The St Johnstone vs Motherwell FC match timeline shows how previous clashes have played out.
St Johnstone and Motherwell have provided Scottish football fans with competitive and dramatic encounters in recent seasons. Their fixtures in both the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup competitions have often been closely contested, with goals, tactical battles, and pivotal moments shaping the outcomes.
Recent St Johnstone vs Motherwell FC Match Timeline
On August 16, 2025, Motherwell secured a 1–0 win over St Johnstone in a Scottish League Cup fixture at McDiarmid Park. The match was tightly contested, with both sides demonstrating solid defensive organization. Motherwell capitalized on a late opportunity to score the decisive goal, showcasing their ability to convert key chances in high-pressure situations. St Johnstone defended resolutely throughout, but were unable to find a response before the final whistle.
Earlier in the season, on April 26, 2025, Motherwell defeated St Johnstone 3–2 in a thrilling Scottish Premiership encounter at Fir Park. The match featured continuous attacking play from both sides, with Motherwell ultimately emerging victorious thanks to their efficiency in front of goal. St Johnstone opened the scoring through a well-worked move, but Motherwell responded quickly, leveling the game before taking the lead. St Johnstone continued to fight and briefly equalized, but Motherwell sealed the win with a late strike, emphasizing the fine margins that often decide these fixtures.
On December 14, 2024, the teams met at McDiarmid Park in a Scottish Premiership game that ended in a 2–2 draw. Motherwell scored first, but St Johnstone responded to take the lead before halftime. In the second half, Motherwell equalized with a decisive goal from their forward line. This match highlighted the attacking capabilities of both sides and their willingness to take risks to secure points.
In the 2023/24 season, Motherwell hosted St Johnstone on February 11, 2024, and won 1–0. The game was tightly contested, with Motherwell relying on disciplined defensive work and a decisive counter-attack to secure the victory. St Johnstone created opportunities but were unable to capitalize, reflecting the competitive balance between the two teams in league play.
Head-to-Head Overview
In recent seasons, Motherwell has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning the majority of meetings while St Johnstone has managed occasional draws. These matches are typically high-paced and closely contested, with small errors often proving decisive. Out of the last five encounters, Motherwell has won three, St Johnstone has won one, and one match ended in a draw.
Historically, the teams are relatively evenly matched, with Motherwell often benefiting from home advantage. Both clubs are capable of scoring and creating chances, but the outcome frequently hinges on individual moments of quality and tactical discipline.
Tactical Considerations
Motherwell often deploys a compact formation, focusing on defensive organization and exploiting spaces on the counter-attack. Key players in their midfield and forward lines are tasked with linking defense to attack quickly and capitalizing on any lapses from St Johnstone. Their defensive discipline allows them to absorb pressure and strike efficiently when opportunities arise.
St Johnstone emphasizes possession in midfield and the use of wide areas to stretch opponents. Their full-backs provide support in attack, while their midfielders work to control tempo and create chances for forwards. Against Motherwell, St Johnstone aims to break down a compact defense through quick passing combinations and tactical movement off the ball.
Implications for the League and Cups
Fixtures between Motherwell and St Johnstone have implications beyond individual results. In the Scottish Premiership, points earned in these matches can influence league positioning, particularly for mid-table teams looking to secure safety or push for higher finishes. In cup competitions, victories are crucial for progression, and narrow results often reflect the high stakes of knockout football.
For Motherwell, consistent success against teams like St Johnstone can solidify their position in the league and build momentum for more challenging fixtures. For St Johnstone, earning points against a competitive Motherwell side provides confidence and can act as a catalyst for better performances in subsequent matches.
Looking Ahead
Future encounters between St Johnstone and Motherwell are expected to remain competitive and tightly contested. Both teams have demonstrated tactical flexibility, resilience, and the ability to exploit small margins for success. Fans can anticipate closely fought matches that combine technical skill, strategic planning, and moments of individual brilliance.
The rivalry, while not as historic as some in Scottish football, continues to produce exciting matches and significant results. Each fixture adds to the narrative of the season, impacting league standings, morale, and momentum. As both clubs continue to evolve their squads and tactical approaches, St Johnstone vs Motherwell remains a fixture of interest for supporters and analysts alike.
In summary, matches between St Johnstone and Motherwell consistently offer high intensity, tactical battles, and decisive moments. Recent timelines demonstrate Motherwell’s ability to capitalize on key opportunities, while St Johnstone’s resilience ensures that these encounters are rarely straightforward. These fixtures are important not just for points, but for momentum and confidence in both league and cup competitions.