St Johnstone 0 Hibs 1: Capital visitors net late winner against 10-man Saints

Ten-man St Johnstone opened their Premiership season with a last-gasp defeat against Hibs.

Murray Davidson was ordered off for the Perth side as the hour mark approached at McDiarmid Park.

His late challenge on defender Ryan Porteous was deemed enough for a straight red by referee Euan Anderson and his team of assistants, who debated the decision at length.

Saints were forced to hang on in the closing stages of the game but conceded in the 90th minute when substitute Josh Campbell bundled over the line from a corner.

It was certainly a baptism of fire for a central defensive three who were playing together for the first time in Ryan McGowan, Alex Mitchell and Andy Considine. Behind them, a new goalkeeper in Remi Matthews.

In the second minute, they were presented with their first real test when Hibs were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position near the byline. It was dealt with well.

The capital club had most definitely made the better start and just shy of 10 minutes Nohan Kenneh wasn’t all that far away with a strike from range.

Saints did settle, slightly, but there was a big let-off near the half hour mark when Ewan Henderson sent a volley wide with the goal at his mercy after a lovely left flank cross from Marijan Cabraja.

Then Jair Tavares carved out an opening with a neat chop inside before blazing high, high over the crossbar.

The hard-working nature of Perth players could not be questioned but lacking was a spark in the forward department.

In fact, experienced goalkeeper David Marshall’s gloves remained clean through the full first half.

Hibs threatened in the 51st minute and again Cabraja was attempting to be the architect with a ball into the box that was flicked goalwards by Elie Youan. His header drifted