Josh Fowler’s two‑goal haul in the opening half proved decisive as St Johnstone edged Hibernian 2‑1, lifting them above their rivals in the Scottish Premiership standings. Fowler opened the scoring early, finding the net from close range after just 16 minutes, and later converted a penalty to restore the lead after Nathan Lowe had levelled for the visitors, securing the Saints’ second victory of the season.
The second half saw Hibs dominate possession and create more chances, but Simo Valakari’s side held firm, defending resolutely to preserve a 2‑1 win and climb into seventh place. Fowler, who had come off the bench to score an equaliser against Dundee earlier in the week, justified his return to the starting XI with a performance that combined clinical finishing and intelligent movement. The opening goal came almost immediately after the kickoff. Hibs eased off Jason Holt, allowing the Perth captain to make a run into the 18‑yard box where he received a low cross from Taylor Steven.
The ball glanced off the heel of Adam Mayor and landed at Fowler’s feet at the back post. Demonstrating quick reflexes, Fowler adjusted to the deflection and slotted a right‑footed finish past goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, giving the Saints an early lead. Hibernian responded 13 minutes later when a careless pass from Reece McAlear in midfield was intercepted by Miguel Chaiwa.
The on‑loan Stoke forward sprinted forward and fed Nathan Lowe, who calmly placed a low shot between Toby Steward and the right‑hand post to equalise. St Johnstone did not panic. Four minutes before the break, Bosnian full‑back Enes Alic drove into the box and was brought down by Martin Boyle, earning a penalty. Fowler stepped up and, with composure, sent the ball into the bottom right corner, sending Sallinger the wrong way and restoring the Saints’ lead just before halftime.
The second half began with Fowler threatening to complete a hat‑trick, but his 72nd‑minute substitution curtailed that possibility. Hibs, however, looked the more dangerous side for much of the period.
Substitute Kanayo Megwa, who came on for the injured Grant Hanley, rose to meet a corner with a powerful header that forced Toby Steward into a spectacular one‑handed save on the goal line. To protect their lead, Valakari introduced Matty Todd and reshaped the formation into a back five, aiming to absorb Hibs’ pressure.
Despite a few frantic defensive moments, the Saints remained organized. Hibernian’s substitute Thibault Klidje created a promising chance, only to be thwarted by an excellent save from Steward after a mis‑controlled ball by Ante Suto. Alic continued to trouble the Hibs goalkeeper, forcing another fine save from Sallinger as the Saints launched quick breaks. In the end, Valakari’s side weathered the storm, securing the three points and consigning Hibernian to a second consecutive defeat.
Post‑match, St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari praised his team’s all‑round performance. "It was a good win and an important win. I think we did everything across the 90 minutes. In the first half we played excellent football, progressing our passes and were very solid.
In the second half we showed the other side of our game – the grit, the willingness to put our bodies on the line and block shots. Toby had to make a couple of big saves. Josh is proving he can score at this level.
I have never doubted that, and he never doubts it himself. Strikers live for goals, and each one builds confidence." Hibernian boss David Gray was more measured, acknowledging the shortcomings that cost his side.
"The biggest thing for me is the manner in which the first half went for us – again. It was summed up by the way we conceded the two goals: a lack of desire to stop an opponent advancing, gambling in the box, guessing in the box.
Then a needless penalty we gave away – they were poor goals. The players fought to the end and created a few chances, but I can’t say we deserved to win. Back‑to‑back defeats are tough, and criticism will follow." The match highlighted Fowler’s growing importance to the Saints’ attack.
His fourth Premiership goal of the campaign came from the spot, and his earlier strike demonstrated his ability to capitalize on quick service and adapt to deflections. For Hibs, the defensive lapses and the ill‑timed penalty will be areas to address as they look to bounce back from their losing streak. Overall, the fixture offered a blend of early excitement, tactical adjustments, and a dramatic defensive stand, underscoring why the Scottish Premiership remains unpredictable and fiercely contested. The Saints will look to build on this momentum, while Hibernian must regroup quickly to avoid further slide down the table.