A “horrendous” penalty decision prevented St Johnstone moving off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, said manager Callum Davidson, after the draw with managerless Aberdeen.
Lewis Ferguson levelled with a second-half spot-kick for the hosts after Callum Booth was adjudged to have clipped Calvin Ramsay.
St Johnstone led early on through Callum Hendry.
“Conceding these really soft penalties is so frustrating,” said Davidson.
“I’m really pleased with how the players reacted to a horrendous decision.
“We probably let it affect us against St Mirren when we had a horrendous one against us there too.”
Aberdeen, with Barry Robson taking interim charge for the first game since Stephen Glass’ exit, move up a place to eighth but are six matches without victory.
St Johnstone stay bottom and now trail Dundee by a point having played a game more.
“We’re Aberdeen, we’ll fight back,” was the message from Robson before kick-off. His side had to try to walk the walk after going behind after only six minutes.
Glenn Middleton, who ruffled Aberdeen feathers all evening, stole the ball off Jonny Hayes and drove at goal. His shot didn’t match the run, but Joe Lewis could only parry out to Hendry who tucked it home.
Aberdeen roared back for the remainder of the first half, but it was more bark than bite.
Scott Brown nicked the bar with a thunderous volley, Hayes flashed an effort at goalkeeper Zander Clark, and the impressive Connor Barron also went close with a curling effort on his first start.
As well as weathering the Aberdeen storm, St Johnstone had to deal with the loss of Clark, who tried to carry on after an apparent calf injury but had to be replaced.
Injuries would play a part for both sides. Aberdeen’s Declan Gallagher was replaced at half-time, with Brown shuffled back to cover in the centre of defence.
That jaunt did not last long as the Aberdeen captain went off holding his hamstring just after the hour with Funso Ojo coming on to play his part in Aberdeen’s patchwork defence.
After losing one key man, St Johnstone were dealt another blow when Hendry departed injured on the hour.
Aberdeen’s impetus had waned until referee Gavin Duncan pointed to the spot. Booth caught Ramsay’s heels, then challenged him clumsily again – this time inside the box – and while contact looked minimal, the penalty was given.
Ferguson, who has never missed a spot-kick, made no mistake.
Aberdeen could have compounded the visitors’ anger further, but substitute goalkeeper Elliot Parish made a fine point-blank stop from Christian Ramirez’s stoppage-time header.
Man of the Match – Glenn Middleton
What did we learn?
Aberdeen dominated possession but mostly only troubled the Saints’ goal with efforts from distance. When their goal finally did come it probably was merited, but they need much more clinical performances if they are to achieve a top-six finish.
Barron in midfield is a welcome addition for Robson – and whoever the new manager will be – but Ramirez needed more service on a night where the hosts probably could have nicked a win.
St Johnstone fans might be wondering why their club Hendry depart in the summer for a six-month spell at Kilmarnock.
He now has three goals in five games, making him the most potent striker at the club. However, when he hobbled off after an hour, Callum Davidson’s heart must have sunk.
The St Johnstone manager has complained about refereeing decisions a few times of late. The manner of Aberdeen’s equaliser will have done little to ease his frustration.
What did they say?
Aberdeen interim manager Barry Robson: “We got caught trying to play a bit cuter and clever in the first half, but we still had two or three great chances. Second half we totally controlled the game.
“We’re frustrated not to win. What I have found out is the players are willing to work and willing to try and win. And on another day we could have scored a right few goals.”
St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson: “The players gave me everything they had. We had to make four changes in the game through injuries and the players dealt with it really well.
“First half we came in not quite knowing what to expect, I thought we were the better side. Second half we didn’t play quite as well.
What’s next?
Aberdeen head back to Fir Park to take on Motherwell this Saturday, a week after their cup exit spelled the end of Glass’ tenure, while St Johnstone host Hearts (both 15:00 GMT).
Player of the match
BarronConnor Barron
with an average of 7.58
Aberdeen
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Squad number29Player nameBarron
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Squad number19Player nameFerguson
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Squad number22Player nameRamsay
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Squad number10Player nameBesuijen
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Squad number17Player nameHayes
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Squad number9Player nameRamírez
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Squad number1Player nameLewis
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Squad number8Player nameBrown
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Squad number11Player nameMontgomery
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Squad number5Player nameGallagher
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Squad number27Player nameBates
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Squad number16Player nameOjo
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Squad number33Player nameKennedy
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Squad number3Player nameMacKenzie
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Squad number14Player nameEmmanuel-Thomas
St Johnstone
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Squad number1Player nameClark
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Squad number12Player nameParish
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Squad number14Player nameMiddleton
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Squad number22Player nameHendry
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Squad number21Player nameCrawford
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Squad number6Player nameGordon
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Squad number5Player nameCleary
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Squad number4Player nameMcCart
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Squad number34Player nameButterfield
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Squad number2Player nameBrown
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Squad number29Player nameHallberg
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Squad number24Player nameBooth
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Squad number7Player nameMay
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Squad number26Player nameCraig
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Squad number3Player nameGallacher
Line-ups
Aberdeen
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Lewis
- 22Ramsay
- 5GallagherSubstituted forBesuijenat 45′minutes
- 27BatesBooked at 57mins
- 3MacKenzieSubstituted forMontgomeryat 52′minutes
- 29Barron
- 8BrownSubstituted forOjoat 65′minutes
- 33KennedySubstituted forEmmanuel-Thomasat 74′minutes
- 19Ferguson
- 17Hayes
- 9Ramírez
Substitutes
- 10Besuijen
- 11Montgomery
- 14Emmanuel-Thomas
- 15McGeouch
- 16Ojo
- 18McLennan
- 20Jenks
- 25Woods
- 28Ruth
St Johnstone
Formation 3-4-2-1
- 1ClarkSubstituted forParishat 42′minutes
- 5ClearyBooked at 54mins
- 6Gordon
- 4McCart
- 2Brown
- 29HallbergSubstituted forGallacherat 74′minutes
- 34ButterfieldBooked at 60mins
- 24BoothSubstituted forCraigat 74′minutes
- 14Middleton
- 21Crawford
- 22HendrySubstituted forMayat 61′minutes
Substitutes
- 3Gallacher
- 7May
- 12Parish
- 15Gilmour
- 16Mahon
- 17Bair
- 26Craig
- 27Sang
- 33Hector-Ingram
- Referee:
- Gavin Duncan
- Attendance:
- 12,973
Live Text
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Match ends, Aberdeen 1, St. Johnstone 1.
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Second Half ends, Aberdeen 1, St. Johnstone 1.
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Attempt saved. Christian Ramírez (Aberdeen) header from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Lewis Ferguson.
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Attempt missed. Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Calvin Ramsay with a cross following a corner.
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Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Tony Gallacher.
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Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by James Brown (St. Johnstone).
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Attempt missed. Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) header from very close range is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Calvin Ramsay with a cross.
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Attempt blocked. David Bates (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.
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Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Glenn Middleton.
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Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Stevie May (St. Johnstone).
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Foul by Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen).
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Daniel Cleary (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Attempt missed. Glenn Middleton (St. Johnstone) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Jacob Butterfield.
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Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Stevie May (St. Johnstone).
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Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.
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Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by David Bates.
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Attempt blocked. Glenn Middleton (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Liam Craig.
A “horrendous” penalty decision prevented St Johnstone moving off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, said manager Callum Davidson, after the draw with managerless Aberdeen.Lewis Ferguson levelled with a second-half spot-kick for the hosts after Callum Booth was adjudged to have clipped Calvin Ramsay.St Johnstone led early on through Callum Hendry.”Conceding these really soft penalties is so frustrating,” said Davidson.”I’m really pleased with how the players reacted to a horrendous decision.”We probably let it affect us against St Mirren when we had a horrendous one against us there too.”Reaction & as it happenedAberdeen, with Barry Robson taking interim charge for the first game since Stephen Glass’ exit, move up a place to eighth but are six matches without victory.St Johnstone stay bottom and now trail Dundee by a point having played a game more.”We’re Aberdeen, we’ll fight back,” was the message from Robson before kick-off. His side had to try to walk the walk after going behind after only six minutes.Glenn Middleton, who ruffled Aberdeen feathers all evening, stole the ball off Jonny Hayes and drove at goal. His shot didn’t match the run, but Joe Lewis could only parry out to Hendry who tucked it home.Aberdeen roared back for the remainder of the first half, but it was more bark than bite.Scott Brown nicked the bar with a thunderous volley, Hayes flashed an effort at goalkeeper Zander Clark, and the impressive Connor Barron also went close with a curling effort on his first start.As well as weathering the Aberdeen storm, St Johnstone had to deal with the loss of Clark, who tried to carry on after an apparent calf injury but had to be replaced.Injuries would play a part for both sides. Aberdeen’s Declan Gallagher was replaced at half-time, with Brown shuffled back to cover in the centre of defence.That jaunt did not last long as the Aberdeen captain went off holding his hamstring just after the hour with Funso Ojo coming on to play his part in Aberdeen’s patchwork defence.After losing one key man, St Johnstone were dealt another blow when Hendry departed injured on the hour.Aberdeen’s impetus had waned until referee Gavin Duncan pointed to the spot. Booth caught Ramsay’s heels, then challenged him clumsily again – this time inside the box – and while contact looked minimal, the penalty was given.Ferguson, who has never missed a spot-kick, made no mistake.Aberdeen could have compounded the visitors’ anger further, but substitute goalkeeper Elliot Parish made a fine point-blank stop from Christian Ramirez’s stoppage-time header.Man of the Match – Glenn MiddletonThe winger gave the Aberdeen defence problems all nightWhat did we learn?Aberdeen dominated possession but mostly only troubled the Saints’ goal with efforts from distance. When their goal finally did come it probably was merited, but they need much more clinical performances if they are to achieve a top-six finish.Barron in midfield is a welcome addition for Robson – and whoever the new manager will be – but Ramirez needed more service on a night where the hosts probably could have nicked a win.St Johnstone fans might be wondering why their club Hendry depart in the summer for a six-month spell at Kilmarnock. He now has three goals in five games, making him the most potent striker at the club. However, when he hobbled off after an hour, Callum Davidson’s heart must have sunk.The St Johnstone manager has complained about refereeing decisions a few times of late. The manner of Aberdeen’s equaliser will have done little to ease his frustration.What did they say?Aberdeen interim manager Barry Robson: “We got caught trying to play a bit cuter and clever in the first half, but we still had two or three great chances. Second half we totally controlled the game.”We’re frustrated not to win. What I have found out is the players are willing to work and willing to try and win. And on another day we could have scored a right few goals.”St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson: “The players gave me everything they had. We had to make four changes in the game through injuries and the players dealt with it really well.”First half we came in not quite knowing what to expect, I thought we were the better side. Second half we didn’t play quite as well.What’s next?Aberdeen head back to Fir Park to take on Motherwell this Saturday, a week after their cup exit spelled the end of Glass’ tenure, while St Johnstone host Hearts (both 15:00 GMT).Player of the matchBarronConnor Barronwith an average of 7.58AberdeenSquad number29Player nameBarronSquad number19Player nameFergusonSquad number22Player nameRamsaySquad number10Player nameBesuijenSquad number17Player nameHayesSquad number9Player nameRamírezSquad number1Player nameLewisSquad number8Player nameBrownSquad number11Player nameMontgomerySquad number5Player nameGallagherSquad number27Player nameBatesSquad number16Player nameOjoSquad number33Player nameKennedySquad number3Player nameMacKenzieSquad number14Player nameEmmanuel-ThomasSt JohnstoneSquad number1Player nameClarkSquad number12Player nameParishSquad number14Player nameMiddletonSquad number22Player nameHendrySquad number21Player nameCrawfordSquad number6Player nameGordonSquad number5Player nameClearySquad number4Player nameMcCartSquad number34Player nameButterfieldSquad number2Player nameBrownSquad number29Player nameHallbergSquad number24Player nameBoothSquad number7Player nameMaySquad number26Player nameCraigSquad number3Player nameGallacherLine-upsAberdeenFormation 4-2-3-11Lewis22Ramsay5Gallagher27Bates3MacKenzie29Barron8Brown33Kennedy19Ferguson17Hayes9Ramírez1Lewis22Ramsay5GallagherSubstituted forBesuijenat 45’minutes27BatesBooked at 57mins3MacKenzieSubstituted forMontgomeryat 52’minutes29Barron8BrownSubstituted forOjoat 65’minutes33KennedySubstituted forEmmanuel-Thomasat 74’minutes19Ferguson17Hayes9RamírezSubstitutes10Besuijen11Montgomery14Emmanuel-Thomas15McGeouch16Ojo18McLennan20Jenks25Woods28RuthSt JohnstoneFormation 3-4-2-11Clark5Cleary6Gordon4McCart2Brown29Hallberg34Butterfield24Booth14Middleton21Crawford22Hendry1ClarkSubstituted forParishat 42’minutes5ClearyBooked at 54mins6Gordon4McCart2Brown29HallbergSubstituted forGallacherat 74’minutes34ButterfieldBooked at 60mins24BoothSubstituted forCraigat 74’minutes14Middleton21Crawford22HendrySubstituted forMayat 61’minutesSubstitutes3Gallacher7May12Parish15Gilmour16Mahon17Bair26Craig27Sang33Hector-IngramReferee:Gavin DuncanAttendance:12,973Live TextMatch ends, Aberdeen 1, St. Johnstone 1.Second Half ends, Aberdeen 1, St. Johnstone 1.Attempt saved. Christian Ramírez (Aberdeen) header from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Lewis Ferguson.Attempt missed. Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Calvin Ramsay with a cross following a corner.Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Tony Gallacher.Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.Foul by James Brown (St. Johnstone).Attempt missed. Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) header from very close range is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Calvin Ramsay with a cross.Attempt blocked. David Bates (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Glenn Middleton.Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.Foul by Stevie May (St. Johnstone).Foul by Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen).Daniel Cleary (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.Attempt missed. Glenn Middleton (St. Johnstone) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Jacob Butterfield.Lewis Ferguson (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.Foul by Stevie May (St. Johnstone).Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by David Bates.Attempt blocked. Glenn Middleton (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Liam Craig.