Two goals from Michael O'Halloran ensured that St Johnstone came from behind to take a 2-1 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership this evening.
Zaine Francis-Angol tried his luck from range inside the opening five minutes, but his swerving shot failed to give Motherwell the lead.
The visitors did find the back of the net early on though when Lionel Ainsworth blasted the ball into the roof of the net following a quick counter-attack.
Fraser Kerr could have doubled the lead a couple of minutes later as he tried to head in from the middle of the box, but Alan Mannus was ready for it.
St Johnstone got back on level terms just before the break though when Lee Croft crossed the ball in for O'Halloran to smash into the back of the net.
Henrik Ojamaa could have restored Motherwell's lead early in the second half, but his sliced effort was stopped by Mannus.
The hosts started to dominate possession as the second half progressed, resulting in chances for Frazer Wright and Gary McDonald, but Motherwell did just enough to stay level.
However, the home side piled forward again late on, resulting in James McFadden sliding the ball in for O'Halloran to score with a similar strike to his first.
Josh Law tried to force an equaliser in stoppage time, but his effort from outside the box was just wide of the upright.
The result moves St Johnstone up to eighth in the table, and leaves Motherwell 11th, just two points ahead of bottom side Ross County.
Sian Cowper
