Aberdeen 1-1 St Johnstone: Managerless hosts hit back for point

A “horrendous” penalty resolution prevented St Johnstone shifting off the underside of the Scottish Premiership, mentioned supervisor Callum Davidson, after the draw with managerless Aberdeen.

St Johnstone led early on by way of Callum Hendry.

“Conceding these actually tender penalties is so irritating,” mentioned Davidson.

“I’m actually happy with how the gamers reacted to a horrendous resolution.

“We in all probability let it have an effect on us towards St Mirren after we had a horrendous one towards us there too.”

Aberdeen, with Barry Robson taking interim cost for the primary recreation since Stephen Glass’ exit, transfer up a spot to eighth however are six matches with out victory.

St Johnstone keep backside and now path Dundee by a point having performed a recreation extra.

“We’re Aberdeen, we’ll combat back,” was the message from Robson earlier than kick-off. His aspect needed to attempt to stroll the stroll after going behind after solely six minutes.

Glenn Middleton, who ruffled Aberdeen feathers all night, stole the ball off Jonny Hayes and drove at aim. His shot did not match the run, however Joe Lewis may solely parry out to Hendry who tucked it dwelling.

Aberdeen roared back for the rest of the primary half, however it was extra bark than chunk.

Scott Brown nicked the bar with a thunderous volley, Hayes flashed an effort at goalkeeper Zander Clark, and the spectacular Connor Barron additionally went shut with a curling effort on his first begin.

As effectively as weathering the Aberdeen storm, St Johnstone needed to cope with the lack of Clark, who tried to hold on after an obvious calf harm however had to get replaced.

Injuries would play an element for either side. Aberdeen’s Declan Gallagher was changed at half-time, with Brown shuffled back to cowl within the centre of defence.

That jaunt didn’t final lengthy because the Aberdeen captain went off holding his hamstring simply after the hour with Funso Ojo approaching to play his half in Aberdeen’s patchwork defence.

After dropping one key man, St Johnstone had been dealt one other blow when Hendry departed injured on the hour.

Aberdeen’s impetus had waned till referee Gavin Duncan pointed to the spot. Booth caught Ramsay’s heels, then challenged him clumsily once more – this time contained in the field – and whereas contact appeared minimal, the penalty was given.

Ferguson, who has by no means missed a spot-kick, made no mistake.

Aberdeen may have compounded the guests’ anger additional, however substitute goalkeeper Elliot Parish made a wonderful point-blank cease from Christian Ramirez’s stoppage-time header.

Man of the Match – Glenn Middleton

What did we be taught?

Aberdeen dominated possession however principally solely troubled the Saints’ aim with efforts from distance. When their aim lastly did come it in all probability was merited, however they want far more scientific performances if they’re to attain a top-six end.

Barron in midfield is a welcome addition for Robson – and whoever the brand new supervisor will likely be – however Ramirez wanted extra service on an evening the place the hosts in all probability may have nicked a win.

St Johnstone followers is likely to be questioning why their membership Hendry depart in the summertime for a six-month spell at Kilmarnock.

He now has three targets in 5 video games, making him probably the most potent striker on the membership. However, when he hobbled off after an hour, Callum Davidson’s coronary heart will need to have sunk.

The St Johnstone supervisor has complained about refereeing selections a couple of occasions of late. The method of Aberdeen’s equaliser can have executed little to ease his frustration.

What did they are saying?

Aberdeen interim supervisor Barry Robson: “We bought caught making an attempt to play a bit cuter and intelligent within the first half, however we nonetheless had two or three nice possibilities. Second half we completely managed the sport.

“We’re annoyed to not win. What I’ve discovered is the gamers are prepared to work and prepared to try to win. And on one other day we may have scored a proper few targets.”

St Johnstone supervisor Callum Davidson: “The gamers gave me the whole lot that they had. We needed to make 4 modifications within the recreation by way of accidents and the gamers handled it rather well.

“First half we got here in not fairly understanding what to anticipate, I assumed we had been the higher aspect. Second half we did not play fairly as effectively.

What’s subsequent?

Aberdeen head back to Fir Park to tackle Motherwell this Saturday, per week after their cup exit spelled the top of Glass’ tenure, whereas St Johnstone host Hearts (each 15:00 GMT).