Fowler double lifts St Johnstone above Hibernian

Josh Fowler’s first-half double gave St Johnstone a 2-1 victory over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, moving the hosts above their opponents into seventh place, according to the Sky Sports report.

Fowler opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing from close range after Taylor Steven’s low cross deflected into his path. Hibernian responded in the 29th minute when Nathan Lowe ran clear and placed a low shot beyond Toby Steward.

St Johnstone restored their lead four minutes before half-time. Enes Alic was brought down in the penalty area by Martin Boyle, allowing Fowler to convert from the spot. The goal was reported as his fourth Scottish Premiership strike of the campaign.

Fowler had scored a late equaliser as a substitute against Dundee in midweek and was rewarded with a return to the starting line-up. He twice went close to completing a hat-trick early in the second half before being replaced in the 72nd minute.

Sky Sports described Hibernian as the stronger side for large parts of the second period. St Johnstone switched to a back five as the visitors pressed, with Steward making a one-handed save from Kanayo Megwa’s header before the hosts held on for their second win of the campaign.

The result left Hibernian with back-to-back defeats, while St Johnstone moved into seventh spot.