IT’S always darkest before the dawn. St Johnstone can testify to that.
It seems like a mighty long time ago that Tommy Wright’s men endured a chastening 6-0 defeat at Celtic Park, the nadir of a five-match winless run.
Ross Callachan, the Saints midfielder, candidly describes that afternoon as "unacceptable" and "embarrassing".
Indeed, it was the final straw for a proud group. Frank, lengthy discussions followed among the players and staff in the away dressing room at Parkhead as they sought to arrest the malaise. The result has been remarkable.
That capitulation in Glasgow’s east end has proved to be the catalyst for four successive victories. They have not conceded a goal in 366 minutes of Ladbrokes Premiership football. Rumours of St Johnstone’s demise, it seems, were exaggerated.
Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Hibernian, sealed courtesy of an 89th-minute Joe Shaughnessy header, was the most impressive of all the lot.
They utterly outplayed the capital club on their own patch and condemned the Hibees to a first defeat at Easter Road since they lost 2-1 to Rangers on December 13, 2017.
“I just think we have come together as a team in recent games. That day against Celtic was embarrassing,” said Callachan. “Nobody wanted to leave the changing room. I think that match gave us a jolt. It had to.
“We had to bounce back from that because it was unacceptable.
“We sat as a team and had a really good discussion. It was a good, important talk. I like that as a player – when you get things sorted out. Then you can get out and do it on the training pitch and results will follow. It’s clearly worked.
“We sorted everything out and, since then, everyone can see the togetherness on the pitch. Our defensive displays have been great and we have been brilliant ever since.”
"Brilliant" is a fair assessment of their showing in Leith, which should have heralded a more handsome scoreline.
Tristan Nydam struck the cross-bar with a wonderful curling effort before Tony Watt, showing the effects of a goal drought stretching back to August 25, headed wide from point-blank range after meeting a fine Drey Wright delivery.
An even better opportunity was destined to be spurned when Danny Swanson, a second-half substitute, darted into the box and was hauled down by Marvin Bartley. The former Hibs playmaker did the honours himself, only to see his penalty magnificently saved by Adam Bogdan.
St Johnstone have now missed three spot-kicks in as many games after Liam Craig and Watt also fluffed their lines in the win over St Mirren seven days previously.
However, the richly-merited winning goal was destined to arrive and no-one deserved it more than Shaughnessy. An absolute rock in the heart of defence, the Saints captain proved equally adept in the other box, heading home a David Wotherspoon free-kick on 89 minutes.
“To a man, everyone was superb and we got what we deserved from the game,” added Callachan. “To nick it at the end made it all the sweeter.”
Hibs’ uncharacteristically meek showing meant an initially electric occasion fell flat for the hosts.
Easter Road was vociferously united in support for head coach Neil Lennon prior to kick-off in the aftermath of the Northern Irishman being struck by a coin during last Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby. He subsequently opened up on the "racist" abuse he endures in this country.
A banner reading "One Neil Lennon" in the Famous Five Stand echoed the chant that rung around the stadium.
To turn in what assistant boss Garry Parker described as Hibs’ worst home performance of the Lennon era on this day of all days was a disappointment not lost on Jamie Maclaren, the club’s Australian international striker.
“The manager has been through a tough period,” lamented Maclaren. “He is putting his body on the line for us so we have to go out there and give a bit more. We are just gutted we could not produce for him.”
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