St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright praised his side’s character after they recorded three straight victories and collected as many clean sheets since being thrashed by Celtic.
Matthew Kennedy’s fifth-minute strike was enough to inflict Livingston’s first Ladbrokes Premiership home defeat of the season as they went down 1-0.
Saints had been left bruised by a 6-0 home loss to reigning champions Celtic on October 7 but have responded with wins over Motherwell, St Mirren and now against the Lions, a productive run that has taken the Perth side to within a point of sixth-placed Livi.
Wright said: “It was a difficult game and we knew it would be.
“We were strong in defence and we thought we would have to deal with a lot of balls into the box and we did that.
“If I am being over critical we could have passed it a bit better. But when you win and keep a clean sheet it is an unbelievable response from the Celtic game.
“Not too many teams would show the character we have done in the last three games.
“I am delighted for them. To have 17 points so far is a great start for us.
“Livingston have had a great start to the season and we matched them up to show them the respect they deserved.”
In a game bereft of chances, Kennedy scored with Saints’ only shot on target, while Livingston midfielder Scott Pittman produced his side’s sole effort on goal, which resulted in goalkeeper Zander Clark making a save in the first half.
Lions manager Gary Holt admits his side were uncharacteristically off the pace.
He said: “It was one of those nights, we could be playing until tomorrow and still not score.
“You get nights in football when things don’t go right if you’re not brave or get the ball in the right areas.
“We’ll take it on the chin, analyse it and put it to bed and get ready to go again on Saturday against Hamilton.
“The boys are gutted at losing their home record in the league but I’ve told them to take on board the taste of how that feels.
“We can’t start as sloppily as we did and give an opponent a goal of a start. It only serves to give them impetus and their game plan is set.
“We weren’t brave enough to take the game by the scruff of the neck. We were standing off and waiting for others to take the initiative.”
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