St. Johnstone vs Kilmarnock. Scottish Premiership.
McDiarmid Park.
Report as Danny McNamara scores just St Johnstone's second home goal of the season with 20 minutes to go to lift his side level on points with sixth-placed Kilmarnock; Kirk Broadfott heads against bar early on for visitors
Saturday 7 November 2020 00:01, UK
Danny McNamara illuminated a gloomy encounter with a brilliant strike to hand St Johnstone a crucial 1-0 win over against Kilmarnock.
The lacklustre Saints had only scored one goal at home all season, against St Mirren on August 29, until McNamara struck the winner in the 70th minute.
Craig Conway's cross was only cleared into the path of the onrushing right-back on the edge of the area and the Millwall loanee beautifully arrowed a half-volley past Danny Rogers.
It was the 21-year-old's first goal for the club and the only shot on target during an arduous encounter played amidst difficult foggy conditions.
The hosts edged proceedings and their dominant back three, led excellently by captain Jason Kerr, limited Killie to barely any clear-cut chances.
The visitors' best opportunity fell after 24 minutes when Kirk Broadfoot headed off the bar. Chris Burke's pinpoint corner arrived perfectly for the experienced Broadfoot to meet with a powerful header that beat Zander Clark but the ball rebounded off the bar to safety.
Killie believed they should have been awarded a penalty just after half-time when McNamara appeared to handle in the box.
After blocking Nicke Kabamba's header, McNamara threw himself to meet Greg Kiltie's shot and it appeared to strike his arm but after slight hesitation referee Gavin Duncan waved away the protestations.
As the game progressed, the fog descended on McDiarmid Park which made visibility incredibly difficult.
Killie threw on Eamonn Brophy in an attempt to salvage a draw but the hosts defended resolutely.
The Saints made the better start and after a Kilmarnock mistake, the impressive Conway fired an ambitious effort over the bar from 25 yards.
St Johnstone continued to press forward and after McNamara burst down the right flank, David Wotherspoon sent an off-balanced strike wildly over in the 10th minute.
Both sides played with extreme caution during the first half although Broadfoot was twice fortunate to escape being caught in possession when attempting unnecessary skill in dangerous areas.
Set-pieces appeared to be the best avenue for either team to score all evening. Conway found Stevie May with a near-post corner after 34 minutes but the diminutive striker's acrobatic flick only found the side-netting.
Callum Davidson will be delighted as St Johnstone made it three unbeaten in the Premiership as they moved level with Kilmarnock in the table on 14 points.
St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson: "It was nice for Danny to hit the target for once - he doesn't often do it in training. I was really pleased for him, he's been one of our best players this season and it was great for him to get a goal. He's really popular amongst the lads so I'm delighted.
"I always knew it was going to be a tight game and a tough game. Kilmarnock are a strong team. First half I thought we dominated without really testing the goalkeeper. I'm pleased that the lads have got the points our recent performances have deserved. It takes us a little away from the foot of the table and puts us in that middle bunch.
Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer: "I'm very disappointed. We knew it was going to be a tough game but we didn't do enough to win it. We hit the bar and had one off the line which I thought was handball and even their goal hit the lad on the arm. So it wasn't our night.
"We never say it's hard luck. The players are honest enough to know that we didn't do enough to win. We have to dust ourselves down and go again."
St Johnstone host Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup on Tuesday; Kick-off at 7.45pm.
Kilmarnock are also in that competition next up, visiting Clyde at the same time.
