A late goal by substitute Stuart Noble gave St Johnstone all three points at battling Queen of the South.

The Dumfries side deservedly broke the deadlock four minutes before the interval with Brian McColligan beating two defenders and slotting home from 15 yards.

The Saints hit back after the interval and wasted a great chance to level when Chris Hay missed a penalty.

But they did level after 77 minutes when Mark Robertson smashed home a 25-yard free-kick, and wrapped up the points in the 87th minute when Noble pounced from close range.

Queen of the South: Scott, Renicks, Anderson, Aitken, Thomson, McColligan, O'Neill, Bowey, McLaughlin, O'Connor, Paton.

Subs: Lyle, Weatherson, Allan, McAlpine, Campbell.

St Johnstone: Cuthbert, John Robertson, Murray, Maxwell, Baxter, Mark Robertson, Reilly, Hartley, Hay, Connolly, Lovenkrands.

Subs: Dodds, McCulloch, Parker, Noble, Miotto.

Referee: E Martindale