Skacel converted Craig Thomson's cross but missed a second-half chance to put the contest beyond doubt as Jim Jefferies' men bounced back from the midweek loss at Celtic to record a 13th win in their last 16 SPL games.

St Johnstone, who beat Hearts in the Scottish Cup earlier this month, were on the back foot throughout and saw their five-match unbeaten run come to an end.

Elsewhere, Mickael Antoine-Curier was on target as bottom side Hamilton fought back from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against 10-man Kilmarnock.

Conor Sammon grabbed the only goal of the first half to hand Killie the lead, before Jamie Hamill saw red for the Ayrshire men. Antoine-Curier then came off the bench to earn a point.