Saints made to

Defender confident side can kick on after defeat

ST JOHNSTONE 1 ABERDEEN 2

Tam Scobbie has thrown down the gauntlet to Perth players eyeing-up fourth and another European campaign.

The experienced defender has savoured a series of memorable Europa League clashes with the Perth club in recent seasons.

And despite going down to an Aberdeen side now rated odds-on favourites to secure second place behind champions Celtic in the five games remaining after the split, Scobbie believes Tommy Wright’s men are well placed to achieve their own target.

The centre-back owned up to an individual error which saw him turn a wicked Jonny Hayes cross into his own net in the 32nd minute, with the Dons well on top after Ryan Christie’s impressive 19th-minute opener.

First-half substitute Danny Swanson converted a penalty three minutes after the break to turn the tide in the direction of a Perth side which only stirred into life half an hour into the contest.

But they were unable to examine the credentials of Dons keeper Joe Lewis, who was protected by a well-marshalled rearguard.

Scobbie admitted Saints paid the price for a sluggish opening but, given Hearts could only draw with Kilmarnock on Friday, they still enjoy an advantage going into the post-split fixtures.

He said: “There’s a big incentive for the club to finish fourth. We know it will be difficult. Hearts have a fantastic squad.

“But hopefully we can take care of business at our end.

“If you had said we would have a four-

Picture: SNS. Tam Scobbie scores an own goal to make it 2-0 to Aberdeen.

Tommy Wright looks on as his St Johnstone side lose out 2-1 to visitors Aberdeen.