Stevie May insists St Johnstone are ready to give their all against relegation play-off rivals Ross County on Wednesday night to ensure cinch Premiership survival.
The Perth club were left reeling on Saturday after Andrew Shinnie’s added-time strike gave already-relegated Livingston a 2-1 comeback win to leave Craig Levein’s side still two points behind 10th-placed Staggies – who lost 5-1 at home to Motherwell – with two league fixtures remaining.
Saints started with great purpose in West Lothian and took the lead after eight minutes through striker Adama Sidibeh but failed to capitalise on other chances.
The visitors paid the price in the 72nd minute when Livi defender Cristian Montano fired in from a Stephen Kelly corner and then in the fifth of five added minutes, after Nicky Clark had spurned a great chance for Saints, substitute Shinnie fired in the winner.
May urged his team-mates and fans to shrug off the disappointment of Saturday to focus on County.
The 31-year-old former Aberdeen, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston attacker told SaintsTV: “It is huge. The fans have turned up for us all season. I am sure they will again.
“We are not putting in the performances that they expect and have come to expect over the years.
“It is tough for the players. As much as we have not played great at times, we are trying to do everything we can and we have to recover and get ready to give everything we can to keep our position in the league
“It was really disappointing in the end on Saturday, we had plenty of chances to win the game.
“It was tough in the changing room afterwards, the boys were down.
“We have a game so quick so it is important that we put it to the back of our minds and take the positives, in terms of getting the chances but disappointing all round, considering the chances we did create.
“The keeper had a couple of saves on the line but it is down to us to take the chances.
“We started the game really well, high tempo and we have to try replicate the start we had when we play on Wednesday and take the chances when they come.”
David Martindale was pleased to see his Livi side turn the game around.
He told the club’s official X – formerly Twitter – account: “It is about keeping standards high.
“We all know we have fallen short as a group this season but it is all about trying to get as much positivity in the group just now because 50 per cent of that group is going to be here next season.
“Whether they are going to be here or not next year, it is a good honest group and the application, desire and endeavour to win games has always been there.”
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