Dunfermline 0-1 St Johnstone

Jan 20 2008 Michael Baillie At East End Park

GOAL hero Andy Jackson believes young legs can carry St Johnstone to the league title.

They closed the gap on leaders Hamilton to 10 points following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Dunfermline.

Boss Derek McInnes has introduced youngsters into his side with the arrival of Liam Craig and Greig Cameron on loan and Jackson believes their youthful exuberance can help Saints haul back Accies and second-placed Dundee in the race for promotion.

Jackson insists they proved their title credentials as they secured a crucial three points against the Pars.

He said: "There are a lot of kids in the team now with the guys who have come on loan like Liam and Greig. But we also have people like Paul Sheerin for experience.

"We've played some really good football to win games this season but a victory like today's is the type that lifts you titles.

"It was backs to the wall at times in the second half but we showed a lot of character and dug in for the win.

"With Hamilton and Dundee both dropping points it's a big win for us."

The victory was marred by a straight red card for St Johnstone sub Dyron Daal and Dunfermline's Danny Murphy.

They were involved in a scrap as they left the pitch at full-time and were summoned to referee John Underhill's room where they received the reds.

McInnes had no complaints about the punishment dished out to Daal but insisted it should not detract from the win.

McInnes said: "I only saw the tail end of what happened but I spoke to the ref and he said they had both raised their hands and it was a straight red.

"This was the most satisfying victory since I've become manager because we had to dig in and withstand pressure but we stood up to it and saw it through."

Dunfermline were awarded a soft penalty in 11 minutes after a neat interchange of passing saw Jim Hamilton play in Mark Burchill and as Gary Irvine came across to challenge him, the slightest of touches saw the striker fling himself to the ground and Underhill pointed to the spot.

Saints, however, felt justice was done as Burchill's woeful spot-kick went high and wide.

Then Burchill went close with a lob while at the other end Cameron tested keeper Paul Gallacher with a volley on the turn.

In first-half injury time, however, Gallacher was unable to prevent Saints edging in front. Kevin Rutkiewicz's long clearance was gathered by Steven Milne and with the Pars defence stretched his clever flick played in Jackson. The Saints' hitman bore down on goal and clinically slotted beyond Gallacher for his 13th goal of the season.

Dunfermline pushed for an equaliser and Hamilton was denied twice in the space of few minutes.

The striker's powerful header forced Main into a save. Then from a Scott Morrison corner his header smacked the bar.

This was the first defeat Jim McIntyre has experienced since becoming Pars boss.

He said: "To lose any game is disappointing but it shows how important the first goal is and we had chances with Mark's penalty.

"We went flat after a good start, we created chances but didn't take them."

MoM: Jackson (St Johnstone)