Simo hails pre-season progress

Forfar draw is 'step forward' says boss

- 

Simo Valakari was pleased with St Johnstone's preseason progress following an unforgiving afternoon in Forfar.

Saints battled a swirling wind, dry pitch and tiring legs against a competitive League Two opponent managed by former Perth favourite Jim Weir.

All of which ensured Saints took significant fitness strides forward as a squad at Station Park as Valakari gave 20 players game time.

Only Jack Baird, who wore the captain's armband, and Jonathan Svedberg featured for the entire 90 minutes.

Saints took a ninth minute lead from the spot after Jamie Gullan was brought down by Angus Mailer as he cut inside from the left.

Gullan was confident and emphatic from 12 yards, drilling a penalty down the middle.

The ex-Raith man and Svedberg played either side of Makenzie Kirk in a front three.

Kirk, who showed lethal finishing ability 11 times last season, headed straight at keeper Marc McCallum on the half hour.

For the remainder of the first half, Forfar were the team in the ascendancy.