St Johnstone - 24h on

Last updated : 13 August 2012 By Firparkcorner

The point was deserved if only for sheer effort and will-power when all seemed lost.  That being said, we were probably the slightly better team in the first half, if lacking creativity, before St Johnstone bossed the first part of the second period.

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A young 'Well fan finds a comfy seat

We had an early let-off when Randolph almost made a mess of seeing a cross over the bar but the ball was scrambled clear after rebounding from the frame.  At the other end Ojamaa cut inside to have a good hit saved before Murphy lobbed wide when he really should have found the net.  Law flicked off target before another nice move saw Ojamaa shoot just wide but St Johnstone had a couple of decent hits of their own.

Half time was not kind to us though and we emerged looking as though the mental and physical effort of the last week had taken its toll.  St Johnstone buzzed around box with renewed vigour, winning a penalty when Hammell brought down Millar after poor defending.  Hammell saw red but though Randolph saved the spot kick, Murray Davidson headed home a corner soon afterwards and we looked a beaten team.

We really should have been killed off at this point and the substitution of Lasley - one of a few who looked like they simply couldn't give any more - seemed to indicate the management thought the game was up.  It wasn't to be though as spurred on by Higdon - unsurprisingly it was a fresh face from Wednesday who stepped up - we levelled as Law crossed for McHugh to find the bottom corner.

Vine was sent off for his second yellow to even things up and we even could have won the tie when a corner produced a scramble before Hutchinson somehow contrived to hit virtually the only defender between the goal and himself when he really should have picked his spot.

We had a couple of late scares but held on for a merited draw.  This was not our best performance but under the circumstances it was impressive and we can definitely be content with a point gained rather than two lost.

The players have earned a few days rest and with any luck they'll be raring to go at Rugby Park next weekend.