Simon Murray scores for DundeeSNS
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at McDiarmid Park

Struggling St Johnstone suffered a disastrous first half as they lost to Dundee to fall eight points adrift at the bottom of Scottish Premiership and prolong their winless run to eight games.

Head coach Simo Valakari said his side could "take confidence" from their draw with Hibernian three days ago, but inside fewer than two minutes at McDiarmid Park, they were shot of it.

Goalkeeper Josh Rae made a mess of dealing with a free-kick and attempted to claim it again, but team-mate Drey Wright comically skelped the ball out of his grasp.

It fell kindly for Simon Murray, who after one touch, tucked away the opener.

While that was silly, Dundee's second was scruffy – and eventually awarded after a lengthy VAR check for offside.

St Johnstone failed to clear their lines and allowed Clark Robertson to fire one goal-bound for Seb Palmer-Houlden to knock in at the back-post.

The delighted Dundee support knew it was done and dusted after 22 minutes when the lively Lyall Cameron, who had the freedom of Perth, smashed in a third and ensured they would move up a place to eighth.

Despite being three goals down, St Johnstone had enjoyed an unbelievable 78% of possession, and dominated shots at goal.

Perplexed, Valakari made two changes after 26 minutes, but it was second-half substitute Josh McPake who eventually grabbed what proved to be only a consolation goal.

As has often been the case with St Johnstone this season, they created a host of chances, but their energetic frontline spurned shot after shot until McPake drove a long-range effort beyond Trevor Carson.

Dire defence disappoints again

After 22 minutes, it seemed as though it could be anything for Dundee. The St Johnstone defence were shellshocked and shredded before half past three.

They've now conceded 19 first-half goals in 22 league games this season. It won't shock anyone, but that's a league high.

With Kyle Cameron and Lewis Neilson returning to their parent clubs, Valakari is in dire need of defensive recruits. In truth, they're need of bodies all over the shop.

Their attack has attracted plaudits, and while the desire to charge forward is commendable, it's coming at a cost. No one sits back and protects the defence.

The gung-ho approach also loses praise when shots are finishing up in the stands.

It was much better in the second half, but, it couldn't have been much worse.

It's only the beginning of January, but, the relegation word is very much in the conversation already.

Devastating first half delivers

Tony Docherty had no doubt his side would react to their derby disappointment. He was absolutely right.

In a devastating first half, they were sharper, hungrier and just simply better than St Johnstone.

Every time they nicked the ball or advanced forward, the scent of a goal was strong.

Cameron and Palmer-Houlden often toyed with the timid home defence, and if there was a little more accuracy, it could have been many more.

In the second half, they completely sat back and protected their well-deserved lead.

For a squad short on bodies, an uneventful second 45 will have suited them nicely.

With Rangers and Celtic to come, these were three vital points for Dundee who remain able to look up, rather than down for now.

What they said

'It's very, very bad but we must believe' - Valakari

St Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari: "Nightmare start to be 3-0 down. It was just too much to give away those three pretty soft goals. It cost us the whole match.

"We know if we don't perform or get results, relegation is a big possibility. Yes, it looks very, very bad, but if we don't believe in ourselves, no-one will believe in us."

Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "I'm full of admiration for my players, that was challenging after [the derby defeat].

"Against the ball you need to be organised against St Johnstone but carry that threat forward. The third goal typified the way I wanted my team to play."

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