Scottish Premiership: St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright blames 'basic' errors for defeat to Kilmarnock

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright admitted his players had only themselves to blame after Kilmarnock handed them a fifth straight Scottish Premiership defeat.

The Perth side went ahead at McDiarmid Park after Murray Davidson's effort was controversially ruled to have crossed the goal-line, but two Josh Magennis headers in the space of three first-half minutes handed the visitors a 2-1 win.

Wright insisted there was no lack of confidence among his struggling squad despite their poor run of form, but acknowledged they must stop making basic errors in order to reverse their fortunes.

"We started really well and got the goal," he said. "Whether it was over the line or not I do not know, but after that we contrived to let them back into the game.

"They did not have to do a lot for the first goal and we should have dealt with that. It was just one long ball and then we didn't defend the cross well.

"Then the second goal was a set-play and a free header. We got punished for those mistakes and that is what is happening at the moment.

"It was a game where we were sitting comfortably at 1-0. We asked for a quick start and we got it, so it was disappointing that we lost our way for a bit after it went to 1-1.

"I don't think there is a lack of confidence. The way we started the game showed there wasn't a lack of confidence or belief. There are just too many mistakes being made.

"I know what I see and this is a time where we have got to roll our sleeves up and stop contributing to our own downfall."

Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston conceded his side had produced more vintage performances than this one during their impressive start to the season – which has seen them pick up 20 points from 10 league matches - but was delighted to see his side battle for victory at a tough venue.

"I don't think it was a classic game," he said. "I think it was a bit scrappy from both teams at times.

"I feel like we passed the ball really well in the previous game against Dundee United, but this was always going to be a hard place to come.

"Overall, I think we deserved to win. We had a couple of chances to win by even more, but St Johnstone are a hard team to play against.

"They are quite direct, look for second balls and put a lot of crosses into the box, so the players at the back stood up really well and then we looked really dangerous on the counter-attack with the pace we have got.

"I am delighted for my players."