Chaos Reigns on Premiership Return as Saints Pick Up Dramatic Win
ST Johnstone picked up three dramatic points on their return to the Scottish Premiership as Simo Valakari's side came out on top in a 4-3 thriller against Kilmarnock. The hosts were in front and pegged back twice by their visitors before the Ayrshire outfit took the lead in a chaotic opening ten minutes of the second half. However, Neil McCann's side looked vulnerable at the back throughout and so it proved, as Saints scored two more to secure the three points.
What Happened During the Match?
On the back of a disappointing League Cup group stage where a loss to Championship new boys Inverness and a draw at home to League One East Fife had them eliminated, it was easy to see why these two were amongst pre-season favourites for relegation. At the very least, it looks set to be entertaining for the Perth side. The hosts were the better team in the opening exchanges and took a deserved lead when Josh Fowler fired the ball home from Jamie Gullan's cut back. The former Queen's Park man scoring the first top flight goal of his career but it all came from Aaron Tshibola's mistake which gifted Saints the ball and the opportunity to spring a counter attack.
Why it Matters for ST Johnstone
Killie were guilty of coughing up possession too easily throughout but the home side couldn't punish them further and were made to pay themselves when a simple cross was headed down by Tom Lowry in the box for skipper Greg Kiltie to put in the back of the net from close range. Valakari could still be the happier of the two managers going into the break but what followed at the start of the second half was nothing short of pandemonium. It started with Saints regaining the lead as Cheick Diabate got the run on Ethan Brown to head home Jamie Gullan's corner at the back post.
What Comes Next?
The game was there to be won by either side and it was the Championship title holders who did so when Fowler picked out substitute Kai Fotheringham who showed good composure to take a touch in the box and pick his spot. Next fixture: vs Dundee Utd (at home, 2026-10-17).
