St Johnstone striker Josh Fowler scored two first-half goals to secure a 2-1 victory over Hibernian at McDiarmid Park, placing significant pressure on Hibs manager David Gray.
Fowler opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalizing on defensive lapses. Hibernian equalized through Nathan Lowe after a misplaced pass by Reece McAlear, but St Johnstone regained the lead before halftime when Fowler converted a penalty. The foul was committed by Martin Boyle on Enes Alic.
Following the match, Gray expressed disappointment with his team's performance, questioning their bravery and determination. "The bit that stings the most is that it's off the back of a derby defeat," Gray stated. "I spoke about a reaction. We certainly didn't get that. There was a lack of responsibility across the pitch, which I've not seen."
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari praised his team's adherence to their style of play. "You have to play to your strengths," Valakari said. "We've built up the team to play this way. It would be very stupid and naive to move away from our style because it is our strength to play this way."
Fowler had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick early in the second half but missed a header. Hibernian rallied late in the game, with substitutes Ante Suto and Kanayo Megwa creating chances, but St Johnstone's defense, marshaled by Zach Mitchell, held firm.
St Johnstone's victory marks their second consecutive home win in the league. The team's lineup included T Steward, L Smith, Z Mitchell, C Diabate, E Alic, R McAlear, J Holt, T Steven (J Cotterill), S Stanton (M Tait), J Gullan (K Fotheringham, M Todd), and J Fowler (D Schmidt). Hibernian's starting XI featured R Sallinger, F Passlack, J Kerr, G Hanley (K Megwa), A Mayor, J Devaney (C Wright), M Chaiwa, M Boyle (A Suto), J Mulligan (N Cadden), J McGrath, and N Lowe (T Klidge).