St Johnstone were fully deserving of three points in Lanarkshire as they delivered a huge blow to Motherwell on their own patch.
An early goal in each half by Drey Wright and Melker Hallberg sealed the vital victory for the Perth side at Fir Park.
Callum Davidson’s side were by far the better team, as they put a bit of breathing space between themselves and those at the foot of the table.
For Steven Hammell’s men, they have it all to do if they’re to turn their fortunes around.
Basement battle beckons for Steelmen
Well, if it wasn’t clear before now, it certainly is now. Motherwell are bang in trouble. The result leaves them deep in the mire alongside Ross County, Kilmarnock and Dundee United. County and Killie now sit above the Steelmen, with Liam Fox’s side rooted to the foot of the table and ‘Well in the relegation play-off spot. Hammell and his team will need to buck up their ideas and quickly if they’re to go out of the current mess they find themselves in. The hosts looked bereft of ideas and were ultimately outplayed by St Johnstone. For a home game against one of your bottom six rivals, their performance simply wasn’t good enough. Their wide men floated in some decent crosses in the second-half, but they just didn’t look like cutting Saints open at any point by their own means. Their best chance came on 60-minutes when a mix-up between Drey Wright and Remi Matthews allowed Ollie Crankshaw in. He knocked the ball across the face of goal, but Kevin Van Veen was caught on his heels when really he should’ve been alert to tap home. The boos rang out around Fir Park at full-time and little wonder, it’s fair to say.
The deadline debut boys
There were several debuts across the pitch last night. Riku Danzaki and Jack Aitchison started the match for the hosts, with James Furlong and Jon Obika taking places on the bench. St Johnstone’s new man Zak Rudden also started among the subs, but didn't come on. For the two Motherwell starters, like the rest of their team, they endured a slow start to life in amber and claret. Daznaki struggled to get on the ball while playing in the No.10 position, while Aitchison started on the left and was eventually switched to the right. He showed some neat touches in the opening stages but again, was unable to influence the in the offensive third. Both players remained on after the break, but they were joined by Furlong who filled in at left-back for Stephen O’Donnell. Danzaki was eventually taken off on the hour-mark after a quiet first appearance, with the lively Stuart McKinstry replacing him. Number No.99 Obika became the latest debutant, as he stepped on for Van Veen – who looked a shadow of himself. Unfortunately none of the new boys made the desired impact upon their introductions to the hosts. It usually takes time to settle in fairness, though.
Daniel Phillips running the show
What a performance from the former Watford midfielder. The 22-year-old ran the show for Davidson’s side and was the vital cog in what looked to be a well-oiled machine. The Perth outfit were certainly the dominant team throughout. Phillips was a massive part of that. He nipped in to win back possession for his team, he was strong in the tackle and he had an eye for a pass, with the ability to execute the majority. It must be said, his touch was also excellent. Able to lay the ball off first time and able to carry the ball, Saints have a gem in him. It’s a surprise he’s not played more games so far this season. It seems he will be key in keeping St Johnstone away from the drop zone. There were several other impressive standouts for the visitors. Adam Montgomery at left-back was a joy to watch. He linked up well with Stevie May down the left, who drifted over into the channel to help the wing-back. He showed good close control on multiple occasions and was able to get into some decent attacking situations. Cammy MacPherson also stood out alongside Phillips in midfield. His range of passing proved useful. Whipped in some wicked deliveries too. Nicky Clark, free from suspension after his red card against Rangers was overturned, was superb as well. He picked up Montgomery’s cross for Saints’ goal, holding it up well before laying off Wright to score. Stevie May created the second for his side with some neat one-twos with Melker Hallberg, who slotted calmly under Liam Kelly.
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