FOURCE OF NATURE

Simo's Saints aren't for giving up top spot after comeback

- FRASER MACKIE

JOSH McPAKE'S double inspired a stunning comeback as St Johnstone stormed into the lead in the title race once again.

Fourth-placed Ayr were 2-0 ahead at halftime thanks to early goals from Mark McKenzie and Jamie Murphy.

Scott Brown's men looked set to announce themselves as potential title gatecrashers but Simo Valakari’s tactical switches worked a treat to transform his team.

Substitute Matty Foulds grabbed his first goal for the club, McPake drew them level and then put them in front before sub Kai Fotheringham rubbed salt in Ayr’s wounds with a stoppage-time fourth.

That gave Saints title charge a massive revival after defeat at rivals Partick Thistle and a home draw with Raith.

Boss Valakari said: “Tactics help the players - we needed to change.

“But that win was all about desire. There would have been many, many doubts about us at halftime.