St Johnstone boost survival hopes with win over Ross County

St Johnstone kept alive hopes of staying in the William Hill Premiership after they battled to a 2-1 win over relegation rivals Ross County at McDiarmid Park.

Simo Valakari’s side could have seen their fate sealed with another defeat – but now sit just three points behind County with two matches left and a one-better goal difference.

Daniels Balodis headed St Johnstone in front from a corner after 31 minutes, before Alex Samuel bundled in an equaliser late in the first half.

Elliot Watt got Saints back ahead again on the hour and County thought they were on level terms when Ronan Hale scrambled the ball in following a corner – but the goal was ruled out following a VAR check for offside.

St Johnstone saw out 10 minutes of stoppage time to secure a vital win as the Staggies – who had defender Zac Ashworth sent off late on for dissent – slipped to a sixth straight Premiership defeat.

Lawrence Shankland scored twice as Hearts beat Motherwell 3-0 at Tynecastle to confirm safety.

Jambos captain Shankland fired in his seventh Premiership goal of the season from the edge of the box on the half-hour.

Callum Slattery saw an equaliser ruled out by VAR for offside against Dan Casey, who was deemed to be interfering with play in front of the goalkeeper.

Shankland, who is out of contract in the summer, headed home his second on the hour before Alan Forrest quickly slotted in a third two minutes later as Hearts went above Motherwell in the table.

Kilmarnock saw off Dundee 3-2 at Rugby Park to also secure Premiership safety.

Danny Armstrong slotted in a penalty in the 31st minute following a coming together between Killie midfielder Liam Donnelly and Dundee forward Seb Palmer-Houlden.

Dundee equalised in the 77th minute through midfielder Lyall Cameron – only for the home side to immediately regain the lead when Bruce Anderson headed in.

Robbie Deas nodded in from a corner at the start of added time to seemingly settle the result, but Dundee set up a tense final few minutes when Cameron fired in a low strike.

Champions Celtic came from behind to beat Hibernian 3-1 at Parkhead.

Martin Boyle had given Hibs the lead on 25 minutes, but quickfire goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah just before half-time sent Celtic into the break ahead.

Reo Hatate slotted in a third just before the hour mark.

Defeat for third-placed Hibernian means Aberdeen could move level on 56 points if they win at Rangers on Sunday.

St Mirren won 2-0 at Dundee United.

Mikael Mandron gave the visitors a 31st minute lead, with Jonah Ayunga firing in a second after 66 minutes.

The Buddies move to within two points of fifth-placed United, who lost a third straight match.