St Johnstone Archives

Valakari says his side “played like champions” after 2-0 win on Friday evening

Simo Valakari was delighted on how his side reacted after clinching the title on Tuesday evening. St Johnstone who won the league on Tuesday night in Dunfermline went on to defeat Raith Rovers 2-0 on title celebrations night as many thought some players could may still be “hungover”. St Johnstone have been at it the entire season and rightly so, finished in style in their final home match of the season at McDiarmid which was a time to celebrate with family, friends and the supporters as they return to the top flight on the first time of asking. A brace by Jamie Gullan who has been on fine form this season got the night up and running with two first-half goals to send Perth in party mode. Valakri was delighted his side were able to continue their fine form as he added: “after clinching the title on Tuesday night, to come here and still showing the energy, desire and commitment” as his side continued as where they left off on Tuesday night as the Tuesday nights celebrations didn’t impact how they played on Friday night as Simo left very happy with how his side went about it. It was always going to be a big night in Perth as the St Johnstone squad were in full party mode after a massive night under the lights in which they did it in style. The season isn’t quite over yet for Simo Valakai’s men as the travel to Ayr United next Friday night for the final game of the Scottish Championship season as the Perth outfit will be looking to end on a high as they prepare for Premiership football next season.

April 26, 2026

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

Simo Valakari suggests there’s ’no disappointment’ following yesterday’s draw with Queens Park.

Simo Valakari was showing no signs of being disappointed despite his side failing to extend the gap at the top to 5 points. Yesterday afternoon, St Johnstone and Queens Park fought out a 1-1 draw in the Perth sunshine as relentless St Johnstone were unable to find the winner in the latter stages. Following the draw, Valakari came out to say: “we will accept just this one point” after failing to get back to winning ways as they claimed back-to-back draws. He added: “No angriness, no bitterness, no frustration, no disappointment” as he was keen to show he wasn’t feeling beat up by the missed opportunity to extend the gap. The gap is now at just three point between St Johnstone and second placed Partick Thistle with the Saints on their travels next week as they make the journey to Arbroath – the team who were the first to beat them in the Championship this season. Valakari also said “it [the 1 point] was all we deserved today” as St Johnstone, who had numerous amount of chances to go and see off Queen’s Park, St Johnstone just couldn’t find the back of the net despite some solid defending by the visitors. Partick Thistle travel to Ayr in their next match as the title race ramps up with an emphatic title race going down to the wire.

March 29, 2026

Leaders St Johnstone held by Queens Park despite McPake leveller

St Johnstone were held to a 1-1 draw by Queens Park at McDiarmid Park on Saturday afternoon. Simo Valakari’s side came from behind to earn a point courtesy of Josh McPake’s second-half strike, but the league leaders were left frustrated as they were unable to restore their five-point advantage over Partick Thistle, with St Johnstone now three points clear with five games remaining. The first opportunity of the match presented itself for Queens Park, Seb Drozd tried an ambitious overhead kick in the Saints box, which was far too powerful to cause any harm. Saints produced two good efforts on the 20th minute, Reece McAlear whipped in an inviting ball that was immediately punched away by Queens Park goalkeeper Calum Ferrie, Ruari Paton then let fly from range, whose effort won Saints a first corner of the match, but a poor delivery into the box meant the attack was quickly brought to an end. Liam Smith and Reece McAlear linked up well on the edge of the box for Saints, Josh Fowler would then do well to collect the ball from the cross, his strike went narrowly over the crossbar. Despite some pressure from St Johnstone, it was Queens Park who took the lead in the 32nd minute. Michael Ruth was fouled and won a free kick on the left-hand side, Aidan Connolly’s delivery into the box was met by the head of Euan Murray who headed home to give his side a shock lead against the league leaders. Simo Valakari’s men had several chances to find the back of the net throughout the first half, but they headed into the interval trailing, having only managed one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Saints started the second half with real intent and wasted no time in drawing level as they had their equaliser just three minutes after the restart, Sam Stanton played a fine pass out wide to Josh McPake who raced past the Queens Park defence before drilling a low effort past Calum Ferrie to net his 18th goal of the season. Minutes later, Josh Fowler came close to giving his side a quickfire lead, but his header sailed inches wide of the Queens Park goal, a huge let-off for the visitors in the opening stages of the second period. Saints continued to push for a second and were applying plenty of pressure onto the Queens Park backline, this time, Sam Stanton made an excellent run into the box, he was picked out well by Josh McPake, a terrific ball over the top of the Queens Park defence was then controlled by Stanton who had time to shoot, Calum Ferrie was called into action, making a strong save. Queens Park’s attacking opportunities were limited in the second half, with Saints controlling the game for lengthy spells. Josh McPake was a constant threat on the left wing, the league’s top goalscorer was at the centre of every Saints attack. It was a nerve-wracking end to the match for Queens Park who were made to deal with relentless pressure from Saints who were in search of a decisive goal, but in the end, they were made to settle for a point against a resilient Queens Park.

March 28, 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

Morton 0-2 St Johnstone: Saints Go Marching On in Greenock

Simo Valakari’s Saints extend their lead at the top with only eight games to play, in the hope of returning to the top flight. It was Greenock Morton who started the stronger, putting the St Johnstone backline under pressure in the opening few minutes of the match. However, in the 9th minute, a nice passage of play from St Johnstone saw Ruari Paton’s rocket effort tipped onto the crossbar by Morton’s Murray Johnson. Morton’s first opportunity of the match came from a set piece, when Fergus Owens’ effort sailed over the crossbar. Shortly after, Grant Gillespie’s ambitious volley effort from outside the box flew high into the stands. Saints’ striker Louis Lloyd found himself in a dangerous area inside Morton’s box. However, his slashed effort was saved easily by Johnson. The pressure was mounting from St Johnstone, when Matty Foulds found himself lurking at the back post; however, his chance was saved well by the Morton stopper. Morton then found themselves in a promising area when Owen Moffat lobbed Saints’ keeper Toby Steward just outside the box, but Jack Baird was covering to clear any home side danger. Morton then found some confidence, Nathan Shaw’s strike inside the box left Toby Steward rooted, but his effort cleared the post marginally. The Saints came flying out after the interval, putting Morton’s defence under serious pressure. Which then found Lloyd one-on-one with Johnson; his low-driven effort hit the post, but to his relief, the offside flag was raised. A mistake from Morton’s Fergus Owens then left Josh McPake one-on-one with Johnson, but an excellent recovery from the Morton defender, combined with brave goalkeeping from Johnson, saw McPake denied. The game then became scrappy, until a nasty foul from Fergus Owens in the 77th minute saw St Johnstone awarded a free-kick in a promising area. That free-kick was tucked away in fine form by Reece McAlear, looping over the wall and finding the bottom right corner of the Morton net. Giving Simo Valakari’s side the lead, which could be all so important for the league standings. St Johnstone finished the match off in style. An amazing run from centre-back Cheick Diabate found Liam Smith in space, which allowed Smith to take his time and find the bottom left corner of Johnson’s goal. This result puts St Johnstone in a great position, now eight points clear at the top, although Partick Thistle have a game in hand to play. For Greenock Morton, they remain in eighth place, but only six points separate fourth and eighth in the league. Greenock Morton: Johnson (7), Comrie (5), Owens (5), Moore (6), Delaney (5), Moffat (6), Wilson (6), Gillespie (5), MacPherson (5), Shaw (5), Garrity (4) Subs: Lyall (3), Longridge (2) St Johnstone: Steward (7), Smith (8), Baird (7), Diabate (7), Foulds (6), McAlear (8), Holt (6), Stanton (7), Paton (7), McPake (6), Lloyd (6) Subs: Agyeman (7), Fotheringham (6), Gullan (5), Fowler (6)

March 7, 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 sign Irish striker

St Johnstone have completed the signing of 25-year-old forward Ruari Paton, who joins on a season-long loan from English League One side Port Vale. Paton has plenty experience in Scotland. The Irishman played for East Kilbride between July 2019 and June 2020, where he played 7 games and scored 3 goals, Stranraer between July 2020 and June 2021, where he played 30 times and scored 9 goals, Queen of the South between July 2021 and June 2023, where he played 91 times and scored 33 goals, Queen’s Park between July 2023 and July 2024, where he played 43 times and scored 22 goals and Dundee United between January 2025 and June 2025, where he played 13 games and failed to find the net. Paton after signing for Saints: “I hope to bring composure, tenacity and of course some goals. But I can say that all I want, I need to show the supporters. “I’m just feeling pure excitement and, as I said, I’m really looking forward to having a good crack at this and having a strong finish to the season. “I’m so eager to get out there on the training field with all the guys. It’s going to be great.”

February 2, 2026

St Johnstone