“The best team won tonight.

“The most determined team won tonight. St Johnstone played the game exactly how the game had to be played tonight. It was a really difficult pitch. They got the ball forward quickly. They played in the final third of the pitch and played some decent stuff in there.

“They asked questions of us.

“We were getting dominated at both ends of the pitch. That is the type of game that we have lost a few of this season based on a lack of physicality, a lack of size and strength. It is something that I am well aware of and we are aware we need to get more size into the team. We struggled without Ash. He gives us a real presence and aggression. We allowed their two centre forwards to enjoy the game too much.

“Without sounding churlish, I thought for their first goal it was not a free kick. It was very very soft.

“The second goal, every time the ball went in our box, there were too many headers being won by St Johnstone players.

“The second half was better but we still lose such a poor third goal. We had two or three opportunities to clear and we did not.

“It was a poor night for us.

“We stressed to the players before the game the importance of finishing the season strongly. I think there is a willingness from the players to finish the season strongly and every game we play we know who we are representing. Tonight though we looked vulnerable through a lack of strength. We were dominated and St Johnstone were more determined. They then enjoyed the game and played the game in our half a lot more than we wanted.

“It took the enthusiasm of a 37 year old (Barry) and a 16 year old (Connor) to get us going. That is how every player should have played the game.

“We now need to make sure we can win enough points to guarantee second spot. The players have been good enough often enough to show that tonight’s performance was in isolation. At the same time we have to heed the warning and recognise there is work to be done.

“We knew St Johnstone would be playing a 4-4-2 and we knew the pitch would be fiery. We knew the ball would be coming forward quite quickly so we played three-centre half’s to try and deal with that. Also for balance with Ash Taylor being out we gave Michael Rose his debut. Unfortunately he pulled his hamstring so had to come off at half time.

“Regardless of formations, determination and strength and thought of play won the game for St Johnstone.

“We know we are much better than that and the players want to make amends next Saturday.”

“We know we are much better than that and the players want to make amends next Saturday.”