Scottish Premiership: Defensive pair score as St Johnstone beat Partick Thistle 2-0

Two goals just a few minutes into each half returned St Johnstone to winning ways in their 2-0 victory over Partick Thistle at McDiarmid Park.

St Johnstone, whose run of six straight wins had ended with losses in their previous two outings, against Aberdeen and Hamilton, and had a goalless draw against Partick in Glasgow, strengthened their hold on sixth place thanks to goals from two defenders.

Tommy Wright’s men enjoyed a dream start after less than four minutes when skipper Dave Mackay hit a shot from outside the box which was deflected past Partick keeper Paul Gallacher and into the goal.

It was almost two for the home side when Conrad Balatoni lost possession in a dangerous area with a poor clearance. Simon Lappin whipped in a curling delivery, which was met by a powerful Liam Caddis header at the far post that Gallacher did well to tip round the post.

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Partick replied strongly after going behind and hit the crossbar 20 minutes in with an excellent effort from former Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson after he turned in the box to collect a corner from Stuart Bannigan.

Late in the opening half in Perth, Stevenson lofted a cross to the back post for the visitors but it was just too high for Steven Lawless to put in the net.

But then with almost identical timing as in the first period, Saints extended their lead in the 49th minute when defender Steven Anderson met a David Wotherspoon corner superbly to glance a header home.

The home side were buoyed and almost put the game beyond doubt when Caddis cut inside and found Lappin, who curled a right-footed shot just over the bar.

Partick striker Kris Doolan spun well in the 58th minute at the edge of the box to fire in a shot but Alan Mannus parried and was able to gather at the second attempt.

The visitors continued to press and in the 66th minute only a goal-line clearance by Brian Easton denied substitute Nathan Eccleston who had gone round Mannus.

The win kicks off an important week for Saints, who travel to Inverness on Tuesday and then host league leaders Aberdeen on Friday. Two victories would put them on the heels of the top five teams.