St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari is happy with his team’s pre-season progress after drawing 1-1 with Forfar at Station Park.
The Finn revealed that the whole package was a step up from Tuesday’s closed-doors game against Hamilton Accies.
And, with three new signings expected to arrive over the coming days, he’s confident that will continue to be the case.
“We got a little bit of everything,” said Valakari, who gave game-time to 20 players, including new left-back, Matty Foulds.
“Ther were good actions and some not so good actions.
“I’m quite pleased with how we are progressing.
“We started very well, created chances and scored a goal.
“Our energy dropped towards the end of the first half.
“Second half, we created a lot of chances but couldn’t manage to score a goal.
“All around, it was a step forward after our closed-doors game against Hamilton – fitness-wise and game-wise.
“The games come quickly, and we’ll use them to get ready for the League Cup.
“There were tired legs but the boys pushed through it, as you want to see in pre-season.”
Louis Lloyd
Welsh striker, Louis Lloyd, watched the match from the stand and should be available for selection against Falkirk on Tuesday night if the paperwork on his contract is completed.
Valakari said “it might come too early” however, given his lack of football this summer.
One of the tactical changes Valakari tried against Forfar was using Jonathan Svedberg further forward than he’s been used to.
The Swede was one of only two players to complete 90 minutes and the head coach was pleased with the experiment.
“Svedberg has not been playing that many games,” said Valakari.
“He played like a right winger inverting inside.
“It took him a little while to get going.
“In the second half I think he was very good, started connecting and was very good in the box as well.”
Saints got off to the perfect start, with Jamie Gullan scoring from the penalty spot after just nine minutes.
The former Raith Rovers forward earned the spot-kick himself with his quick feet in the box.
After the visitors had played some nice football and squandered chances to extend their lead, Forfar equalised through a Stuart Morrison header from an out-swinging corner.
With Gullan substituted at half-time, Adama Sidibeh took a second Saints penalty kick just after the hour mark when Reghan Tumilty was bundled over.
The Gambian international wasn’t as clinical as his new team-mate, however, and his shot was saved.
Saints players twice struck woodwork – Sven Sprangler hitting the bar from 25 yards and Jackson Mylchreest the post in the 89th minute – but Valakari’s men couldn’t find a winner.
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