Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 1: Hendry finish cancelled out by second half penalty

On a night of more bad luck, St Johnstone added a solitary point to their Premiership survival mission.

Forward Callum Hendry’s composed first half finish had Saints in front following an impressive start in the north east.

Goalkeeper Zander Clark was the latest injury concern and he hobbled off before the interval with his team-mates one to the good.

But another penalty awarded against Callum Davidson’s men, this time on 71 minutes, allowed Lewis Ferguson to level proceedings from the spot.

Davidson had again shuffled his pack of Perth playing cards and made four changes from last Wednesday’s defeat in Paisley.

Both wing-backs in Tony Gallacher and Tom Sang dropped to the bench, replaced by the more familiar faces of Callum Booth and James Brown.

And in the middle of the park, Cammy MacPherson’s dislocated shoulder ruled him out and paved the way for Melker Hallberg to return from suspension.

Jacob Butterfield was also given the nod in the centre of midfield, stepping in for Murray Davidson who was absent from the team-sheet.

A fast start was imperative to set the tone and Saints certainly delivered.

On just six minutes, tenacious work from Glenn Middleton - he never gave up - saw him steal the ball off Jonny Hayes and drive towards the Dons’ box.

Cutting in from the right flank, his low shot was saved by Joe Lewis, as was Ali Crawford’s follow-up, but it was third time lucky for the men in blue.

Hendry showed wonderful composure from close range to shuffle the ball ever so slightly and that created the room to prod into the back of the net.

That was his third goal since returning to the club and, all round, his contribution has been most welcome.

Aberdeen immediately went on the hunt for a leveller but were met by a