THE ELEMENT OF SUPPLIES

JASON HOLT insists St Johnstone must plot alternative routes to goal if Josh McPake's path is blocked.

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Saints drew a blank for the first time in their promotion push after Ayr stopped seven-goal McPake.

The visitors paid special attention to the 24-year-old wide man to stretch their unbeaten run to six.

Simo Valakari's men had plenty of the ball and main creative threat McPake never stopped trying.

But keeper David Mitchell wasn't tested all afternoon, much to home skipper Holt's frustration. He said: "It's a huge kudos to Josh now teams are doubling up and making it really difficult.

"Even when they do that, we know he's still got the quality to get out of those situations. He was still going past defenders out there. But the rest of us can certainly help take the load off him a bit.

"We can create chances or score goals from other areas when Josh gets a lot of attention. We know how important he is to the team. He's been absolutely fantastic.

"We can't just hang our hat on certain individuals. Midfielders and defenders from set-plays can all look to chip in."

A second home draw for Saints kept them six points clear of Partick at the top.

But, after 18 goals in their first eight games, they came up short against a well-organised defensive display.