Distillery 1 St Johnstone 3

ST JOHNSTONE stormed back after an early setback to kick off their stay in Northern Ireland with an ultimately comfortable victory over Distillery in Lisburn last night, writes Ian Roache.

Goals from Gavin Swankie, Liam Craig and substitute Chris Millar made Saints safe after Gareth Corey handed the Ulstermen a seventh-minute lead.

Manager Derek McInnes said, “We passed and moved the ball fine and looked pretty decent. We had opportunities despite being slack and wasteful at times.

“You are never going to get a polished performance at this stage of pre-season but we were up against decent opposition and could have scored a lot more goals, if I were being brutally honest.”

The Perth men included trialist wide man Felipe Morais in their line-up, with a deal for the former Hibs and Inverness Caley Thistle man in the offing.

“I know Felipe well and know what he is capable of,” added McInnes.

“We probably lacked a wee bit of creativity as a side last season and I think he will give us that.

“So I am keen to get him signed and he is keen to sign so hopefully we can get that done. I would say that one is close.”

The hosts included ex-Dundee defender Dave Rogers in their ranks after he was released by Irish Republic club Dundalk for showing his backside to home fans during a game.

Saints had to take a quickfire blow on the chin when Distillery took the lead on just seven minutes.

Corey pounced after a Glenn Ferguson shot was blocked, with new McDiar-mid keeper Graeme Smith having no chance as the striker sent a snap shot into the net from 12 yards.

The visitors hit back just five minutes later, though, when Swankie showed great composure to head home a Paul Sheerin cross from close range.

Collin Samuel then went close for the Scots when he collected a pass from Morais and was unlucky to see his strike saved by home keeper Phil Matthews.

On the half-hour mark, Morais looked like he had put Saints ahead only for Matthews to dive low and save.

Craig then did well to make space for himself on 37 minutes but, again, Matthews was there to block.

Rogers nearly started the second period with an own goal, sending a header past his post with Matthews beaten.

St Johnstone were passing well and got the reward for their decent play and edged 2-1 up on 58 minutes.

Craig ghosted into the box and, left in acres of space, rounded goalie Matthews and slotted home from six yards out.

Saints then brought Steven Milne on for Samuel, while Millar replaced Morais as the Scots tried to freshen things up.

On came Jody Morris and Kenny Deuchar, taking the places of Craig and Martin Hardie, as manager McInnes experimented with his selection.

And it was one of the subs, Millar, who grabbed another goal for Saints on 82 minutes, rounding off a fine passing move to make it 3-1.

More good work by Sheerin saw the midfielder pick out Millar in a great position in front of goal.

After steeling himself, the former Morton man slotted home.

Attendance—250 (est).

Distillery—Matthews, Callaghan, McShane, Rogers, Simpson, Whelan (Melaugh 60), Kilmartin, McCann, Ferguson (Armour 70), Corey (G Thompson 74), Gawley (Lacey 60). Subs not used—Shaw, S Thompson, Browne, Hall, Rippon.

St Johnstone—Smith, Anderson (Irvine 87), Mackay, Craig (Morris 77), McCaffrey, Gartland, Swankie, Hardie (Deuchar 77), Samuel (Milne 69), Morais (Millar 72), Sheerin. Subs not used—McLean, Grainger, Rutkiewicz, Davidson.

Referee—D Gillen.