St Johnstone show character to rescue a point at McDiarmid Park against Falkirk.
After an uneventful start to the match, the first chance of the game fell to the hosts. Fowler did well to pick out Steven, whose effort, from just inside the area, forced Bain into making a diving save.
Alic then found himself inside the Falkirk box in a promising position; his initial cutback was dealt with. However, the full-back received it again and picked out Holt, whose effort was well blocked.
Falkirk had their first effort of the match on 26 minutes. Krauhaus did well to work the space for a shot, but his effort was tame and was easily saved by Steward.
With 10 minutes to go until first-half stoppage time, McAlear’s pinpoint pass found Steven, who found himself baring down on the Falkirk goal, but was denied by a combination of Bain’s foot and the crossbar.
On 40 minutes, Diabate was caught in possession by Krauhaus, who slipped Murrell in, and with just the keeper to beat, the striker blasted the ball over the crossbar.
Falkirk were awarded a free kick in a promising position, just before the end to the half, which saw Diabate receive the first booking of the afternoon. The free kick, taken by Barbrook, hit the wall and went out for a corner.
HT: St Johnstone 0-0 Falkirk
Into the second period, St Johnstone were reduced to ten men. Ross spun Diabate, then, in an attempt to recover the situation, the centre back pulled back the forward and was subsequently shown a second yellow. Simo Valakari wasted no time in making a change following the red card, bringing on Finlayson for Campbell.
Falkirk hit the front on the hour mark. Eams cut the ball back to Ross, who picked out the bottom corner to give the visitors the advantage.
St Johnstone started to pile on the pressure as they looked to get back into the match. Alic had an ambitious shot from far out, which was easily saved by Bain, before Paton saw his cut back deflect out for a corner. Moments later, Paton was found, free, at the back post; however, the substitute’s volley was well saved by Bain.
Doherty played MacIver through, but Steven got back and stopped Falkirk from doubling their lead.
In the final minute of additional time, St Johnstone were awarded a free kick, which was taken by Alic, who picked out the top corner to rescue a point for the Saints. A dramatic ending at McDiarmid Park.