Tommy Wright says St Johnstone's superior fitness was key to extra time win at Queen of the South
Two extra time goals helped the Saints into the Betfred Cup quarter finals
St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright believes his squad's quality and fitness was the difference in their 4-2 extra-time Betfred Cup win over Queen of the South.
The Ladbrokes Premiership side eventually saw off the plucky Doonhamers in Dumfries but the Saints boss was not happy with how his side started the game.
Wright said: “I thought it was a decent game but I was disappointed with the first-half performance.
“We should go in at half time 1-0 up but we panic, boot the ball back to them, they knock it long, we don't deal with the second ball and it's a great finish from Lyndon Dykes.
“Over 90 minutes we edged the game.
“Our fitness and quality told in extra time but again we've started the second period of extra time a bit sloppy and gave them a lift and they get a goal back but we see out the game.”
Murray Davidson's shot from outside the box deflected into the path of Tony Watt who tapped St Johnstone into the lead after 26 minutes.
But just before half time Queens drew level when Lyndon Dykes' half-volley from 25 yards out rocketed into the top corner.
Drey Wright and Andy Stirling hit the post for both sides as neither could find a winner inside 90 minutes.
Just four minutes into extra time, Watt cut the ball back to Wright and he smashed St Johnstone back in front.
Watt scored his second goal just before the break in extra time when his shot went in off the post.
Stephen Dobbie looked to have given Queens hope after 115 minutes when he scored from the spot after being brought down by Alistair McCann.
But Callum Hendry scored the Saints fourth goal after a defensive mistake let him in to score with the last kick of the game.
Queens boss Gary Naysmith said: “I thought over 90 minutes we were as good as St Johnstone."