Wright lauds Saints’ midfield maestros

lenge of Liam Donnelly, who claimed he had been fouled, and raced into the penalty area. Defoe cut the ball back to Steven Davis whose powerful shot was parried by Gillespie. It was no surprise to see Defoe reacting quickest of all to the loose ball as he slammed a shot beyond the Motherwell keeper.

Rangers made a far more proactive start to the second half as they looked to build some momentum, carving out a couple of early chances as Defoe’s header was held by

ST JOHNSTONE

HAMILTON ACCIES

Miller 25, Davies 83 pen

3

Wotherspoon 36, 60, Hendry 88

2

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright admitted the spark for his side’s 3-2 win over Hamilton was provided by the Perth side’s midfield.

David Wotherspoon struck a pair of goals before substitute Callum Hendry netted the winner in the final minute to bag Saints’ first win of the campaign.

After falling behind to a

Gillespie before Joe Aribo slid a shot narrowly wide. Motherwell now found themselves hemmed in to their own defensive third for sustained spells and Helander was next to threaten for Rangers when his diving header from a Barisic corner flew just over.

But while counter-attacking opportunities had become far more elusive for Robinson’s side, they might easily have reclaimed the lead in the 69th minute

Mickel Miller goal, the hosts regrouped and, inspired by Wotherspoon’s classy strikes, they were in control.

A Murray Davidson handball six minutes from the end appeared to have allowed Steven Davies to snatch a point from the penalty spot for Accies. But Hendry – son of former Scotland star Colin – popped up with his third of the season from the bench to secure all three points.

“David is a wonderful footballer, he’s two footed and he showed what he can do,” said Wright. “That was his 250th game for the club and he’s been a great player for us over the years. Ali Mccann was also outstanding. He’s as good a young midfielder in Scotland at the moment – if not the best one.”

Wright’s thoughts will now turn to Wednesday’s visit of Hearts as Saints bid to escape the basement, but of Saturday’s performance he added: “It would have been a travesty if we hadn’t won that game because we dominated from start to finish.

“Thewinwasfullydeserved. We should have been out of sight long before Callum’s goal.”