So, despite falling behind and a few scares at the end, St Johnstone secure their fifth win in their opening six games back in the Scottish Championship.

The Perth side are now six points clear at the top of the table, with Dunfermline's defeat leaving Neil Lennon's side eight points behind in fifth.

Raith Rovers and Arbroath get the chance to narrow the gap back to three when they face Airdrieonians and Greenock Morton tomorrow.

Join us then for more coverage of Scotland's second tier.

Meanwhile, you can read Amy Canavan's match report and watch the goals here...

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari also praises winning goalscorer Josh McPake.

He says he always knew the winger had the talent despite losing his way a little before leaving Rangers.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari is obviously delighted with the three points.

"It is proper football - great atmosphere," he tells BBC Scotland.

"We knew were going to play against a tough opponent. We started very well, we created chances, we didn't take them.

"Then Dunfermline, credit to Mr Lennon, they changes their shape and scored a great transition goal.

"We fixed a couple of things at half time, the chances came and then our goalkeeper made a couple of great saves at the end."

Dunfermline head coach Neil Lennon is trying to look at the positives after his side's defeat.

"It is a bit unfortunate," he tells BBC Scotland. "One off the post and one off the line then a remarkable save from the goalkeeper at the end.

"It denies us a brilliant point against, lets be fair, a top side. They are well-drilled, loads of quality.

"We didn't make a great start, but after we tweaked it a bit, we were great. We are really disappointed not to have taken something from the game.

"Really disappointed with the goals. A set play that they get first and second contact and the second one Mason should have dealt with."

St Johnstone's Kai Fotheringham has been talking about his opening goal.

"It was a hell of a strike from them, but we came out and I got my first goal for this club and then Josh does what he does," the winger says.

"Then Toby was magnificent for us at the end with two great saves."

St Johnstone match winner Josh McPake has been waxing lyrical about his goal and his side's victory.

"I thought we dug deep and never gave up," he tells BBC Scotland.

"They scored a very good goal, give them their due, but we battled back into it. I am so happy for us.

"I wanted a goal or an assist, but it didn't come in the first half and the gaffer told me it would come - and it did in the end."

Image source, SNS

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on Sportscene

What a game and what an end as well.

A great game of football. it is one of the best games we've had in the Championship.

A game that had everything and lived up to the expectation as well.

St Johnstone survive a late Pars flurry thanks to a couple of superb Toby Steward saves.

However, the Perth side deserve their victory after goals from Kai Fotheringham and Josh McPake overturn the lead from Rory MacLeod's opener.

What a finish - and goalkeeper Toby Steward comes to Saints' rescue.

Andy Tod's powerful free-kick comes off the inside of the post and across the face of goal.

The ball is back into the six-yard box and Saints hack clear.

The danger is not over yet and Steward has to save superbly to touch Tod's chip over.

From the corner, Steward again saves low to deny Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen's header.

Jason Holt slides in to stop rampaging Dunfermline defender Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen on the edge of the Saints penalty box.

A foul, never mind the booking, looks a bit harsh on the home captain.

What can the Pars do from the free-kick?

No real surprise that BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart has gone for Josh McPake as his man of the match.

Image source, SNS

There are four minutes of stoppage time.

However, Dunfermline have rarely looked like scoring in the opening 90 apart from their goal.

Goalscorer Josh McPake is replaced with Sven Sprangler.

Dunfermline make two changes.

On come former St Johnstone striker Chris Kane and midfielder Josh Cooper.

Off come full-back Robbie Fraser and Jefferson Caceres.

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on BBC Sportscene

Mason Munn has had so many saves to keep his side in it, but you have to say that it is a goalkeeping error that Saints' main man has capitalised on.

McPake has come up with game-defining moments.

A high, late challenge from Saints captain Jason Holt leaves Jefferson Cáceres in a heap, but at least the winger wins a corner.

Unfortunately, Robbie Fraser's half-volley from the cross is a mile wild.

Dunfermline's Charlie Gilmour is down with what looks like a bit of cramp.

The midfielder has been largely chasing shadows.

Saints continue to probe, while Dunfermline are resorting to big, rather aimless, punts up the park.

Saints' star man, Josh McPake, is fortunate to escape a yellow card for an off-the-ball push in the chest of an opponent after a few words are exchanged.