Saints boss’ praise for substitute keeper Mannus

ST JOHNSTONE manager Tommy Wright praised his goalkeeper Alan Mannus for his spectacular last-gasp save which secured all three points for the club in their 2-1 away win against Motherwell.

The win took Saints to fourth in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Mannus, a half-time substitute for the injured Zander Clark, tipped substitute Ryan Bowman’s header onto the inside of the post before the ball was cleared to safety.

The win cements Saints’ place in the top six, with the Perth club looking for a top-half finish for the sixth consecutive season.

Wright said: “They were throwing the kitchen sink at us for the last few minutes and we have had to hang on. It is an incredible save from Alan which helps gets us the three points.

“If you defend well and take your chances you can win games and that is what we did. It is another great away win that all but guarantees us a top-six finish.”

Liam Craig netted both Saints’ goals with Scott McDonald on the mark for Motherwell.

The home side’s boss, Stephen Robinson, rued the failure of the referee to give what he described as a “stonewall” penalty in his first home game as Motherwell manager.

With the home side trailing 1-0, Chris Cadden appeared to be bodychecked by Paul Paton as he made his way into the penalty box.

Referee Greg Aitken waved away protests and Robinson said: “It was an incredible decision. I know it is a tough one for the referee but it is a stonewall penalty.”

United boss Ray McKinnon is frustrated with his team’s defending.