PERTH, Scotland (Interstat) — Saint Johnstone took a commanding lead in its Scottish playoff semifinal Sunday, defeating Inverness CT 2-0 at McDiarmid Park. The home side, which was projected as a heavy favorite, delivered a decisive performance in the first leg of the two-match series.

Callum Hendry and Shaun Rooney scored for Saint Johnstone, finding the net in the 87th and 90th minutes, respectively. The victory gives Saint Johnstone a significant advantage heading into the second leg. Inverness CT, which failed to score, now faces a steep challenge to overturn the deficit. The match was part of the Scottish Premiership playoff system, which determines promotion and relegation.