Interim boss Andy Kirk hailed the commitment of the St Johnstone players after the Perth side defeated Ross County 3-0 at McDiarmid Park, with new boss Simo Valakari watching on.
The Finnish manager was appointed on October 1, but was unable to take his place in the dugout for Saturday’s William Hill Premiership contest because of a work permit delay.
Benjamin Kimpioka scored twice in the first half before Makenzie Kirk bundled home a third goal in stoppage time, while Elijah Campbell and Charlie Telfer were sent off on a miserable afternoon for Ross County.
Andy Kirk was full of praise for the Saints players as they look to impress new manager Valakari, with this victory being their first home league win since a 1-0 win over Hibernian in December.
He said: “I think everyone needed that. We spoke in the week that everyone at the club needed a lift – the players, the fans and the staff – so it was nice that we got it at home. It’s a big lift for everybody.
“The pleasing thing over the past few weeks has been the effort the players have put in in training.
“They’ve totally bought into what we’ve been trying to do and that comes from them committing to it and putting the effort in on the pitch.
“From the conversations I’ve had with the manager (Valakari), there’s things we still need to work on and improve and some certain different aspects for the players to take on board – but the players need to impress the manager.
“I’m seeing a lot of players working hard and running and that’s what they’re doing to try and impress him, so that’s a good thing because they want to be in the team and that shows the hunger of the players.”
Boss Don Cowie, meanwhile, admitted he had no complaints with the two red cards as he reflected on a difficult afternoon for Ross County, who slipped to ninth in the table.
Campbell was shown a second yellow for a lunge on Drey Wright after half an hour, while substitute Telfer came on with 15 minutes remaining and was shown a red card within three minutes after catching Sven Sprangler with his studs.
Cowie said: “I’ve not seen them back but in game speed, I think Eli (Campbell) has made two tackles and got two bookings. They’ve obviously deemed them strong enough for yellow cards, so slightly harsh, maybe.
“With Charlie (Telfer), it’s just a reaction. The ball drops and he’s eager having come onto the pitch to make an impact and win the ball.
“He’s not a malicious player. He’s caught the opposition player with a dangerous tackle and that’s why VAR is there.
“They’ve deemed it a red card was the right decision. I’ve got no real complaints on either.”
