St Johnstone leave it late to beat Greenock Morton and extend lead at top

St Johnstone left it late to seal a 2-0 win against Greenock Morton and extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Championship.

The Saints were heading for frustration until the last 12 minutes, but showed their quality where it mattered at the business end.

Reece McAlear cracked things open when he struck a fine free-kick in the 78th minute and Liam Smith made it safe when he was well set up by the marauding Cheick Diabate. Simo Valakari’s men are eight points ahead of Partick Thistle, who have a game in a hand.

Queen’s Park edged the early kick-off 1-0 at home to bottom club Airdrie, with fit-again striker Michael Ruth marking his first start since August with the decider.

Ruth was in the right place to finish off Henry Fieldson’s pass on the half-hour, providing a lead which Calum Ferrie’s alert keeping kept in tact.

Ross County nipped in front of Airdrie as they held on to a 0-0 draw at Arbroath despite red cards in either half for Kaedyn Kamara and Ross Docherty.