A Steven MacLean goal ten minutes from time gave St Johnstone a 1-0 victory against Aberdeen at McDiarmid Park.
The former Don slotted home a Michael O’Halloran cross to earn the hosts maximum points in a keenly contested affair.
Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson returned to the line-up in place of Ashton Taylor after missing the 2-0 win at Kilmarnock, while Clark Robertson was named on the bench as he continued his comeback from a long-term knee injury.
The Perth Saints were first to threaten with David Wotherspoon curling wide before the hosts had a penalty appeal waved away when Dave Mackay fell to ground under pressure from Mark Reynolds as he attempted to slot home from close range.
The hosts looked the more likely to break the deadlock with Steven MacLean denied by the post following a poor error from Jonny Hayes.
The Dons almost took the lead after 30 minutes but Andrew Considine’s header came back off the crossbar with Saints stopper Alan Mannus beaten.
MacLean broke the deadlock with 10 minutes from time with a neat finish, although the Dons almost mustered an immediate reply through David Goodwillie but his shot was blocked by Mannus.
The visitors had a late appeal for a penalty waved away when Peter Pawlett tumbled in the box following a challenge from Steven Anderson but the Dons attacker was booked for simulation.