Motherwell 2-1 St Johnstone: Third league defeat in a row for Perth side

It was the scene of St Johnstone's great escape last season.

But it provided to be an unhappy return to Fir Park for Saints and former Steelman Simo Valakari.

The Perth boss spoke in midweek for the need of a cutting edge and decisiveness in key moments.

But it was Motherwell who were the ones who showed their teeth in this Remembrance Weekend clash.

The damage done by Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow means its three straight defeats for the Perth side.

Valakari called the first-half performance "unacceptable" but praised his players' fight in the second half.

The Finn has a vision to created a progressive, attacking Fair City side. But a club whose success was built on a solid defence should not be wholly forgotten.

Saints are now the only team in the division with a negative goal difference that reaches into double figures.

The international break will be vital for Valakari to get the balance right and sharpen his players up in both boxes.

St Johnstone were looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats ahead of the game.

Adama Sidibeh was the hero that saved his team from the relegation play-offs back in May.

But it was his strike partner, and club top scorer, Benji Kimpioka who dropped to the bench, with Valakari favouring an extra midfielder as Matt Smith returned. Meanwhile, Josh Rae deputised in goal for the injured Ross Sinclair.

The first sign of goalmouth action came on six minutes. Graham Carey's low cross into the box fizzed off the turf, missed players in both shirts and ghosted past the left post of Aston Oxborough's.

Saints looked the brighter side in the opening 10 minutes with Carey, so often the one charged with unlocking defences, firing just over.

But with their first clear chance, Motherwell