Dunf’mline 0 – 2 St Johnstone

Dunf’mline 0 – 2 St Johnstone

Second-half targets from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sealed St Johnstone’s prompt return to the William Hill Premiership at East End Park.

A 2-0 victory over Dunfermline moved Saints seven factors ahead of Partick Thistle with two games left in the Championship season.

Partick Thistle’s draw with Airdrie on Saturday had handed Simo Valakari’s facet two probabilities to say the title before the Jags next play and so they seized their first alternative.

The Perth facet have led the desk from the opening day, after they beat Thistle 5-1, although the Maryhill facet have been level on factors at one stage and each groups are on 12-match unbeaten runs in the league.

St Johnstone have been taking over a facet who performed 120 minutes at Hampden on Saturday before their penalty shootout triumph over Falkirk in the Scottish Cup semi-finals and who have been playing their third consecutive midweek game.

Image:
St Johnstone’s Ruari Paton celebrates making it 2-0

Dunfermline supervisor Neil Lennon made 5 adjustments to his beginning line-up.

Saints had the better of the first half and Josh McPake was yet again the hazard man for the guests. The winger hit the underside of the bar from 15 yards and delivered a number of teasing balls which Paton couldn’t benefit from.

Sam Stanton also got here shut from lengthy vary and inadvertently blocked a aim-sure effort from team-mate Morgan Boyes.

The breakthrough got here in the 56th minute after the hosts did not clear their strains. Paton teed up McAlear 22 yards out and the former Livingston midfielder’s first-time shot took a major deflection off the boot of Charlie Gilmour and deceived goalkeeper Aston Oxborough.

The Perth facet doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Paton drifted in between the Dunfermline centre-backs and guided a header into the backside nook from 12 yards following Liam Smith’s cross.

Dunfermline have been left with a five-point lead over fifth-positioned Raith Rovers, however they might wrap up a play-off place before the weekend with their Fife rivals travelling to McDiarmid Park on Friday.

Holt proud and relieved to seal Premiership return

St Johnstone captain Jason Holt was proud and relieved to seal their return to the top flight after bouncing again from a troublesome spell in his profession.

Holt suffered successive relegations with Livingston and Saints however he led the Perth facet again to the William Hill Premiership as a 2-0 win at Dunfermline sealed the Championship title.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video participant

St Johnstone’s Ruari Paton discusses the club’s return to the Scottish Premiership after profitable the Championship title, plus his future

After second-half targets from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sparked a celebration at East End Park, Holt told BBC Scotland: “It’s just relief to get over the line. Testament to the staff and players because we set the standard from day one and we stayed there.

“Fair play to other groups placing stress on us however we knew we have been the best team in the league.

“And to get it done at the first opportunity, it’s just great to get promoted back to the top flight.”

Holt praised supervisor Simo Valakari for main Saints to promotion in his first full season in cost.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video participant

St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari displays on the club’s return to the Scottish Premiership, having led the Championship since the opening weekend of the season

“What you see is what you get, really, so much positivity, so much enthusiasm,” the former Hearts and Rangers midfielder said.

“The biggest compliment I can give him, as players we go on the pitch feeling free. That’s all you can ask as a player. Make mistakes, it’s fine, don’t worry about it. That’s given us the platform to be successful this year.

“He’s been different class since he got here to the club.

(*2*)But to bounce again at the first time of asking, I’m truthfully so happy with the lads.”

Do you want sports activities? Stay informed with the latest in sports activities. At
TheGossipBlogger.com,
we cowl breaking news, match outcomes, athlete updates, and key developments from major leagues and competitions worldwide.

From soccer, basketball, and tennis to global tournaments and local games, our reporting highlights the performances, data, and rivalries shaping today’s sporting panorama.

Beyond scores and outcomes, we also share analysis, exclusive interviews, training insights, and tales from behind the scenes — supplying you with an entire view of the action.

Bookmark
Sports
and check back recurrently for correct, well-curated updates that hold you related to the athletes and occasions making headlines.