St Johnstone enjoyed a productive week in the Scottish Premiership, securing a vital home win before earning a point on the road. The Perth side defeated Hibernian 2-1 at McDiarmid Park on Sunday before drawing 1-1 with Dundee in a midweek fixture, results that lift them to seventh in the table with seven points from five matches.
Josh Fowler's first-half double was enough to secure all three points against Hibernian. The victory marked St Johnstone's second consecutive home win to start the league season, a feat they had not achieved since the 2017-18 campaign. It also ended a four-game winless run against the Edinburgh side in the league.
The win saw St Johnstone leapfrog a lacklustre Hibernian side in the standings, cranking up pressure on their head coach David Gray. The Saints' overall home form has been strong, with five wins from their last nine Premiership matches at McDiarmid Park.
A late St Johnstone equaliser frustrated hosts Dundee, who had to settle for a single point. The draw extended Dundee's impressive recent run in meetings between the two sides, though the specific details of the goal scorer were not provided.
The result means St Johnstone have taken four points from their last two matches, improving their recent form to WDLLW. Their overall record this season stands at two wins, one draw, and two losses from five games.
The club's current league position and form provide important context for their early-season performances. St Johnstone sit seventh in the Premiership with seven points, having scored eight goals and conceded eight for a neutral goal difference. They trail league leaders Celtic by eight points in the early title race.
Historical stats show Hibernian had only lost two of their last 13 Premiership visits to Perth before Sunday's defeat. St Johnstone had been winless in four league meetings with Hibs prior to this victory. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Dundee United on October 17th, a match that will see them face the ninth-placed side.
The Scottish FA has confirmed Matthew MacDermid as the referee for Celtic's upcoming Premiership trip to face St Johnstone. The 33-year-old official will take charge of the Wednesday night fixture at McDiarmid Park, with an 8pm kick-off scheduled.
MacDermid will be assisted by Ross Macleod and David Dunne, while Dan McFarlane serves as fourth official. Grant Irvine will be on VAR duty, assisted by Duncan Williams. This will be MacDermid's second Celtic appointment of the new season, having previously officiated their 1-0 victory over Dundee on the opening weekend. Fans can view the full squad available for this and other matches on the squad page.
With eight goals scored and eight conceded, St Johnstone have shown both attacking promise and defensive vulnerability in equal measure. Their next home game against Dundee United on October 17th represents an opportunity to build momentum before the next international break.
Their immediate focus will be preparing for Celtic's visit, a match that will test their improved home form against the league's top side.
