Steven Banks In for the suspended Alan Mannus and called quickly into action with bad consequences.

Good save in first minute followed by an awful kick-out that led directly to first goal. A crucial mistake that put his team immediately on the back foot and from which they could not recover 5

David Mackay Most conspicuous contribution was his barney with team-mate Chris Millar that began just before half-time and continued as they left the field. The full-back's nerves may have been frayed by the lightning pace of Jonny Hayes 5

Frazer Wright Valiant effort. Won a series of headers in the attacking third, causing Aberdeen some tremors if not lasting damage. Hit the bar in the second half from a corner but could not resurrect a cause sunk by two first-half lapses by his team-mates 6

Brian Easton Main contribution was to launch left-footed set-pieces and clearances into the box. These caused moments of temporary unease for the Aberdeen backline but no more than that 5

Lee Croft Fed neat passes to front pair from right wing in the first half and then had a chance to equalise and change the game but Langfield saved well. Robbed in build-up to second goal. Faded and was eventually replaced 6

Gary McDonald Could make no impression in a creative sense and the game passed him by. Tried to remain available but could not influence the match in any material way. Disappointing afternoon for the midfielder 5

Chris Millar His row with Mackay showed an anger at a first half when nothing went right for his team. Continued to work hard in the second half. Neat, willing but never particularly dangerous 6

David Wotherspoon Another peripheral figure for the St Johnstone. His demeanour can be gauged by his booking in the second half for a reckless lunge on Hayes 5

Nigel Hasselbaink Could make no impact as the Aberdeen defence brushed him off. Tried to make inroads on the flanks but was similarly stymied. Replaced as Tommy Wright desperately tried to change the course of match 6

Steven May He tried, tried and tried again but the combination of Reynolds and Anderson was much too much for him. He was defiant in that his effort continued even as his threat inevitably diminished 6

Substitutes: Chris Iwelumo (60) No impact 5; Michael O'Halloran (72,) Industry but no influence 5; Gary Miller (87) Just enough time to be soaked to no avail 3

Hugh MacDonald