Hibernian 1-2 St Johnstone

Steven MacLean's last-ditch winner gave St Johnstone their first victory in seven games in a dramatic finish after Hibs appeared to have salvaged a point.

Murray Davidson nodded in Liam Craig's header across goal to bring Saints' 620-minute goalless run to an end.

But Anthony Stokes converted a last-minute penalty after Joe Shaughnessy handled Martin Boyle's effort.

Saints responded superbly in injury time when MacLean slid in after Davidson's initial shot was saved.

It was a sensational finale to a match that really only came to life after the break.

The visiting supporters must have thought their long wait for a victory would be prolonged even further when Stokes side-footed home a spot-kick just as the game entered injury time.

But Saints, having failed to score in six games, notched their second of the afternoon as good work by Michael O'Halloran was rewarded when MacLean tapped in after Ofir Marciano had saved from Davidson.

It was no more than St Johnstone deserved as, despite their recent travails in front of goal, they had created the more dangerous opportunities throughout.

John McGinn was unhappy with a feisty challenge from Steven MacLean

They had virtually the only decent effort of a largely forgettable first half, but Marciano saved brilliantly from Craig, reacting instinctively to push the Saints midfielder's 12-yard shot against the crossbar.

The visitors again came close to a breakthrough when Steven Anderson - up for a corner - volleyed goalwards, only to see John McGinn head off the line.

O'Halloran forced another good save from Marciano before MacLean opted to pass rather than shoot, perhaps a sign of dented confidence on the striker's part.

But Saints' endeavour was rewarded shortly afterwards when Richard Foster floated a cross to the back post, Craig headed across goal and Davidson, with a trademark late run into the box, nodded past Marciano.

It was the visitors' first goal since Murray netted against Hamilton on 23 September.

Even before they had gone behind, Hibs had found it difficult to make their possession tell and Zander Clark was scarcely troubled in the visitors' goal.

Simon Murray had a frustrating day in front of goal for Hibs

Martin Boyle's swerving drive from the edge of the box was Clark's only test of the opening 45 minutes, with Simon Murray and Stokes both firing over.

The keeper did have to look lively to divert an Efe Ambrose shot - dummied by Murray - past the post with his right boot, but until the award of the late penalty, he had little else to do.

He could not keep that out but it was rendered meaningless as MacLean's late strike earned Saints the points.

Reaction

Hibs manager Neil Lennon: "We were flat but I didn't think we deserved to lose the game.

"We showed good character to get back into it, but then we should see the game out and take the point. There's a bit of naivety at the end when we should clear the ball and we don't. It's a poor goal to concede and it's the last kick of the game.

"There was a flatness about us today and I understand that. There has definitely been a momentum break and it looked like it was detrimental to us. There was lack of urgency at times in the final third.

"I've no doubt the (international) break has affected us. The build-up was a bit fragmented but that's not an excuse. We were OK but we were nowhere near the level we've been at in the last few games."

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright: "Wwe fully deserved it on our second-half performance. It was a great team effort and I'm really proud of them because it's been a tough few weeks.

"I said to them in the dressing room that people were starting to doubt them but certainly I have never doubted them.

"The (Hibs) penalty is harsh. Yes, it hits his arm, but he's so close I don't think the referee can give those.

"I'm so pleased that they kept going and kept their heads, and we get the win with the last kick of the ball."

Steven MacLean slides in to score Saints' winner