"The first half went along the lines of the two previous games I'd seen today on television," said Strachan.

"I said at half-time we had to answer questions about how to win a game - and I felt in the second half we did that.

"I can see them getting a pat on the back for that.

"Chris played well today and scored the goal - and he deserved it. He has had to work very hard for that."

Saints were resolute at the back and with the outstanding performance of Chris Marsden, managed to turn the game in Saints favour.

While Saints were far from devastating up front, they do create good chances. We simply need either Ormerod to start getting a few goals or for Pahars to return from injury. Strachan will be pleased that all of his midfielders had attempts on goal, if not so excited about the accuracy of some of them.