St Johnstone have moved on quickly from their Scottish Cup exit after a 1-0 loss to Ayr United on May 1, with manager Callum Davidson facing no pressure despite the setback. The Championship side sit top of the table with an 11-point lead over Partick Thistle, having scored 67 goals and conceded just 25 in 36 games last season.
What happened at the cup exit?
St Johnstone’s Scottish Cup run ended on May 1 when they lost 1-0 at Ayr United, a result that ended their hopes of silverware this term. The loss came just days after the club had topped the Championship table with a five-game winning streak, including a 1-0 victory over Partick Thistle. Davidson has kept his squad focused on the league, where they finished first in 2025 with 77 points from 36 games.
Why Valakari is backing Davidson
Greek midfielder Dimitris Valakari shut down talk of unrest after the cup exit, telling reporters there’s no panic in the camp. Valakari, who has been a key figure in the side’s push for promotion, said the team remains united behind Davidson. With 67 goals scored and a +42 goal difference last season, the manager’s tactics have kept St Johnstone at the summit.
What comes next for St Johnstone?
The focus now shifts back to the league, where St Johnstone lead by 11 points with a recent run of five straight wins. Their next fixture sees them face Partick Thistle, the closest challenger, in a match that could further extend their advantage. The side’s consistency-no draws in their last five games-has been a major factor in their dominance.
St Johnstone sit top of the Championship with 77 points from 36 games last season, 11 clear of Partick Thistle. They scored 67 goals and conceded 25, ending the campaign on a five-game winning run before the cup exit.
