Dundee United raised the championship flag and then surrendered an opening day victory against 10 men St Johnstone.
United were a goal to the good in the first half in the battle of the Premiership dugout debutants.
Nicky Clark scored from the spot after only six minutes when Liam Craig was judged to have handled a Liam Smith shot in the box.
Micky Mellon already looked to have made a positive impact on his new squad, who were much more lively and belied the fact they hadn’t played top flight football in four years.
Things went from bad to worse for Callum Davidson in his first match as Saints gaffer when Michael O’Halloran was dismissed on the stroke of half-time for his second yellow card.
However, Saints showed the instincts of Premiership streetfighters after the break as they rallied to secure the point their performance merited.
Craig, the first half fall guy, volleyed in a stunning equaliser on 54 minutes after the United defence failed to clear a delivery from the right by Millwall loanee Danny McNamara.
United pressed hard towards the end in a bid to make their man advantage count, but Saints defended doggedly and keeper Elliot Parish was never seriously troubled.
3 talking points
No Gala for Mellon
Talk about a mixed bag for Micky Mellon. In the first half, there was a pace and urgency about United, especially middle to front with Lawrence Shankland, that would have pleased the new boss. They looked an established Premiership side, but after the break they stood off as Saints proved their mettle, showing greater aggression than they had with 11 men in the first half.
Oh Mikey
Oh dear, dear Michael O’Halloran. Looking for a win and 1-0 down, an already difficult task for Saints was made nigh on impossible with his red card on the stroke of half-time. The striker had already been booked for leaving the studs in on Peter Pawlett when he did likewise on Calum Butcher. The second yellow card from Kevin Clancy was inevitable.
Neilson remains
One Neilson may have left United earlier this summer, but look out for another making an impact in the months ahead. Defender Lewis Neilson is still just 17 but played with some aplomb on the right hand side of the Tangerines’ rearguard. Well done too Danny McNamara - the Millwall loan kid looked the real deal for Saints down the right hand side.
