be played.

“Football's a funny game because that's probably the worst we have played in all those matches in that spell,” said Davidson. I asked the players for a bit more energy at half time and we got the early goal. Once we did that and they got a man sent off I didn't think we were good enough."But I'm delighted to get the win. I've stood here enough when we've played well and got nothing from it so today I'm pleased.”

Opposite man Jim Goodwin was unhappy with referee Steven McLean for two reasons – not spotting a handball from Guy Melamed in the run up to the winner, and for sending off MacPherson for two bookable offences. Goodwin contended MacPherson got the ball on both occasions.

“I hate talking about referees but Joe Shaughnessy cleared headed the ball on to Melamed’s arm – which was in an unnatural position way above his head,” he said.

“The sending off is another poor decision. The first yellow was border line, Cammy got plenty on the ball. The second one is a mistake. Cammy clearly won the ball.”

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