Josh Fowler delivered a decisive first‑half brace that propelled St Johnstone to a 2‑1 triumph over Hibernian, lifting them above their rivals in the league 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. Although Hibs appeared the stronger side after the interval, Simo Valakari’s men held firm to clinch a 2‑1 win and climb into seventh place. Fowler, who had come off the bench to net a late equaliser in the mid‑week match at Dundee, proved his worth by earning a spot in the starting eleven and making the most of it.
The striker’s first goal came almost immediately after kickoff. Hibs eased off Jason Holt, allowing the Perth captain to make a run into the 18‑yard box and lay the ball off to Taylor Steven. Steven’s low cross glanced off the heel of Adam Mayor and fell to Fowler at the back post, where he skillfully adjusted to the deflection and slipped a right‑footed finish past goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger.
Hibernian’s response arrived in the 29th minute, when a careless pass from Reece McAlear in the centre of the park was intercepted by Miguel Chaiwa. The on‑loan Stoke forward sprinted clear and delivered a low strike that squeezed between Toby Steward and the right‑hand post, equalising for the visitors. St Johnstone shrugged off the setback and reclaimed the lead just before the break.
Bosnian full‑back Enes Alic surged into the penalty area, was nudged over by Martin Boyle, and Fowler pounced to slot his fourth Premiership goal of the campaign into the bottom right corner, sending Sallinger the wrong way. The second half began with Fowler threatening to complete a hat‑trick, but he was withdrawn in the 72nd minute. Hibernian, however, dominated large stretches of the period and looked the more likely to score.
Substitute Kanayo Megwa, who came on for the injured Grant Hanley, met a corner with a powerful header at the back post, only to see Steward produce a spectacular one‑handed save on the line. To preserve the lead, Valakari introduced Matty Todd and reshuffled the back line into a five‑man defence, weathering several frantic defensive moments. The hosts found a brief respite when sub Thibault Klidje created a good chance that was thwarted by his own teammate Ante Suto. Alic continued to test Sallinger, forcing a fine save as the Saints launched counter‑attacks, but Valakari’s side managed to see out the game, consigning Hibs to a second consecutive defeat.
Post‑match, St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari praised the performance: “It was a good win and an important win. I think we did everything right 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 Josh himself never doubted it. Strikers live for goals, and when you score them you gain a huge boost in confidence.” Hibernian boss David Gray reflected on the defeat, noting the poor start: “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 someone advancing, gambling in the box, guessing in the box. Then we gave away a needless penalty. The goals were poor, but the players fought to the end and created a few chances. I certainly can’t say we deserved to win.
Back‑to‑back defeats are tough to take, and criticism will follow.” Overall, Fowler’s early double proved the difference, and St Johnstone’s resilience in the latter stages ensured they walked away with three points, while Hibernian must regroup after another loss in a row. The match also highlighted the importance of defensive solidity, quick transitions, and the impact a single forward can have when given the chance to start. (Word count: 639)