David Raven was sent off in the 12th minute for a professional foul on Rowan Vine and the hosts eventually made their numerical advantage count with 13 minutes remaining. 

Nigel Hasselbaink crossed for Steven MacLean to head past Antonio Reguero, putting Saints within one point of their third-placed opponents.

Elsewhere, Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths grabbed his 27th goal of the season to earn a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw with St Mirren.

Griffiths gave Hibs the lead but St Mirren levelled through Esmael Goncalves, before a Marc McAusland double put the visitors in the driving seat.

But Griffiths eventually turned in the equaliser from close range with less than four minutes remaining, despite cries of offside from the visitors. 

St Mirren’s draw means that bottom side Dundee have prolonged their stay in the Scottish Premier League after Ryan Conroy’s late winner against Hearts. 

Scotland defender Andy Webster was shown a second yellow card after 28 minutes, before Conroy’s free-kick deflected past goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald in the 82nd minute. 

Elsewhere, Aberdeen edged past Kilmarnock thanks to a fourth-minute effort from Niall McGinn.