On Wednesday evening, in the Scottish Premiership, St. Johnstone FC achieved a crucial 1-0 victory at home against Ross County, thanks to a solid performance from Daniels Balodis. This win is significant in their fight to avoid relegation.
Since joining the team, the 26-year-old Latvian defender made his fourth consecutive appearance in the starting lineup. He partnered with new center-back Zach Mitchell, who was recently loaned from Charlton Athletic and made his first start for the club today. Balodis had to adjust to this change as his usual partner, former FK Auda defender Božo Mikulič, suffered a torn ACL in a pre-game training session, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Entering this match, St. Johnstone, managed by Simo Valakari, found themselves at the bottom of the league table, trailing 6 points behind Dundee FC, which lost 1-2 to Motherwell today.
St. Johnstone controlled the first half, with Balodis playing an instrumental role in defense, although neither team managed to score in the first half. The turning point came in the middle of the second half when Northern Ireland U-21 international Makenzie Kirk found the back of the net, marking his sixth goal of the season and giving St. Johnstone a well-deserved lead.
Despite Ross County finally testing the St. Johnstone goalkeeper with their first shot on target in the second half, the home side’s defense remained compact and composed, securing vital three points in their quest for survival.
Having been in last place since late December and once nine points behind 11th place, St. Johnstone has made notable progress and is now only three points shy of Dundee FC, who are struggling with five consecutive league defeats.
Looking ahead, Balodis and St. Johnstone will face struggling Dundee FC in a crucial “six-point” game this Saturday, further intensifying their battle to avoid relegation.
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