Martin refuses to party as Wright’s men grab points

HAMILTON ....... 1 ST JOHNSTONE.2

hat-trick hero Steven MacLean and captain Steven Anderson.

The visitors were dealt an early blow as Matty Willock was injured early on and replaced by Alastair McCann.

Kevin Clancy felt the wrath of the home crowd in the 21st minute when he booked Danny Redmond for diving on the edge of Saints’ box – and it did look like he was clipped.

Templeton forced the best from Zander Clark in the 32nd minute with a brilliant freekick that had to be turned round the post.

The Accies striker then played through Redmond who sprinted clear only to knock the ball past the post.

In the 41st minute Scott Tanser sent an excellent ball into the box but George Williams hit the post.

Confusion in the Hamilton defence almost resulted in the first goal when Ross Jenkins shot a loose ball from 20 yards but it crashed off the post.

After the break Clark was forced into another cracking save as Dougie Imrie crossed for Darian MacKinnon whose header was brilliantly turned away by the Saints goalie.

Accies had a real sense of urgency in the second half with Templeton and Imrie on the right and left-hand sides driving their side forward.

Imrie had a brilliant chance to open the scoring but his volley was well over the bar.

There was drama in the 64th minute as St Johnstone were awarded a penalty after Fulton took out Williams.

Clancy pointed to the spot and McMillan made no mistake from 12 yards.

The game was ended as a contest on 80 minutes when sub Stefan Scougall set up Wotherspoon who lashed an effort into the corner.

Two minutes later Imrie headed home a perfect Darren Lyon cross at the back post.

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright praised his side’s attitude as they continue to chase down seventh spot.

He said: “There are no meaningless games.

“We’re desperate for the win and proved that in the second half – and we’ll be desperate for another win on Saturday.” THE tenacity of Welsh winger George Williams, above, to get into the box and eventually to win a penalty led to St Johnstone’s opener – and also knocked the stuffing out of Hamilton. The home side struggled to recover from the blow. KEVIN CLANCY got the penalty decision spot on but he had a few other calls that left spectators puzzled, including booking Hamilton’s Danny Redmond for diving when he was clearly clipped.