Josh Fowler’s opening‑half brace proved decisive as St Johnstone edged Hibernian 2‑1, lifting them above their rivals in the league standings. The Perth side secured their second victory of the season thanks to Fowler’s clinical finishing, which included an early close‑range strike and a composure‑filled penalty after Nathan Lowe had drawn level for the visitors. The match began with St Johnstone asserting dominance, and Fowler was quick to make an impact. In the 16th minute, Hibs chose to contain Jason Holt, allowing the Saints captain to drift into the 18‑yard area.
From there, he delivered a low cross to Taylor Steven, whose ball glanced off the heel of Adam Mayor and fell perfectly to Fowler at the back post. Adjusting to the slight deflection, Fowler tucked a right‑footed finish past Hibernian goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, giving the home side an early lead.
Hibernian responded before the half‑hour mark. A careless pass from Reece McAlear in central midfield was intercepted by Miguel Chaiwa, who released Nathan Lowe on a swift run.
The on‑loan Stoke striker slotted a low, well‑placed shot between Toby Steward and the right‑hand post to equalise in the 29th minute. The goal briefly threatened to shift momentum, but St Johnstone regrouped and, just four minutes before the break, reclaimed the lead.
Bosnian full‑back Enes Alic surged into the penalty area and was nudged over by Martin Boyle. Fowler met the rebound with a powerful strike, his fourth Premiership goal of the campaign, sending the ball into the bottom right corner and forcing Sallinger the wrong way. The goal restored the Saints’ advantage and set the tone for the second half. Early in the second period Fowler came close to completing a hat‑trick, but his attempts were thwarted by a series of saves and defensive interventions.
Hibernian, however, began to dominate possession and created several chances. On the hour mark, substitute Kanayo Megwa, brought on for the injured Grant Hanley, met a corner with a thunderous header at the back post, only to see Steward produce a spectacular one‑handed save to keep the scoreline intact. St Johnstone’s manager Simo Valakari made tactical adjustments, introducing Matty Todd and reverting to a back five to absorb Hibs’ pressure. The change helped the Saints weather a frantic spell of defending, highlighted by a moment when Hibs’ substitute Thibault Klidje forced a shot off his own marker, Ante Suto, that narrowly missed the target.
Later, Alic forced another fine save from Sallinger as the Saints looked to exploit the break. Despite the on‑field drama, the home side held firm and saw out the match, handing Hibernian their second consecutive defeat. Post‑match, Valakari praised his team’s performance, saying, “It was a good win and an important win.
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 – grit, willingness to put our bodies on the line and block shots.
Toby made a couple of big saves, and Josh is proving he can score at this level. Strikers live for goals, and each one boosts confidence.” Hibernian manager David Gray reflected on the disappointment, noting, “The biggest issue for me is how the first half unfolded again. We lacked desire to stop opponents, we gambled in the box and gave away a needless penalty. The goals we conceded were poor, but the players fought to the end and created a few chances.
I can’t say we deserved to win; back‑to‑back defeats are hard to take and criticism will follow.” The match also featured a reminder to viewers to use the Chrome browser for an accessible video player, and a promotional note encouraging fans to play the Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available. Overall, Fowler’s double not only secured three points for St Johnstone but also underscored his growing importance in the squad, while Hibernian must regroup quickly to halt their losing streak.