St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas conceded the late injury to striker Steven MacLean was the only downside to his side’s comfortable 3-1 win away to Tayside rivals Dundee.
MacLean helped make sure of Saints’ third Clydesdale Bank Premier League win on the trot with the decisive goal in the 52nd minute but went on to suffer a suspected dislocated elbow as the result of a clash with Dundee defender Iain Davidson in the final minutes of this derby at Dens Park.
Lomas was delighted to see his side celebrate another SPL victory but could not help but feel for recent signing MacLean, who now faces a stint out injured having only just come into the Saints’ first team.
Lomas said: “It’s obviously another good result but it was overshadowed to be honest by the injury to Steven.
“He was unbelievable for a boy who’s not played much football recently.
“We took our goals well which was pleasing and, on the other hand, we’ve been much tighter at the back which makes life harder for the opposition.
“We’ll take one game at a time but we’re doing fine right now and want to keep things going in this manner.”
Dundee boss Barry Smith admitted his newly-promoted side were simply outclassed by a Saints outfit whose recent revival shows no sign of being brought to an end.
Smith said: “We’ve been guilty of giving away goals this season which haven’t helped our cause.
“But I thought today we were beaten by a better team.
“We made mistakes in previous games which cost us but it was different here.
“We were hoping to take a lift from the penalty equaliser but before we knew it we were behind again and couldn’t claw it back.”
Saints striker Gregory Tade got the ball rolling with a 16th-minute opener but admitted his thoughts went out to injured strike partner MacLean.
Tade said: “I feel really sorry for Steven.
“He’s been brilliant since he came into the team and I really enjoyed playing alongside him.
“It’s just one of those things which happen in football but hopefully he comes back stronger for the sake of the team.
“I was pleased with my own goal and when you’re scoring and the team is winning it makes for a good combination.
“This is a hard place to come to but we got on top early and were always the stronger side throughout.”