Superb Saints put an end to dismal home run

ST JOHNSTONE got their home form back on track with an emphatic 3-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle.

“This was a much better performance and I am pleased with a clean sheet after losing at home to Kilmarnock, Partick and Ross County,” said Saints boss Tommy Wright.

“It was a good three points and we played some really fine football which we don’t always get credit for.

“I was pleased with how Murray Davidson played.

“He came back in without playing any Development League games and showed he is one of the fittest players we have. He can be pleased with his showing.

“I was also pleased with Danny Swanson and I’m delighted he scored.”

Liam Craig fired in the opening goal i n t he 14th minute after combining with Steven MacLean and Davidson swept in the second in the 62nd minute, just moments after the visitors’ Gary Warren had been red-carded.

Swanson put the icing on the cake nine minutes from time when he finished off a magnificent move that saw Joe Shaughnessy pick out Brian Easton on the overlap and the fullback fed Swanson just inside the box.

Wright insisted the victory spared the officials his wrath after referee Euan Anderson’s decision not to award a penalty when Richard Foster appeared to be pushed over.

Wright said: “Could we have had a penalty? No doubt.

“I said to the linesman: ‘You’re lucky we won 3-0’ because if that had been 0-0 or 1-0 and they got a late goal I think I would have kicked his door down. However, we all make mistakes.”

Paul Hartley