Dunfermline 0-2 St Johnstone: Saints seal prompt return to Scottish Premiership

Second-half objectives from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sealed St Johnstone’s prompt return to the William Hill Premiership at East Finish Park.

A 2-0 victory over Dunfermline moved Saints seven factors forward of Partick Thistle with two video games left within the Championship season.

Partick Thistle’s draw with Airdrie on Saturday had handed Simo Valakari’s aspect two probabilities to say the title earlier than the Jags subsequent play they usually seized their first alternative.

The Perth aspect have led the desk from the opening day, once they beat Thistle 5-1, though the Maryhill aspect have been degree on factors at one stage and each groups are on 12-match unbeaten runs within the league.

St Johnstone have been taking over a aspect who performed 120 minutes at Hampden on Saturday earlier than their penalty shootout overcome Falkirk within the Scottish Cup semi-finals and who have been enjoying their third consecutive midweek sport.

Dunfermline supervisor Neil Lennon made 5 modifications to his beginning line-up.

Saints had the higher of the primary half and Josh McPake was but once more the hazard man for the guests. The winger hit the underside of the bar from 15 yards and delivered a number of teasing balls which Paton couldn’t benefit from.

Sam Stanton additionally got here shut from lengthy vary and inadvertently blocked a goal-bound effort from team-mate Morgan Boyes.

The breakthrough got here within the 56th minute after the hosts didn’t clear their strains. Paton teed up McAlear 22 yards out and the previous Livingston midfielder’s first-time shot took a serious deflection off the boot of Charlie Gilmour and deceived goalkeeper Aston Oxborough.

The Perth aspect doubled their lead within the 72nd minute when Paton drifted in between the Dunfermline centre-backs and guided a header into the underside nook from 12 yards following Liam Smith’s cross.

Dunfermline have been left with a five-point lead over fifth-placed Raith Rovers, however they might wrap up a play-off place earlier than the weekend with their Fife rivals travelling to McDiarmid Park on Friday.

Holt proud and relieved to seal Premiership return

St Johnstone captain Jason Holt was proud and relieved to seal their return to the highest flight after bouncing again from a tough spell in his profession.

Holt suffered successive relegations with Livingston and Saints however he led the Perth aspect again to the William Hill Premiership as a 2-0 win at Dunfermline sealed the Championship title.

After second-half objectives from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sparked a celebration at East Finish Park, Holt informed BBC Scotland: “It’s just relief to get over the line. Testament to the staff and players because we set the standard from day one and we stayed there.

“Truthful play to different groups placing strain on us however we knew we have been one of the best crew within the league.

“And to get it done at the first opportunity, it’s just great to get promoted back to the top flight.”

Holt praised supervisor Simo Valakari for main Saints to promotion in his first full season in cost.

“What you see is what you get, really, so much positivity, so much enthusiasm,” the previous Hearts and Rangers midfielder mentioned.

“The biggest compliment I can give him, as players we go on the pitch feeling free. That’s all you can ask as a player. Make mistakes, it’s fine, don’t worry about it. That’s given us the platform to be successful this year.

“He is been totally different class since he got here to the membership.

“Last year at times was super difficult. There aren’t many players in the dressing room who were here last year, I’m one of probably two or three. Really difficult at times. Takes over your life.

“However to bounce again on the first time of asking, I am actually so happy with the lads.”