St Johnstone’s demolition of Dundee has the potential to be a season-defining one for both teams.
The repercussions for the loser of this Tayside derby were obvious to all and it is the Dens Park side who now find themselves teetering precariously above the relegation play-off position.
It is not just the fact that this humiliating defeat to St Johnstone was their fifth home loss in a row that gives cause for concern, nor even the scale of it. It is the fixture list that lies ahead which should fill Dark Blues’ fans with dread.
Aberdeen, Hearts, Celtic and Rangers will take Dundee into the split.
And it will be a real achievement if they aren’t second bottom by that time.
This was a thoroughly deserved win for Saints, who dominated the first half and went in 2-0 up as a result of a Jordan Piggott own goal and a cool Chris Kane finish.
They also had Scott Tanser to thank for a last-ditch tackle on Simon Murray just before the break, that had the Dundee bench on its feet claiming a penalty.
Then with two goals in two minutes midway through the second half, Blair Alston and Chris Kane put Saints four up.
This was a triumph of experience, with Tommy Wright’s street-wise midfield dominating the contest.
Saints are now only a few points from safety but for Dundee the hard work is about to begin.
