St Johnstone 1 Motherwell 1: Saints reeled-in after early opener and hold on for a point

St Johnstone failed to build on the perfect start and were deservedly reeled-in by Motherwell.

Defender Ryan McGowan had netted a rare - but welcome - opener in the third minute of a game with great importance towards the bottom end of the Premiership.

But Theo Bair, a very familiar face at McDiarmid Park, was on the move at the front post to nod the Steelmen level later in the first half.

The visitors looked the likelier to grab the winner as the match progressed but, in the end, Saints held out for a point.

Wednesday evening’s 1-1 draw with Aberdeen had been marred by VAR controversy which, certainly, did not go in the Perth side’s favour.

It was required again after just three minutes when McGowan bundled over the line following a Matt Smith free-kick into the box.

The check to see if the goal would stand lasted the best part of three minutes before referee Colin Steven was eventually given the green light.

An ideal start but, from here, Saints lost their way and Motherwell began to dominate proceedings all over the park.

Georgie Gent had flashed across a couple of dangerous deliveries before the visitors did deservedly get themselves back on level terms.

That was when, on the half hour mark, Blair Spittal’s cross was neatly flicked in off the post by former Saint Bair.

Skipper Liam Gordon was soon hobbling off injured and that led to a change of shape, with replacement Diallang Jaiyesimi now partnering Benji Kimpioka in the forward department.

Kimpioka showed his pace in the 37th minute to latch onto a chipped ball from Dan Phillips. His touch over goalkeeper Liam Kelly, however, was too heavy and went behind for a goal kick.

He was running in behind again at the start of the second half - this time from Matt Smith’s