Second-half strikes from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sealed St Johnstone's swift return to the Scottish Premiership at East End Park. The 2-0 victory over Dunfermline propelled Saints seven points ahead of Partick Thistle with two games remaining in the Championship season.

Following Partick Thistle's draw with Airdrie on Saturday, Simo Valakari's side had two opportunities to claim the title before the Jags' next match, and they capitalized on their first chance. Having led the table since the opening day, when they defeated Thistle 5-1, St Johnstone have been on a 12-match unbeaten run in the league, as have their closest rivals.

The Perth side faced a Dunfermline team that had played 120 minutes at Hampden on Saturday before winning a penalty shootout against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup semi-finals and were playing their third consecutive midweek game. Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon made five changes to his starting lineup. St Johnstone dominated the first half, with Josh McPake posing a constant threat to the hosts.

McPake hit the underside of the bar from 15 yards and delivered several teasing crosses that Paton was unable to capitalize on. Sam Stanton also came close from long range and inadvertently blocked a goal-bound effort from teammate Morgan Boyes.

The breakthrough came in the 56th minute after the hosts failed to clear their lines. Paton set up McAlear 22 yards out, and the former Livingston midfielder's first-time shot took a significant deflection off Charlie Gilmour's boot and deceived goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. St Johnstone doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Paton drifted between the Dunfermline center-backs and guided a header into the bottom corner from 12 yards following Liam Smith's cross.

Dunfermline were left with a five-point lead over fifth-placed Raith Rovers but could secure a playoff spot before the weekend with their Fife rivals traveling to McDiarmid Park on Friday. St Johnstone captain Jason Holt expressed pride and relief at sealing their return to the top flight after bouncing back from a difficult period in his career. Holt, who suffered successive relegations with Livingston and Saints, led the Perth side back to the Premiership as a 2-0 win at Dunfermline sealed the Championship title.

After second-half goals from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sparked celebrations at East End Park, Holt told BBC Scotland: "It's just relief to get over the line. It's a testament to the staff and players because we set the standard from day one and stayed there.

Other teams put pressure on us, but we knew we were the best team in the league. To get it done at the first opportunity is great to get promoted back to the top flight." Holt praised manager Simo Valakari for leading Saints to promotion in his first full season in charge. "What you see is what you get - so much positivity and enthusiasm. The biggest compliment I can give him is that as players, we go on the pitch feeling free.

That's all you can ask as a player. Make mistakes, it's fine, don't worry about it. That's given us the platform to be successful this year.

He's been different class since he came to the club. Last year was super difficult at times.

There aren't many players in the dressing room who were here last year; I'm one of probably two or three. Really difficult at times. Takes over your life. But to bounce back at the first time of asking, I'm honestly so proud of the lads."