St Johnstone 2 Motherwell 2: Saints let two-goal lead slip as Craig Levein forced to settle for point in first game

St Johnstone let a two-goal advantage slip as Craig Levein was forced to settle for a draw against Motherwell in his first game in charge.

Opening half goals from Nicky Clark and Andy Considine had the Perth side clear and looking in control at McDiarmid Park.

Shane Blaney pulled one back for the Steelmen after the interval and then striker Mika Biereth bagged a quick-fire leveller.

Just like last midweek, early goals were crucial for Saints.

Clark’s ability to rise above his man is rather impressive and he timed his leap perfectly to nod Matt Smith’s 17th minute corner into the net.

The Levein era was off to the perfect start in front of a delighted home crowd - and it would get even better before the half hour mark.

That was when a spot of pinball in the box eventually resulted in Considine saying thank you very much and nudging over the line.

Again, Saints had looked far more productive and dangerous with two players in the forward department. They were looking assured in the midfield and solid enough at the back.

Uniquely, Dan Phillips had been deployed at right wing-back and that was a decision paying off for the new management team. He certainly did not look out of place.

Motherwell had carved out a couple of sights of goal and goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov was thankful that Callum Slattery’s header hadn’t found a way through a pile of legs.

Earlier, the Steelmen had a goal ruled out when VAR deemed Conor Wilkinson had used his hand before lifting over the head of Mitov.

More of the same would likely be the message from Levein, Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland at the break as Saints sought to apply further pressure on teams above.

Familiar face Theo Bair, now of Motherwell, entered the action for the start of the second half.