“Josh Fowler breaks the deadlock to give St. Johnstone an early lead after a lively opening spell that included a blocked shot and two offside calls.”
Pivotal“Hibernian hit back almost immediately after a sub change, with Nathan Lowe converting from Miguel Chaiwa's assist to level the score at 1-1.”
Pivotal“Josh Fowler steps up to convert a penalty just before half-time, restoring St. Johnstone's lead at a crucial moment and proving to be the decisive blow of the match.”
Pivotal
St. Johnstone
Hibernian
Outstanding performance
St. Johnstone•DefenderSt. Johnstone made the perfect start when Josh Fowler struck in the 17th minute, but Hibernian responded quickly through Nathan Lowe's equaliser just before the half-hour mark. Fowler's penalty on 41 minutes proved the difference, restoring the hosts' lead right before the break and settling what had been an even contest. Despite Hibernian dominating possession (53%), out-shooting their hosts 14-9 and racking up seven corners to St. Johnstone's two, they couldn't find a way back after the interval, with the entire second half passing without a single significant chance according to the commentary log. St. Johnstone's clinical edge - four big chances created against Hibernian's one - proved decisive, and the win lifts them off the foot of the table while denting Hibernian's growing momentum near the top of the Premiership.
How entertaining was this match?
Corner awarded.
Enes Alic takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Joel Cotterill takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Miguel Chaiwa takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Thibault Klidje takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Thibault Klidje's left-footed shot is blocked.
Thibault Klidje takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Nicky Cadden is on, and Josh Mulligan is off.
Offside.
Jason Holt takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
On comes Matthew Todd, off goes Kai Fotheringham.
Macauley Tait is on, and Sam Stanton is off.
Danny Schmidt is on, and Josh Fowler is off.
Callum Wright takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Kanayo Megwa takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
Ante Suto's left-footed shot is blocked.
Offside.
Corner awarded.
Miguel Chaiwa takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Liam Smith takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
On comes Kanayo Megwa, off goes Grant Hanley.
Thibault Klidje comes on for Nathan Lowe.
Callum Wright replaces Jacob Devaney.
Sam Stanton takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Joel Cotterill is on, and Taylor Steven is off.
Josh Fowler takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Josh Fowler takes a shot with his head but misses.
Josh Fowler takes a shot with his head, but it misses the target.
Shot - Ante Suto Head Shot Missed
Corner awarded.
Jamie McGrath takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Ante Suto replaces Martin Boyle.
First half ends with the score at 2-1.
Josh FowlerJosh Fowler takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
Goal in the penalty shootout! Josh Fowler scores, making it 2-1.
Yellow card issued to Taylor Steven.
Nathan LoweNathan Lowe scores with a right-footed shot.
assist: Miguel Chaiwa
Goal! Nathan Lowe scores to make it 1-1, assisted by Miguel Chaiwa.
Offside.
Substitution: Kai Fotheringham replaces James Gullan.
Felix Passlack takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Josh FowlerJosh Fowler takes a shot with his left foot and scores.
Goal! Josh Fowler scores to make it 1-0.
Offside.
Josh Mulligan takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Offside.
Kick-off has taken place!
St Johnstone welcome Hibernian to McDiarmid Park looking to bounce back from a Dundee draw, while the Hibees arrive licking wounds after an Edinburgh derby mauling. New Saints loanee Josh Campbell adds an intriguing subplot, ineligible to face his parent club just days after signing.
