Watch the goals as St Johnstone overcome Dunfermline in enthralling encounter

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at McDiarmid Park

League leaders St Johnstone came from behind at home to defeat Dunfermline and remain unbeaten in the Scottish Championship.

Pre-match attention was paid to winger Josh McPake and the Championship player of the month was the match-winner again for Simo Valakari’s side.

Dunfermline goalkeeper Mason Munn - who made a string of strong saves throughout - attempted to leave a routine cross to the back-post and McPake was on hand to poke in the winner late on.

Given the hosts’ superb start, it seemed unlikely that it would take so long for them to wrap up their fifth win in six games, but despite their early dominance, their profligacy allowed the visitors to build into an entertaining half.

And just before the break, Rory Macleod lashed home at the end of a magnificent move for Neil Lennon’s side to silence a jubilant McDiarmid Park.

But the home support were soon singing again, though, as Kai Fotheringham poked in his first St Johnstone goal from close range.

Valakari’s men didn’t exactly kick on from there and a draw appeared increasingly likely until man of the match McPake secured victory for St Johnstone.

But there was time for the leaders to endure a late scare, goalkeeper Toby Steward diving full-length to push a stunning Andy Tod free-kick against a post before the loose ball was scrambled away.

What they said

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari: "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 changed 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: "It is a bit unfortunate. 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, with 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."

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