In the twenty years since the gates were closed at Muirton Park there have been 17 SPL and one Cup game between the sides at Saturday's venue. Most have been high scoring affairs producing an average of 3 goals per game.
The most recent was the only cup tie. It was in the third round and took place in January 2004. A young David Clarkson had scored a hat trick in the previous week's game against Dundee United and he continued his spree with two first half goals. He was substituted in the last fitteen minutes and given a standing ovation. His replacement, making his debut, was Scott McDonald and he justified the 'Well supporters in chanting "Dooogay, Dooogay" by scoring in the final minute.
The last league game was in March 2002 when a McFadden penalty and a Lehmann header all but secured our SPL status for another season. It was only our second win away from home and Eric Black and the rest of the team were only weeks away from the shock that administration would bring.
Five of the games produced five goals to deliver excellent entertainment but Billy Davies will need no reminding of the 5-0 defeat Motherwell suffered in October 1998. Harry Kampman had disappeared after the friendly in Utrecht and Billy was given the job. His first game in charge, a week later, saw us humbled in Perth. John Boyle was persuaded to open his cheque book and both Brannan and Spencer were in place for the next game.
Stevie Nicholas in Perth
In 2001, with Davies shown the door, Motherwell twice came from behind to win the game in the last minute when Steven Nicholas finished off a rebound in dramatic fashion in front of the away stand. Alan Main suffered a broken leg in a clash with Kevin Twaddle and the game was held up for some time as the keeper was carried to the waiting ambulance. We were a goal behind with only ten minutes remaining when Stuart Elliott brought us level but young Nicholas sent us home happy in what was a game between two teams at the bottom of the table.
What will Saturday bring?
2003/2004
St Johnstone 0-3 Motherwell W (Cup)
2001/2002
St Johnstone 0-2 Motherwell W
St Johnstone 2-3 Motherwell W
2000/2001
St Johnstone 2-3 Motherwell W
1999/2000
St Johnstone 1-1 Motherwell D
St Johnstone 1-1 Motherwell D
1998/1999
St Johnstone 0-0 Motherwell D
St Johnstone 5-0 Motherwell L
1997/1998
St Johnstone 3-2 Motherwell L
St Johnstone 4-3 Motherwell L
1993/1994
St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell L
St Johnstone 3-0 Motherwell L
1992/1993
St Johnstone 0-0 Motherwell D
St Johnstone 2-0 Motherwell L
1991/1992
St Johnstone 0-0 Motherwell D
St Johnstone 0-1 Motherwell L
1990/1991
St Johnstone 1-4 Motherwell W
St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell L