Light at Hend of tunnel for Saints in drop dogfight
Red- hot Callum Hendry made it seven goals in 10 games as St Johnstone turned up the heat on Dundee in the drop zone.
The striker fired home a thirdminute penalty to sink Livingston and put six points between Saints and their automatic relegation rivals.
But Callum Davidson’s side rode their luck as Livi were denied a stonewall penalty of their own just six minutes from time.
Saints left the park to a standing ovation and boss Davidson said: “I was really pleased with that.
“It was a tough game in difficult conditions. We worked extremely hard as a group.
“The boys are all fighting for each other and the support is there. We are trying to look upwards and remain positive.
“Of course Cal lum [Hendry] wanted to take the penalty. He had scored six and he’s playing with loads of confidence right now.
“I have an array of choices. It all looks positive going towards the end of the season.”
Livi have now lost three on the bounce and slip to eighth with next week’s home meeting with Motherwell now a make- or-break encounter for their top-half hopes.
It took less than three minutes for the game to explode into life.
A free-kick swung in by Melker Hallberg was half cleared but as Hendry attempted to challenge for the second ball, he was caught by Jack Fitzwater’s arm.
Ref Kevin Clancy immediately pointed to the spot with the Livi man earning a booking into the bargain.
Hendry made no mistake from 12 yards, firing right down the middle.
It was a dream start for Saints but Livi roared back and Alan Forrest had a close-range effort saved by Zander Clark before Sebastian Soto, in for his first start, turned brilliantly in the box and drew another good save from the keeper.
Despite trailing, the Lions enjoyed the better of the first half. Tony Gallacher’s afternoon came to an end af ter 35 minutes af ter a crunching challenge from Nicky Devlin before Ali Crawford’s low drive from 20 yards was turned around the post by Max Stryjek as Saints looked to stretch their lead.
Livi’s threat dipped after the break – Norwich loanee Soto was working hard but the supply line was getting cut off at source. Ayo Obileye tested Clark with a well-struck 20 yarder but the keeper stood firm.
Then came late controversy when a loose ball cannoned off the arm of the grounded Dan Cleary in the box.
It looked a stonewall spot-kick but – much to the fury of Livi boss David Martindale – Clancy waved play on and Odin Bailey’s follow-up was saved by Clark.