St Johnstone earned the bragging rights in the Tayside derby with this ultimately comfortable victory over Dundee.
This may have been the first top-six fixture for both teams but there was little “top-class” fare on offer in the first half.
Both sides struggled for fluency throughout the opening 45 with precious little for the fans to get excited about.
In the seventh minute, former Dundee United favourite Danny Swanson carved out an opening for Saints but sent his shot over.
Just after the half-hour mark, Dundee’s Paul McGowan had a shot which was half blocked, with St Johnstone keeper Alan Mannus having to tip the ball over his crossbar.
However, the Perth side took the lead in the 54th minute.
Swanson hit a curling shot from the left edge of the Dundee penalty area which flew past home keeper Scott Bain, who seemed to be distracted by Saints striker Steven MacLean’s attempt to head the ball in front of him.
Then Dundee’s day became worse in the 62nd minute when Greg Stewart, who had been booked in the first half, received a second yellow followed by a red with referee Craig Thomson judging that the striker had dived.
Saints then extended their lead in the 67th minute with a David Wotherspoon shot being deflected into his own net by Dark Blues sub Iain Davidson.
See Monday’s Courier for full report, reaction and analysis.