St Johnstone secured an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 victory over Dunfermline at East End Park. Second-half goals from Reece McAlear and Ruari Paton sealed the Championship title for Simo Valakari's side, who now lead Partick Thistle by seven points with two matches remaining. The win came after Partick Thistle's draw with Airdrie handed St Johnstone two opportunities to clinch the title, and they needed just one. The Perth club have led the league since the opening day, when they defeated Thistle 5-1, and are now on a 12-match unbeaten run. Dunfermline, playing their third midweek game in a week following a 120-minute Scottish Cup semi-final win over Falkirk, struggled to gain momentum. St Johnstone dominated the first half, with Josh McPake hitting the crossbar and creating multiple chances. McAlear opened the scoring in the 56th minute when his long-range shot deflected off Charlie Gilmour and wrong-footed goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. Paton sealed the result in the 72nd minute, heading home from 12 yards after a cross from Liam Smith. Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon made five changes to his starting XI. The result leaves Dunfermline five points ahead of Raith Rovers in fifth, with a playoff spot still within reach. St Johnstone captain Jason Holt described the achievement as a moment of pride and relief, having endured back-to-back relegations with Livingston and St Johnstone before leading the team back to the top tier.
St Johnstone wrapped up the Championship title without facing the pressure of a final-day decider, thanks to Partick Thistle's slip-up days earlier. Their dominance since the opening 5-1 win over Thistle suggests this campaign was controlled from the front, not clawed back under duress. No Nigerian or African players featured in the match.
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