Callum Hendry’s scientific first half end supplied St Johnstone with a much-needed dose of positivity.
And this three level haul in Perth additionally confirmed Dundee’s automated relegation to the Scottish Championship.
However Saints are in a battle of their very own and, regardless of having one league recreation left, will end the season in eleventh place.
Meaning an upcoming play-off towards the winner of Arbroath and Inverness to stay within the top-flight.
The midweek victory over the Dons could have supplied a elevate and, hopefully, the required momentum for performances to move in the suitable course.
Earlier than kick-off, there was a good quantity of confusion in regards to the line-up.
Initially, Ali Crawford was named within the beginning crew however he was nowhere to be seen throughout the warm-up.
It appeared Cammy MacPherson was limbering up with the primary 11.
However, in the long run, it was Jacob Butterfield, initially listed as a sub, who was given the nod in the midst of the park.
MacPherson was on the bench. Nonetheless following? Comprehensible if not.
To clarify, Saints went with Zander Clark, Dan Cleary, Liam Gordon, Jamie McCart, Shaun Rooney, James Brown, Melker Hallberg, Murray Davidson, Butterfield, Hendry and Glenn Middleton.
The latter had earned a uncommon begin - definitely in latest instances - and went closest to discovering an opener.
His 14th minute left-footed long-ranger was not 1,000,000 miles away from discovering the underside nook.
He would flip architect shortly after, latching onto a brief Hallberg go down the suitable flank earlier than reducing the ball again into the field.
On the transfer was Hendry, whose clipped first-time end was superbly crafted past goalkeeper Joe Lewis with 17 minutes performed.
It was the type of link-up that has been absent within the ahead division for almost all of the marketing campaign.
The Dons had seen sufficient of the ball however their closing go was lacking.
Dante Polvara did ship dangerously simply after the half hour mark however Rooney was well-positioned to swipe behind for a nook. From the ensuing set-piece, Lewis Ferguson nodded straight at Clark.
Simply shy of the half-time whistle Connor Barron then despatched a speculative effort extensive of the submit.
Crucial was that Saints tried to construct on their benefit and never drop deeper and deeper.
There actually hadn’t been a lot to elevate spectators from their seats after the interval - though the scoreboard finish of the East Stand once more wanted no invitation.
Rooney had an excellent alternative to double the Perth lead on 57 minutes however nodded a scrumptious Hallberg nook extensive from shut vary.
After which Hendry despatched a robust right-footed effort from the sting of the field narrowly over the crossbar.
Theo Bair and MacPherson had been despatched on - changing Hendry and Hallberg - as Saints made certain to get their win over the road.
Liam Craig, the membership’s all-time report look holder, fittingly entered the motion within the closing minute.