"Aberdeen have 45 minutes to save their title challenge. Because, if they lose tonight and Celtic win tomorrow, they will be four points behind and Celtic will have a game in hand."

"The really pleasing thing is the intensity with which we have approached this game."

St Johnstone have won six of their last seven home games and appear to be on their way to another victory as they thoroughly deserve to be leading at half-time.

The crime count mounts as Mark Reynolds is shown the yellow card for a foul on that man Chris Kane and Steven Anderson's overhead kick from the free-kick is deflected wide.

Aberdeen at last begin to exert some pressure as goalkeeper Alan Mannus claws a Niall McGinn off the goal-line. From the resulting corner, David Goodwillie's header crashes off the face of the crossbar before eventually being lashed clear.

St Johnstone defender Gary Miller is next to go into the referee's book for a foul on Jonny Hayes.

St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson was booked in the lead up to that Dons chance after a crunching challenge on David Goodwillie.

Aberdeen race up the other end and Jonny Hayes' low drive deflects off Brian Easton and over the St Johnstone defender's own crossbar.

Aberdeen have goalkeeper Scott Brown to thank for staying only one goal behind after a double save. He perhaps should have done better than beat away David Wotherspoon's drive, but he recovers excellent to prevent Chris Kane scoring with the rebound and the Dons eventually lash clear following a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner.

Aberdeen try to respond immediately, but Ryan Jack's low drive is saved by Alan Mannus.

Simon Lappin lashes home the opener after David Wotherspoon goes up to challenge Dons goalkeeper Scott Brown and the ball falls to the midfielder eight yards from goal.

Steven MacLean is the first to go in the referee's book, the striker having fouled Aberdeen defender Shay Logan.

For those of you who don't know much about the man of whom former St Johnstone winger Allan Preston is waxing lyrical on BBC Radio Scotland. Chris Kane is 20, born in Edinburgh, has come through the McDiarmid Park youth system and has just returned from a loan with Dumbarton, having scored five goals in 13 appearances for the Scottish Championship part-timers. Willie Miller has just described him as "a bit of a pest".

Aberdeen almost sneak a goal against the run of play as Peter Pawlett pounces on David Wotherspoon's back-pass, but goalkeeper Alan Mannus does well to block as the midfielder slides in to direct the ball towards goal and Adam Rooney can only slice the follow-up wide.

The Aberdeen defence are still looking uncomfortable but are handed a bit of a respite as a foul is given as goalkeeper Scott Brown goes up to challenge for a free-kick lofted into the penalty box.

"Aberdeen are not used to teams taking the game to them in this way. Chris Kane has upset Andrew Considine early, but Mark Reynolds is looking upset as well."

bringthemonjpn: "The Dons need to slam the door somewhat with a 5 or 6 nil win."

Alan David Duncan: "AberdeenFC starting line-up. Hope the Saints boys have got their extra-thick shin pads on!"