St Mirren 2 St Johnstone 1: Perth Saints slip back to bottom of the Premiership

St Johnstone dropped back to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership after letting a lead slip in Paisley.

Confident forward Callum Hendry had kept his composure from the penalty spot in the 28th minute for a deserved advantage.

But St Mirren hit back with a penalty of their own later in the half through Connor Ronan before, not long after the break, Alex Greive guided the hosts in front.

Despite having numerous attacking players on the field late on in search of a leveller, there was little for the vocal travelling support to get excited about.

Saints manager Callum Davidson had opted for five changes from Saturday’s stalemate with Dundee United. The obvious omission from the team-sheet was Melker Hallberg following his two yellow cards in that tussle of Tayside. Full-back Callum Booth also missed out completely.

Dropping to the bench were James Brown, Jacob Butterfield and Stevie May.

A club debut was handed to right wing-back Tom Sang, on loan from Cardiff, while, on the opposite flank, Tony Gallacher was given the nod.

Experienced Murray Davidson had the honour of patrolling the middle of the park alongside Cammy MacPherson - back at his former employer - and Ali Crawford. Glenn Middleton was in for a rare start.

The most striking news from the squad list was that striker Theo Bair’s name was among the subs after international clearance came through in time.

This Perth group have certainly been in need of more goals but quickly in Paisley attention turned to keeping their own net intact.

Home attackers Greg Kiltie and then Jordan Jones went for glory early doors, with the latter’s attempt smartly stopped by big Zander Clark. He was making his 200th appearance for the club.

Saints were working into the game nicely and,