St Johnstone came from behind to beat Kilmarnock 4-3 at McDiarmid Park, recovering from a 3-2 deficit with two late goals to win their opening Scottish Premiership match of the season.
Simo Valakari's side dominated for long spells but found themselves trailing after captain Jason Holt put through his own net in the 53rd minute, four minutes after goalkeeper Toby Steward had been at fault for Kilmarnock's second goal.
St Johnstone took the lead after 16 minutes when Aaron Tshibola stumbled at the back. Sam Stanton picked up the loose ball, and after Ruari Paton and Jamie Gullan continued the move, Josh Fowler finished from eight yards. It was Fowler's first goal for the club since arriving from Beith Juniors via Dubai three years ago, having scored just twice in 17 games for Saints after a prolific spell at Queen's Park.
Kilmarnock equalised against the run of play before the interval when Greg Kiltie met Tom Lowery's headed knockdown with a close-range shot past Steward.
Saints retake the lead before Kilmarnock hit back
Cheick Diabate put St Johnstone 2-1 ahead in the 47th minute, heading in powerfully from Gullan's corner. But the lead did not last. Steward hesitated meeting a cross, allowing Joe Hugill to get a touch and loop the ball over him for 2-2.
Steward then made a full-stretch save from Nicky Clescenco, but Holt turned the rebound into his own net to put Kilmarnock 3-2 up.
Valakari's substitutions turn the game
Valakari responded by withdrawing Holt, Reece McAlear and Paton, bringing on Logan Chalmers, Kai Fotheringham and Louis Lloyd. Lloyd's first touch helped Gullan's free kick on, and the ball went in off Kilmarnock defender Michael Schjønning-Larsen to make it 3-3.
With Stanton often the only central midfielder as Saints pushed forward, the winner came in the 80th minute. Fowler exchanged passes with Fotheringham, who cut onto his right foot, took out Bailey Rice and created space before drilling in his first Premiership goal.
Jack Baird was brought on as a third central defender to help see out the win, winning key headers in the closing stages.
Valakari and McCann react
Valakari said it had been a test of character, adding that there had been a lot of talk about whether his team would play nice football in the Premiership but concede goals and lose. He said how the players pushed until the end was very good, calling it what football is all about, the emotions and suffering in parts of the game. He said he never doubted the character of his players and felt the togetherness, calling the match, as a football fan and romantic, beautiful.
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann said his side had been really poor and were much better than that. He said he did not think Kilmarnock had played enough good football to merit being 3-2 up, and that when you get there, you should not lose from that position. He called the fourth goal ridiculous to lose, saying the team had let themselves, the club and the fans down. He said St Johnstone were better than Kilmarnock on the day.
