St Johnstone have moved into seventh position in the Scottish Premier League with a 1-0 win over Dundee on Wednesday.
It was the home side that started the match the better and they might have led inside three minutes when Rowan Vine struck a powerful effort from inside the box, but Rab Douglas made a smart save.
Dundee threatened moments later when Gary Irvine whipped a threatening cross into the penalty area, but Alan Mannus was unmoved as he collected the danger.
The away side continued to create chances as Iain Davidson struck a long-range effort over the crossbar after 11 minutes, before Liam Craig fired over for St Johnstone mid-way through the opening half.
Craig was again involved after 33 minutes when he played a one-two with Peter Pawlett before striking a powerful effort into the back of the net to put his side ahead.
The home side continued to threaten in the early stages of the second period, but their first effort of the half did not arrive until the hour mark when Vine struck wide from close range.
Dundee were not without their chances, however, and Colin Nish came close to a leveller when he struck a powerful effort from close range, but Thomas Scobbie came across to make a telling block.
The away side continued to push for the equaliser in the latter stages of the match, but they could not make the breakthrough as St Johnstone held on for a vital three points.
Matt Law
