A deflected Kai Fotheringham strike in the 72nd minute dealt Dundee their first defeat at St Johnstone for five years.

Josh Campbell scored the second headed goal of his loan from Hibernian to earn Saints a fifth-minute lead.

Substitute striker Joe Westley seized on a defensive howler to level just after half-time.

Fotheringham capped an excellent return from a two-match suspension to secure a 2-1 victory with his first goal since William Hill Premiership opening weekend.

Simo Valakari's side won their fourth league game since returning to the top-flight and moved level on 17 points with their Tayside rivals.

Owen Bevan returned from injury to replace Joe Wright in Steven Pressley's only change.

Reece McAlear's illness forced Valakari into one of four switches that also included top-scorer Josh Fowler dropping to the bench.

Danny Schmidt recovered from an ankle knock to lead the line as Saints set the tone with a high-tempo and profitable opening spell.

Bosnian full-back Enes Alic swung over a terrific delivery to the near post.No Dundee defender was wise to the ghosting run of Campbell who arrived on cue to head emphatically past Owen Goodman.

Saints defender Bozo Mikulic was forced off with a facial knock on 14 minutes. Dan Finlayson replaced the Croatian and that defensive switch was not put under great strain in the first 45.

Dundee threatened only in the 24th minute when captain Ethan Hamilton's surprise shot on the turn was diverted for a corner by Ross Sinclair.

Saints could easily have doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time. Alic conjured a fierce hit from 25-yards, parried out by Goodman. The rebound fell for Taylor Steven who snatched at the ball and shot well wide.

That missed opportunity came back to haunt Saints quickly after the interval. Finlayson ushered a header back towards Sinclair but, as the keeper came to gather, a collision with Cheick Diabate caused a spillage.

Westley, one of three half-time introductions, accepted the gift and found the empty net with ease.

Saints, as they have done all season, responded well to a setback.

Campbell went close at the near post and a full-stretch Goodman's fingertips brushed a 30-yard dig from Cotterill just wide.

They wrested back the lead with a terrific transition move. Hamilton gave the ball away and Saints swiftly broke. After great work from Liam Smith down the right, Campbell's blocked effort spun up for Fotheringham.His shot took a heavy deflection to leave Goodman rooted to the spot as the ball sailed in.

Dundee had the ball in the net through Ryan Finnigan on 79 minutes. However, referee David Dickinson penalised Owen Bevan for a push in the penalty box melee. And an offside flag denied Macaulay Tait a tap-in third for Saints.

Dundee spurned one fine chance at an equaliser in stoppage time. Westley scuffed his attempt from six yards and Sinclair was relieved to gather.