St Johnstone 3-1 Airdrie United

Oct 5 2008 Kenny Macdonald Reports

GAVIN SWANKIE savoured his deflected opener that put Saints on course for victory - and insisted it was already going in.

Swankie's 25-yarder struck defender Bobby Donnelly and flew past keeper Stephen Robertson before Stevie Milne grabbed a superb double to polish off Diamonds.

And after David Nixon's header failed to halt Derek McInnes' troops, Swankie was quick to point out his goal was no fluke.

The striker said: "I just cut in and no-one came towards me so I just let fly - it was definitely going in.

"We got off to a bad start to the season but that's 10 points from 12 in our last four games and that was our aim. Results breed confidence and we can go in to our next game with Livi on a high after the international break.

"Our team spirit has always been high - results and luck were simply not going for us but now we seem to have turned that round."

Saints boss McInnes said: "We've worked hard and I am delighted with the win.

"We'll enjoy this victory and the boys are certainly buoyant. Stevie Milne is up and running now and I asked him to be greedy before the game. They all played their part but if you are going to single anyone out then Kevin Moon came on and gave us a wee spark."

Airdrie boss Kenny Black said: "We seem to have a lack of belief and are on a horrible run at the moment."

Saints deserved the win and Swankie got the party started in four minutes with that goal.

But the Diamonds levelled through Nixon's header just three minutes into the second half. However, the home side surged back and took the lead when Moon foundMilne (right) who cracked home a superb volley.

And the on-fire striker netted his second and secured the points with a stoppage-time tap-in.