Fotheringham fires Saints to thrilling 4-3 win over Kilmarnock
Fotheringham’s late winner caps seven-goal thriller as Saints stun Kilmarnock on Premiership return at McDiarmid Park.
St Johnstone marked their Scottish Premiership return with a 4-3 win over Kilmarnock in an opening-day thriller at McDiarmid Park. Kai Fotheringham’s late strike proved the decider after both sides traded leads in a match defined by attacking flair and fragile defending.
After unfurling last season’s Championship title flag, the hosts made the perfect start when Josh Fowler capitalised on a Kilmarnock error to fire Saints ahead. Neil McCann’s side looked loose in possession but responded before the interval as Greg Kiltie slipped in at the far post to nod home an equaliser.
St Johnstone restored their lead just 45 seconds into the second half when Cheick Diabate powered in a header from a corner. Killie were level again within two minutes as Joe Hugill looped a deflected cross over goalkeeper Toby Steward. Less than five minutes later, Kilmarnock took the lead when Nicky Clescenco’s shot was saved but cruelly deflected off Jason Holt and into his own net.
Trailing 3-2, Saints regrouped and drew level when Louis Lloyd’s glanced free-kick was ultimately credited as a Michael Schjonning-Larsen own goal. Fotheringham then sealed the points with a composed run through the Kilmarnock defence before firing home the winner for his first top-flight goal.
Next up for St Johnstone they travel to face St Mirren in Paisley on Saturday, while Kilmarnock play host to league champions Celtic at Rugby Park on Sunday.
After the match, St.Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari, celebrated the win and being back in the top flight. He said: “What a day. It was a big day for the club, to see the Championship flag and play our first Premiership game in front of our fans.
“In terms of the football, we played well today. We’re playing against good players, a quality opponent, and they pushed us.
“Welcome to life in the Premiership, from nothing you are 3-2 down. Then you ask what’s happening? We have been tested. This is a different level.”
Meanwhile, a visibly upset Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann, was less than impressed with the defending and overall performance of his team.
He added: “I didn’t find it entertaining whatsoever. We got exactly what we deserved from the game – nothing. Can’t defend like that, can’t play like that and expect to win a game of football.”