St Johnstone celebrated their return to the Scottish Premiership with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Kilmarnock, as Kai Fotheringham’s late strike sealed all three points in an entertaining seven-goal contest at McDiarmid Park.
Back in the top flight after winning the Scottish Championship last season, St Johnstone unfurled the title flag before making the perfect start. Josh Fowler capitalised on a defensive mistake from Kilmarnock to fire the hosts into an early lead.
The visitors responded before half-time when Greg Kiltie ghosted in at the back post to convert a knockdown and level the scores.
St Johnstone restored their advantage just 45 seconds after the restart, with Cheick Diabate powering home a header from close range after being left unmarked from a corner.
Kilmarnock hit back almost immediately as Joe Hugill capitalised on hesitation from goalkeeper Toby Steward, looping the ball into the net after a deflected cross.
The visitors then completed the turnaround moments later. Steward saved Nicky Clescenco’s initial effort, but the rebound ricocheted off Jason Holt and into his own net to make it 3-2.
Despite surrendering the lead, St Johnstone responded brilliantly. Substitute Louis Lloyd made an instant impact, with his flicked header from a free-kick ultimately credited as a Michael Schjonning-Larsen own goal.
With the momentum back in their favour, Fotheringham produced the decisive moment, weaving through the Kilmarnock defence before firing a superb finish into the bottom corner to hand St Johnstone a memorable winning start to life back in the Premiership.