Scottish Championship Archives

St Johnstone 2-0 Raith Rovers – Match Report

St Johnstone beat Raith Rovers on trophy presentation day. The first real chance of the game occurred just under 5 minutes in. Raith Rovers only managed to clear a corner into the path of Gullan, who blazed over from just outside the box. Minutes later, Fotheringham found space for a shot outside the box, but the Saints number 21 dragged his effort past the post. The Perth side won a free kick in a promising position, which was headed out for a corner by Rowe. From the resulting corner, Fotheringham volleyed over the top. Raith Rovers nearly took the lead. Cameron found himself free in the box but headed over. Fotheringham won a free kick just outside the box, which was struck well by Gullan, whose effort was denied by a brilliant piece of goalkeeping from former St Johnstone goalkeeper Rae. Fotheringham was then brought down in the area by Matthews, and without hesitation, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Gullan then stepped up, and tucked the penalty away, to give the champions a deserved lead based on the balance of play. Stanton played a ball into the box after managing to find a yard of space, which found Fotheringham, who struck his volley past the post. McPake’s deflected right footed effort hit the side netting. Fowler won a free kick on the edge of the area, which was struck by Gullan, who found the corner to give Simo Valakari’s side a deserved 2-0 lead just before the break. HT: St Johnstone 2-0 Raith Rovers Into the second period, Raith Rovers thought they pulled one back, but the linesman had his flag raised. With just over 20 minutes remaining, Easton’s curling effort went just past Steward’s post. Fowler was played through in additional time but the striker’s low effort was saved by the foot of Rae. After 2 minutes of additional time, the referee blew his full-time whistle. A solid showing from the champions, in their final home match of the campaign. St Johnstone: Steward (7), Forrester (8), Diabate (8), Boyes (8), Foulds (8), Fotheringham (8) , Holt (7), Stanton (8), Gullan (9), McPake (7), Fowler (7) Substitutes: Paton (6), Steven (7), McAlear (6) Raith Rovers: Rae (6), Rowe (6), Fordyce (6), O’Connor (6), Stevenson (6), Easton (7), Montagu (6), Matthews (6), Vaughan (6), Nsio (6), Cameron (5) Substitutes: Hamilton (5), Chin (5), Winter (5), Mullin (5)

April 24, 2026

St Johnstone vs Raith Rovers – Match Preview

Champions St Johnstone host Raith Rovers on trophy presentation day. Raith Rovers have failed to find the net against the Champions in the Championship in their 3 attempts this season. St Johnstone came out with 3 points in the first league meeting between the sides, winning 2-0 on the road. The sides have met twice after that, with both games finishing goalless. Raith Rovers’ last win against Friday night’s opponents came back in 2004, in a 1-0 win. Their last win at McDiarmid Park came in September 2003, in another 1-0 win. St Johnstone come into this fixture off the back of a 2-0 win away from home against Dunfermline Athletic, which saw them become champions. The Perth outfit are unbeaten in their last 12 Championship matches, winning 7 and drawing 5. Raith Rovers come into this meeting off the back of a 2-1 defeat away from home against Arbroath, which ended a run of 4 consecutive wins. The maximum number of points that St Johnstone can reach is 77, no side has reached that figure in the Championship since Rangers won the title in 2015/16, when they finished on 81 points. Although still within reach, the play offs look increasingly unlikely for Raith Rovers. Dougie Imrie’s side currently sit 5th, 5 points behind Dunfermline in 4th, who play Queen’s Park away from home, before rounding off the league season at home against Arbroath. Josh McPake will play his final game for St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Friday night. The winger, who will join Hearts in the summer, joined the Saints on a free transfer in June 2024. The forward has enjoyed an impressive campaign with St Johnstone thus far, scoring 16 goals in the league, which sees him lead the way in the top scoring charts – 3 ahead of Dunfermline’s Tod. Keeper Toby Steward, who has kept 18 league clean sheets so far, summed up his loan spell after securing the title on Tuesday night against Dunfermline Athletic: “My family have come up loads and they have absolutely loved it. They have new friends now, both supporters and people from around the club. “From day one, we had a goal. That was to make something happen and go up. For the fans and everyone connected with the club, I’m so happy we could do it. “The boys are all amazing. A great group. And obviously great players. They are friends for life now. I’ll never forget this. Just fantastic. It’s been class. Absolutely loved it.” Raith Rovers sit 2nd when it comes to clean sheets. The Fife outfit have kept 15 clean sheets in the league, 2 more than their city rivals Dunfermline Athletic. Simo Valakari on the difficulty of the Championship: “It is a difficult league because you play every week and every opponent is at you. They’re kicking, they’re pushing you, so to do this our way, it’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of everyone. “It’s not easy with how much I have demanded from them. We have been in numerous Sundays when everyone else is sleeping in their beds. We have been training on Sundays after the Saturday. “We have been working, we have had many things (to deal with), but the players, they wanted this. That was the biggest thing. All of these players wanted to be here. They want our club to be successful.” On Friday night: “The fans have been by our side all season, now we can all look forward to a great day at McDiarmid Park on Friday. Let’s make it a carnival, let’s make it full rock and roll.”

April 23, 2026

Dunfermline Athletic 0-2 St Johnstone: Saints Back in the Big Time After Title Win in Fife

St Johnstone have been Promoted back to the Premiership at the first time of asking after a convincing win away at Scottish Cup finalist Dunfermline Athletic Dunfermline came into this one off a huge win at Hampden on penalties against Falkirk and will take the last play-off spot with a win tonight, they also had two wins a draw and a defeat in the league going into this one. Saints could book their place back in the top flight of Scottish football with a victory here tonight, and are unbeaten in 12 with their last loss coming against tonight’s opponents at McDiarmid Park back in February. Neil Lennon made five changes to the team that got that historic win at Hampden as Chris Hamilton, Shea Kearney, John Tod, Josh Cooper and Tashan Oakley-Boothe came in for Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, Alfons Amade, Charlie Gilmour, Robbie Fraser and Chris Kane. Simo Valakari made one change to the team that won 4-0 at home against Airdrieonians as Jack Baird made way for Matthew Foulds. The first glimpse of a chance came when Callum Morrison looked to be through on goal but some great defensive running from Liam Smith saved St Johnstone from a real problem early on. St Johnstone responded with a couple of corners but they came to nothing as Saints looked to impose themselves on the game. Jamie Gullan was next to try and get a shot away this time St Johnstone but his shot was blocked for a corner. Gullan then smashed the crossbar from close range as the large away crowd at the other end of the ground was certain he had put them in front. James McPake showed good strength against Shea Kearney to get the ball across to Gullan who miss hits the ball and Liam Smith’s shot was deflected wide. McPake robs Nurudeen Abdulai of the ball at the edge of the box and gets it across to Ruari Paton, who’s near post shot is again deflected for a corner, but nothing comes of it. Sam Stanton took a long-3range effort next on a bouncing ball that didn’t drop too far over the crossbar and had Aston Oxborough in Dunfermline’s goal scrambling back. Josh Cooper got Dunfermline’s first real chance in a while, but it was easily blocked and cleared by Saints skipper Jason Holt. Reece McAlear had another shot for St Johnstone but he dragged it well wide as the game remained goalless as we reached the last 10 minutes of the half. Gullan got another shot off for Saints after good hold-up play by Paton, but his shot was an easy save for Oxborough. Andy Tod got his first real involvement right before the break but his shot was high and wide of Toby Steward’s goal. Right from the kick off of the second half Saints were up the park again, Gullan and McPake linked well but Gullan pulled his shot well wide of the goal. Dunfermline had a nice break up the pitch and the ball lands at the feet of Kieran Ngwenya but the centre half batters the ball way over the bar. St Johnstone finally made a breakthrough as McAlear’s deflected shot wrong-footed Oxborough and flew into the net to give Saints a well deserved lead just before the hour mark. Toby Steward completely misses a clearance that wasn’t helped by a bobble in the park and almost tees it up perfectly for Callum Morrison, but the Saints keeper managed to scrape it away at the second attempt. Liam Smith had another chance from a difficult angle and his shot went just over the bar as St Johnstone looked to make sure of the three points and the league title. Saints got their second of the game with just over 15 minutes to go as Smith’s cross was headed in by Paton as it looked as if Simo Valakari’s team would be back up in the Premiership next season. Dunfermline responded well after the second goal, but their lack of quality in the final third made it difficult to break down the St Johnstone defence. The final whistle blew and confirmed that St Johnstone would again be a Premiership club, bouncing straight back up after relegation last season. Next up for Dunfermline is a trip back to Hampden, lesser Hampden this time to face Queens Park in their penultimate league fixture. As for St Johnstone, they have a Friday night game next, at home against Raith Rovers where they will be paraded as champions of the Scottish Championship. Dunfermline Athletic Aston Oxborough, Kieran Ngwenya, Chris Hamilton (Chris Kane 53’) , Matty Todd (Rory MacLeod 76’), Shea Kearney, Nurudeen Abdulai, Andrew Tod, John Tod, Josh Cooper (Alfons Amade 53’), Tashan Oakley-Boothe (Charlie Gilmour 33’), Callum Morrison (Lucas Fyfe 76’). St Johnstone Toby Steward, Cheick Diabate, Morgan Boyes, Jason Holt, Jamie Gullan (Taylor Steven 71’), Sam Stanton (Kai Fotheringham 90+1), Matthew Foulds, Ruari Paton, Josh McPake, Liam Smith (Adam Forrester 90+2), Reece McAlear.

April 21, 2026

Points shared at Firhill: A 0-0 draw keeps St Johnstone eight-points clear

Simo Valakari’s side left Firhill with one point to keep them as strong favourites to lift the Scottish Championship come the end of the season. A strong start for St Johnstone gave them the first opportunity of the match, but Jamie Gullan’s effort sailed past Josh Clarke’s goal. A careless mistake from Thistle’s Ts’ oanelo Lets’ osa, in a dangerous position, saw Ruari Paton’s strike saved unconvincingly by Clarke. However, no Saints players were in the box to punish The Jags error. Just over halfway into the first half, Thistle applied some dangerous pressure. Many continued efforts in the box saw the St Johnstone backline and goalkeeper Toby Steward scrambling to get the ball to safety. The end of the first half lacked real quality, with no team testing either goalkeeper, as well as many missed placed passes on show. In the opening five minutes of the second half, Alex Samuel had an effort on Steward’s goal. However, the Englishman in The Saints’ goal was untested. In the 61st minute, Ruari Paton’s free-kick delivery sailed past everyone in the box, a slight touch would have certainly put the visitors ahead. However, again no one was in a dangerous enough position to capitalize. Just after, Reece McAlear had an effort from long distance, but it just fell wide of Clarke’s post. However, the pressure from Simo Valakari’s side was certainly mounting. Josh McPake had a great chance to open the scoring from close range, but a lack of clinical conviction saw it go wide. Partick Thistle then found some confidence, with Ben Stanway’s half volley which just sailed wide of The Saints’ post. A heart in mouth moment in the 86th minute for Toby Steward saw him slip just outside the 18-yard box, Ricco Diak must have thought it was a tap-in to win it. However, The Saints’ stopper was lucky enough to be able to get a toe onto the ball and clear it to safety. Alex Samuel’s great work effort saw Thistle awarded a corner in the dying minutes of the match. But the corner didn’t bring any last-minute hope for The Jags. A 0-0 draw at Firhill most likely suits St Johnstone. But Thistle have to play two fixtures in short sequence before The Saints play their next match, which may add some pressure to St Johnstone if Mark Wilson’s side are able to collect six points out of six. Partick Thistle: Clarke (7), McBeth (6), Ashcroft (7), Loughrey (6), McPherson (5), Crawford (6), Lets’ Osa (5), Reading (5), Fitzpatrick (5), Stanway (5), Samuel (7) Subs: Diak (4), Turner (4), Ingram (4) St. Johnstone: Steward (7), Smith (6), Baird (6), Diabate (6), Boyes (6), McAlear (6), Holt (5), Stanton (5), Gullan (6), McPake (5), Paton (6) Subs: Fowler (4)

March 21, 2026

Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians: Jags close gap on league leaders after dominant victory

Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians Stanway (23′) Ben Stanway’s first-half free kick was the difference for Partick Thistle, as they closed the gap on St Johnstone to three points. After league leaders St Johnstone’s goalless draw in Kirkcaldy, Mark Wilson’s side knew the gap at the top of the table could be cut to three points with victory over relegation-threatened Airdrie. The visitors settled well, but the Jags played like a side determined to close the gap. They produced the first major chance on the 10-minute mark, as Alex Samuel headed Logan Chalmer’s cross off the far post. The ball deflected into the six-yard box, and Airdrie scrambled clear. The visitors struggled to deal with Thistle, who seized control. Ts’oanelo Lets’osa drove at the backline in the 20th minute, the ball found its way to Patrick Reading, whose shot deflected away from Harry Stone’s net. Thistle deservedly opened the scoring three minutes later, after Jamie Barjonas hauled Tony Watt down on the edge of the box, Ben Stanway delivered a rasping free-kick into the top right corner. The goal warranted the Jags’ relentless pressure and closed the gap on St Johnstone at the summit of the Scottish Championship. Oisin Smyth forced a low save from Stone moments later, as they looked to turn the screw. Stone produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Let’sosa, who raced onto Tony Watt’s forward ball, and fired a left-footed strike high towards the goal. Lee Ashcroft headed wide from close range after the resulting corner. Wilson would have been pleased with his side’s response following a pedestrian opening ten minutes. The only negative was that they didn’t score more chances. Airdrie worked their best chance on the stroke of halftime. After breaking over the halfway line, Dylan MacDonald found space on the right-hand side of the box. With only Clarke to beat, the defender sliced his strike behind and perhaps should have done better. The rain began to pour in Glasgow’s West End, but the hosts picked up where they left off from the first period. Stone produced another tremendous one-handed save to deny Smyth from the edge of the box. The Northern Irish midfielder’s curling effort looked set to find the top right corner, but once again, Stone kept his toiling side in the game. Substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick burst into the game in the 64th minute and showcased electric pace, evading several white and red jerseys. His back post cross found Watt at the back post, but the striker could not divert the cross on target. Despite dominating the game, the hosts knew that a second goal would be pivotal for killing off any hope of an Airdrie comeback. Wilson withdrew goalscorer Stanway to a standing ovation with twenty minutes to play. The academy graduate produced an outstanding performance from midfield and may merit a Premiership move come the summer. Fitzpatrick threatened again with ten minutes to play, a whipped cross to the back post found the onrushing Daniel O’Reilly, who could only volley over from close range. The hosts closed out the game, reducing the gap at the top of the table to three points. It may have been an uncomfortable scoreline for Wilson to endure, but the victory was all that mattered. Airdrie remain in ninth, all in all, it was an afternoon to forget for the dismal diamonds. Partick Thistle: Clarke 6 Reading 6 Ashcroft 6 Smyth 6 Samuel 6 Chalmers 7 (56’) O’Reilly 6 McPherson 6 Stanway 8 (67’) Watt 6 Lets’osa 7 (83’) Substitutes: Fitzpatrick 6 (56’) Crawford 6 (67’) Turner 4 (83’) Airdrieonians: Stone 6 MacDonald 6 Strapp 6 McMaster 6 Mochrie 5 (79’)Henderson 6 McArthur 6 Thomas 6 (58’) Ross 6 McGrattan 5 (79’) Barjonas 4 (58’) Substitutes: Gallagher 6 (58’) McKinnon 6 (58’) Telfer 3 (79’) Mahon 3 (79’) Attendance: 3984

February 21, 2026

Airdrieonians 0-1 St Johnstone – Match Report

St Johnstone move 5 clear of Partick Thistle with narrow win against Airdrieonians. In the opening few minutes, St Johnstone could have took the lead. A ball over the top found Gullan, who backheeled it into the path of McPake, whose tame effort from inside the box was easily saved by Stone. The Saints thought they found the breakthrough when Fowler got on the end of Diabete’s cross and volleyed home from close range, but the striker was flagged for a marginal offside. Airdrie had their first sight of goal when Mochrie had a go from outside the box, but his effort was comfortably saved by Steward. McPake played a dangerous ball into the Airdrie box, which avoided everyone and looked destined for the far corner, but Stone stuck out a left hand do deny the Hearts-bound winger. Henderson found McKinnon with a cross, but the Airdrie number 24, who found himself unmarked inside the box, put his volley over the top. A golden chance for the hosts. The Saints took the lead when Gullan played a brilliant ball over the top which found Paton, who chipped the ball, on the volley, over Stone, to give Simo Valakari’s side the lead. The perfect way to introduce yourself to the St Johnstone faithful. Into the second period, Gullan found McPake, but similar to his chance in the first period, his effort was easily saved by Stone. The ball fell to McGrattan on the edge of the box after a quick Airdrie counter attack, but his curling effort went sailing over the bar. With over 15 minutes to go, Steward made a tremendous stop to keep The Saints in front. Henderson played a low ball across goal into the path of Mochrie, who looked like he had a tap in, but Steward got across to somehow deny the forward. Airdrie had another golden opportunity to get themselves back on level terms. Mahon’s cutback was deflected into the path of Henderson, who attempted to flick the ball in at the near post, but Steward made himself big to keep Airdrie out once again. Airdrie kept piling the pressure onto the St Johnstone backline. Substitute Mahon found himself with space to shoot, but his effort towards the near post was saved by Steward. Into additional time, Gallagher got on the end of a cross from the right and his effort, on the stretch, went inches wide. After 4 minutes of additional time, the referee brought the game to a close as the game finished 1-0 to St Johnstone. As a result, The Saints move 5 clear at the top of the Championship, while Airdrie remain only 1 point ahead of Ross County in 9th, who face Queen’s Park tomorrow in a huge game at the tail end of the Championship table. Airdrieonians: Stone (7), MacDonald (6), Ross (6), McArthur (6), Strapp (5), McMaster (6), Telfer (6), McKinnon (6), Barjonas (6), Mochrie (5), Henderson (5) Substitutes: McGrattan (6), Thomas (5), Gallagher (5), Mahon (5), Constable (5) St Johnstone: Steward (9), Diabete (6), Baird (7), Boyes (7), Forrester (6), Holt (6), McAlear (6), Gullan (7), Paton (8), McPake (5), Fowler (6) Substitutes: Agyeman (5), Steven (5)

February 13, 2026

St Johnstone 2-2 Partick Thistle: Fans Verdict.

Entertaining game, not much in it, both sides were good to watch.”– St Johnstone and Partick Thistle supporters react to dramatic draw in Perth. St Johnstone fans. Sean Hamilton: “Genuinely haunted by the cheapness of the goals St Johnstone gave away last night. McAlear’s lack of urgency in claiming the ball before the first was shocking. Fotheringham is hopelessly casual ahead of the second. Diabate can’t have his hands all over his attacker in the box. Too many self-inflicted goals being lost through a lack of urgency and poor decision making. Players need a shake. The stakes are too high to be so careless. Oh… and Josh Fowler has to start from now on.” Andrew Johnston: “To go 5 clean sheets in a row and then concede 3 goals entirely of our own making is so frustrating. Nobody said it would be easy, but why do we have to make it so hard?” John Clunie: “Sickening but onwards and upwards, still top game in hand let’s do this.” Lee Kelman: “Poor first half, brilliant 2nd half. Just needed to be smarter in last moments of the game. Still 2 points clear with a game in hand.” Partick Thistle fans. Gazman_85: “That was a great point in the end. Thought we played well especially in the first half. 2nd half St. Johnstone the better team but I’m loving this never say die attitude from this team. Not out of this yet.” loyaljag: “The game plan was executed perfectly in first half but you’re always going to be under pressure in second half. Overall it was only one bit of quality that undid us despite playing with backs to wall. These players can never be written off though.” PTFC Updates: “Tony Watt & Alex Samuel, what a partnership! 2 of the league’s best strikers playing for the same team. Tony’s run for the first goal and constant physical battle, showed his class tonight. And Alex Samuel, wonderful as ever, a real physical and goal-scoring threat for us.” Jilly Stevo: “Entertaining game, not much in it, both sides were good to watch. A point each seems right but it feels like a win after being so close to defeat. Brilliant last gasp penalty under huge pressure. Proud of the whole team, they defended well and attacked well and looked totally different to the side I watched at McDiarmid Park on day 1.”

January 31, 2026

Dunfermline 0-2 Airdrieonians Match Report

Dunfermline host Airdrie in the Scottish Championship as Dunfermline continue to chase promotion and Airdrie hope to avoid relegation. Dunfermline came into this one off the back of two big wins as a last minute goal meant they knocked Premiership side Hibernian out of the Scottish cup and they also handed league leaders St Johnstone their first home loss of the season. Airdrie despite their league position went on a five game undefeated run until a tight 1-0 loss against fellow strugglers Ross County but they had given themselves reason to hope under new boss Aaron Taylor-Sinclair. There was just the one change for Dunfermline from the team that beat St Johnstone, Tashan Oakley-Boothe had dropped out for captain Chris Hamilton. There were two changes for Airdrie from the team that lost that game against Ross County, Aidan Wilson and Charlie McArthur came in to replace Sean McGinty and Craig Ross. The first chance fell to Dunfermline as Andrew Tod had a free kick from around 25 yards out, however he struck the ball straight in the Airdrie wall. It would be Airdrie who took the lead as the ball somehow bounced over keeper Deniz Mehmet and into the net from a Euan Henderson free kick. Good running by Robbie Fraser as he got a cross into the box but Airdrie keeper Harry Stone was able to grab it before Zak Rudden could get on the end of it. Jamie Barjonas tried to barge his way through the Dunfermline back line until Fraser managed to get a block in and send it for a corner. A good counter attack from Airdrie stretched the Dunfermline defence and the ball fell to Charlie McArthur who couldn’t sort his feet out in time and ended up sending his effort wide of goal. A chance for Dunfermline as a recycled corner fell to Rudden and then Callumn Morrison whose curling left foot shot went just the wrong side of the post. Another good cross by Fraser on the Dunfermline left was met by the head of Andrew Tod but his header was straight into the hands of Stone Andrew Tod again got into a good position and got his low cross into Zak Rudden who missed the ball but it fell to Matty Tod and his shot was saved by Stone. The ball immediately fell to Chris Hamilton and his shot was well hit but over the bar as Dunfermline continued to look for the equaliser. Hamilton again found himself in space but his shot was poor and cannoned off his team and into the arms of Stone once again. First action of the second half was a sending off for Dunfermline as Chris Mochrie was running through on goal and was hauled back by Hamilton who gave referee Peter Stuart no choice but to send him off. Another great move by Morrison, Fraser and finally a shot by Rudden but again Stone in the Airdrie goal stops Dunfermline from getting that equaliser. A good one-two on the edge of the box from Mochrie and Charlie Telfer ends in a fairly tame shot by Telfer that was easily saved by Mehmet. A decent strike from outside the box by substitute Olly Thomas was again well saved by Harry Stone. A long ball saw Mochrie in behind again for Airdrie but he dragged his shot well wide of the post. A fantastic cross from sub Graham Carey flew straight through the penalty area and had to be knocked behind for another Dunfermline corner as they kept the pressure on Airdrie. Another chance for Dunfermline again as this time it was Kieran Ngwanya who had his effort saved by Stone. A second goal for Airdrie as substitute Lewis McGrattan scores with just under 10 minutes remaining with a fantastic strike down to the keepers right, surely wrapping up the three points for the Diamonds. One final chance for Airdrie as Lewis Strapp his a fantastic volley that bounced off the top of the net and almost capped of a great win. Dunfermline Athletic Deniz Mehmet, Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen (Alfons Amade, 78), Kieran Ngwenya, Chris Hamilton (sent off, 53), Charlie Gilmour, Zak Rudden (Shea Kearney, 65), Matty Tod (Olly Thomas, 65), Nurudeen Abdulai, Andrew Tod (Graham Carey, 65), Callumn Morrison, Robbie Fraser (Chris Kane, 78). Airdrieonians Harry Stone, Dylan MacDonald, Lewis Strapp, Aidan Wilson (Craig Ross, 40), Dean McMaster, Chris Mochrie (Robbie Mahon, 72), Euan Henderson, Charlie McArthur, Jamie Barjonas (Dom Thomas, 72), Charlie Telfer (Lewis McGrattan, 72), Cole McKinnon (Gavin Gallagher, 87). Henderson (13), McGrattan (82)

January 31, 2026

St Johnstone vs Partick Thistle – Match Report

League leaders St Johnstone take on 2nd place Partick Thistle in a huge game at McDiarmid Park. The visitors nearly got off to the perfect start. Samuel did well to get into a shooting position, but his low effort hit the side-netting. Crawford spotted Samuel in plenty of space inside the St Johnstone box, but could not find the Jags number 9, however, the ball found its way to Watt, who cut inside onto his right foot, but his shot was straight at Steward. McPake found Gullan inside the Partick Thistle box, who flicked it onto Holt, whose effort from inside the box was well blocked. Agyeman found space outside the box and had a go, but his powerful effort was straight at Clarke, who kept hold. Crawford found himself with space inside the box, but his shot was well blocked by Mikulic, who slid in to deny the midfielder. Gullan found Forrester who found space to cross, with blue shirts in the middle, but his cross was headed out for a corner. From the resulting corner, the ball fell to McAlear, whose shot from outside the area was tipped over the top by Clarke. With under 5 minutes to go until half time, the Jags broke the deadlock. Striker Watt was first to a 50/50 following a St Johnstone corner. Watt then raced up the pitch and found himself up against Holt, who he got past with ease, and squared the ball to Smyth, who slotted home from close range. Into the second period, St Johnstone found the leveller. Gullan’s corner eventually found its way to Agyeman, who found himself with the ball inside the area with his back to goal, and found the net via a deflection, to give him his first goal for St Johnstone. Forrester found space outside the box and had a go, but his right footed effort went narrowly past the post. Watt found Smyth with a lofted pass, which keeper Steward came rushing out for and got to, to deny the Jags’ number 8. Gullan’s cross resulted in a goalmouth scramble inside the Partick Thistle box, which was stopped by the referee after Clarke collected. Agyeman worked the ball onto his right foot and had a shot, but his strike was palmed away by Clarke. With just over 25 minutes of normal time remaining, McPake put St Johnstone in front. The winger received the ball from Gullan, then cut inside onto his right foot and found the bottom corner. Agyeman found space and whipped in a dangerous cross, which was just beyond the reach of Fowler. Agyeman worked the ball onto his right foot and had a shot from inside the area, which was well saved by Clarke at his near post. Into the final minute of stoppage time, Partick Thistle were awarded a penalty after Samuel was brought down by defender Diabate. Smyth stepped up and found the bottom corner to rescue the Jags a point right at the death. A quite incredible ending to an incredible game at McDiarmid Park. As a result, St Johnstone remain 2 points clear at the top of the Championship with a game in hand. St Johnstone: Steward (5), Forrester (6), Diabate (3), Mikulic (5), Boyes (6), Holt (6), McAlear (5), Stanton (5), Gullan (7), McPake (8), Agyeman (8) Substitutes: Fowler (7), Baird (6), Fotheringham (6), Griffith (6) Partick Thistle: Clarke (6), McPherson (6), McBeth (6), Ashcroft (6), O’Reilly (6), Reading (6), Crawford (6), Smyth (10), Stanway (6), Watt (8), Samuel (7) Substitutes: Loughrey (6), Chalmers (6), Taylor (6)

January 30, 2026

St Johnstone vs Dunfermline – Match Report

Top of the league St Johnstone welcomed fifth place Dunfermline to Perth as the hosts hope to steer away from second place Partick Thistle with the Pars keen on keeping promotion dreams alive The opening exchanges were scrappy and stop-start, with no side creating any chances and no side able to keep possession for long spells. On 7 minutes, Rudden got on the end of a Morrison cross that goalkeeper Steward came for, but headed over. The offside flag was raised in any case. McPake found himself in a good position close to goal, but Chilokoa-Mullen came in with a last ditch challenge to deny the Hearts bound winger. Tod found himself in a shooting position just outside the St Johnstone box, but his low effort was easily saved by Steward. The Saints worked the ball well to Gullan, whose shot from inside the area was saved by the foot of Mehmet. Fraser whipped a ball into the box, which found Rudden who found himself free at the back post, but his headed effort across goal went wide. Gilmour found Morrison on the wing, who once again played a cross into Rudden, who headed wide. Into the second period, Dunfermline opened the scoring. Fraser got on the end of a loose pass from keeper Steward and smashed the ball into the roof of the net on the keeper’s side. McAlear’s corner found Boyes, whose header was goal-bound, but was cleared off the line. Ngwenya got on the end of Todd’s corner, which Steward came out for but failed to connect with, but headed over. Rudden found Tod, whose curling effort went narrowly over the bar. Morrison played a teasing ball across the Dunfermline goal, but no player in blue was there to convert. St Johnstone worked the ball into Forrester, who found himself with space on the edge of the Dunfermline box, but his effort, which worried Mehmet, went narrowly past the post. St Johnstone: Steward (3), Diabate (4), Boyes (5), Holt (C), (5), Gullan (6), Stanton (6), McPake (6), Agyeman (6), Smith (5), Forrester (5), McAlear (6) Substitutes: Ikpeazu (6), Mallan (6), Boyd (6), Fotheringham (6) Dunfermline: Mehmet (7), Chilokoa-Mullen (C) (7), Ngwenya (7), Gilmour (6), Rudden (7), Todd (7), Abdulai (7), Tod (6), Oakley-Boothe (7), Morrison (8), Fraser (9). Substitutes: Hamilton (7), Thomas (6), Kearney (6).

January 25, 2026

Scottish Championship