Callum Slattery makes it 1-1 at Fir ParkSNS

Callum Slattery scored the first of Motherwell's three goals at Fir Park

Highlights: Motherwell 3-2 St Johnstone

26/04/25

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Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

St Johnstone's survival hopes suffered a grievous blow after defeat at Motherwell left them six points adrift with four Scottish Premiership games to play.

Simo Valakari's strugglers, who suffered a chastening Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Celtic last Sunday, led at Fir Park through Makenzie Kirk's early effort.

But Motherwell scored twice inside a minute to establish a lead that they would not relinquish. First Callum Slattery slid in an equaliser before Johnny Koutroumbis' effort was deflected into his own goal by Sven Sprangler.

The reinvigorated hosts added a third shortly after half time, Tom Sparrow volleying home.

And, although the deficit was reduced when substitute Elliot Watt's 25-yard-effort found a way beyond Ellery Balcombe, Motherwell held on to claim all three points and move above Hearts into seventh place.

St Johnstone had started confidently despite their league position and took an early lead when Josh McPake took advantage of slack defending and cut back for Kirk to slam high into the net.

Motherwell changed their system to a 4-2-3-1 and slowly started to take control. That said, it took until the half hour to test Andy Fisher, who looked smart in pushing Harry Paton's effort away.

Shortly after that, Michael Wimmer's side were level with almost a carbon copy of St Johnstone's opener. Tony Watt found himself free and his cut back found Slattery, who passed it low into the net.

Watt was involved almost immediately after the restart, crossing for Koutroumbis to hammer home via a deflection.

There was a renewed vigour about Motherwell in the second half, and they went 3-1 ahead when Sparrow volleyed in after tenacious play from Dom Thompson.

St Johnstone rallied and Watt pulled a goal back with 25 minutes to play. That led to a nervy finale but the visitors were unable to create any clear cut chances and Motherwell held on.

Watt shines as Motherwell take points

Motherwell came into the match without a win since 1 March, and there was concern they could become embroiled in a relegation battle.

However, a small change to Wimmer's preferred system paid rewards here.

Watt, a peripheral figure in recent times, was crucial to everything Motherwell did.

St Johnstone found his movement difficult to deal with, and he was involved in both of his side's goals in the first half. He was close to adding one of his own later, too.

That all adds up to an important three points, which leaves Motherwell 13 points ahead of bottom-placed St Johnstone with just four games to play.

Relegation looks likely for St Johnstone

At one point on Saturday, St Johnstone were just two points behind Dundee in the live table.

But the turnaround at Fir Park, coupled with results elsewhere, means they are now six points behind second bottom Ross County.

This game was the season in microcosm for Valakari's side. Tey played some nice stuff, went ahead, and looking comfortable after 35 minutes.

But, like last weekend's semi-final, the 10 minutes before the break proved crucial.

Escaping relegation isn't yet impossible, but it looks increasingly unlikely.

What they said

Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer: "I feel good, it was a very important win.

"Very good to get the feeling back to celebrate after the whistle. More important was that we came back from going 1-0 down very well.

"The game from minute 20 to minute 45 was how I want to see us play, to think forward and to play forward. We stayed calm and we deserved the two goals.

St Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari: "It was a tough afternoon. It's difficult to win the match when you concede three goals.

"It's hard to criticise my players though, they put in everything.

"There was a lot of good performances. Yes, the result was not what we were hoping for, but next home match we don't have any other choice than to win."