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St Johnstone clinch Scottish Championship title

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Key Points
  • St Johnstone clinched the Championship title with a 2-0 win, but reports conflict on whether the opponent was Dunfermline or Morton.
  • Reece McAlear and Liam Smith scored late goals; Ruari Paton also credited with a decisive header.
  • St Johnstone were relegated from the Premiership last season after 16 years, having won three trophies and six European campaigns.

St Johnstone secured the Championship title with a 2-0 win, according to major media reports. However, there is confusion over the opponent: some sources say the victory came against Dunfermline, while others report it was against Greenock Morton. The club left it late to seal the win, with Reece McAlear scoring a free-kick in the 78th minute and Liam Smith making it safe with a goal set up by Cheick Diabate. Striker Ruari Paton, who was signed on loan from Port Vale in January, scored the decisive goal with a header, according to major media reports. St Johnstone are now eight points ahead of Partick Thistle, who have a game in hand.

St Johnstone were relegated from the Premiership 12 months earlier after a 16-year stint in the top flight. During their Premiership tenure, the club won three national trophies and had six European campaigns, including a cup double under Callum Davidson. The title win marks a swift return to the top division.

Gratitude is just the biggest thing. At the end there, I looked at everyone, stopped celebrating for a minute and just thought 'try and let it marinate'. You don't get promoted every year. You don't win a league every year. I'm just so grateful. What a night.

Ruari Paton, St Johnstone striker

According to Daily Mail - Sport, Ruari Paton described his gratitude after the match, saying he tried to let the moment marinate and acknowledged that winning a league does not happen every year. The club celebrated the title with around 3,000 travelling supporters, according to major media reports.

In other Championship results, Queen's Park edged a 1-0 win at home to Airdrie, with Michael Ruth scoring the decider in his first start since August. Ross County held on to a 0-0 draw at Arbroath despite red cards for Kaedyn Kamara and Ross Docherty.

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St Johnstone clinch Scottish Championship title | Reed News