Hard work in training paid off for Scott Tanser.
The St Johnstone full-back revealed he is constantly trying to improve his free-kick taking ability.
It showed on Saturday when his left-footed attempt drifted over the Livingston wall to give Saints a valuable lead going into the break.
Tanser said: “I practise free kicks a lot. I’m ready for them when they come along and Saturday has shown that. Hopefully, I can score the next one too.
“I spotted a gap in the wall and personally I thought the keeper gave me too much room. I knew if I could get it over the wall and hit it with pace it was going in and that’s what happened. When you get too much room it’s quite easy to direct it.
“It was a massive goal because it was just before half time and it gave us a boost and a lead to hold on to. Then we scored and went 2-0 up and it was about seeing the game out.”
While Livingston pulled one back late on, Tanser never entered panic mode.
He said: “I wasn’t nervous when they scored because they didn’t threaten us all game.
“They scored a goal when maybe we switched off a little, but defensively we believe in ourselves and we saw it out.
“We had a team-talk before the game and we knew it would be a battle and we knew that as long as we matched that, our quality would show through and by coming out with the three points we have definitely shown that.”
The weekend meet was a Betfred Cup final rehearsal ahead of a Hampden showdown later this month.
Tanser added: “It’s a big one because we have ended their unbeaten run, which was impressive and someone had to do it.
“With it coming up to the cup final as well we have made a statement that we are going to stand up to them and, hopefully, we will bring the trophy home.”
League business remains before the date with destiny on February 28 and Tanser is hopeful strong recent form continues.
He said: “Our aim is top six - we definitely think we are a top six team. We had a slow start to the season, but it’s very close now.”
