Clark rides to the rescue as County are denied victory
TWO outstanding late saves by Zander Clark stopped Ross County from claiming backto-back Premiership wins for the first time since August.
Clark denied Keith Watson and substitute Josh Reid in the dying minutes at the Global Energy Stadium as Saints winless league run was extended to nine matches.
Clark’s counterpart, Ross Laidlaw, also had a big say in the outcome when he made a superb one-handed save from Liam Gordon.
County, who received a massive lift from their midweek victory over Hibs at Easter Road — their first in the league since beating St Johnstone away in
September — dominated the first half.
But Saints came out fighting in the second period to test the resolve and the character of the home players under new boss John Hughes.
Having grabbed the initiative and moved the ball about in a slick and effective manner, County went ahead after 21 minutes.
The Saints defence failed to deal with a cross from debutant Jason Naismith, signed last month, and after the ball had taken a couple of cruel deflections, Ross Draper pounced with a low drilled shot from 12 yards.
Their lead was short-lived, however, as St Johnstone were back on level terms just five minutes later after Craig Conway drew a foul from Watson inside the penalty box.
Conway elected to take the resultant spot-kick and buried his shot in the right hand corner of the net wide of Laidlaw’s valiant attempt to stretch and reach the ball.
After being outplayed and out-thought for much of the first half, Saints underwent a transformation following the break and County found themselves clinging on at times to stay level.
Hughes said: ‘In the first half, we were very good at passing the ball but, in the second, it was all St Johnstone.
‘To be fair, we stood up to it and we could have nicked it in the end.
‘I am just happy with the players’ commitment and how they are digging in.
‘It’s been a hard four games in 12 games and now they need to rest up.
‘But I’m delighted with their spirit and the desire and the way they stood up to St Johnstone’s pressure in that second half.’
Saints manager Callum Davidson added: ‘That’s the poorest we’ve started a game this season. Our work rate in the first 10 minutes wasn’t good enough.
‘But we got better and had good chances, so I can’t fault the players.
‘Their application, in difficult conditions, was excellent for 60 to 70 minutes.’
ROSS COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Laidlaw; Naismith, Watson, Donaldson, Lakin; Draper, Vigurs (Gardyne 56); Kelly, Paton (Reid 75), Hylton (Tillson 74); Shaw (McKay 86).
Subs (not used): Doohan, Randall, Wright, Williamson, Mackinnon. Booked: Vigurs, Donaldson.
ST JOHNSTONE (4-4-2): Clark; Rooney, Gordon, McCart, McNamara; Davidson, McCann, Booth, Conway (Bryson 86); Kane (May 78), O’Halloran (Wotherspoon 58).
Subs (not used): Parish, Tanser, Melamed, Hendry, Craig. Booked: Gordon, McNamara.
Referee: Willie Collum.