Stevie May’s dancing celebration returned at Tannadice as St Johnstone moved ten points clear of Dundee United.
The forward’s instinctive and impressive first half finish on the volley had Saints ahead before a crazy two-minute spell followed in the latter stages of the contest.
United equalised through Dylan Levitt’s long-range strike but, just 90 seconds later, May had the Perth men back in front.
That sparked jubilant scenes on the park and in the away section of the stadium.
The superb travelling party, numbering 1500, had watched their favourites line-up in a 3-5-2 formation.
Centrally, Alex Mitchell, Liam Gordon and James Brown were supported by wing-backs Drey Wright and Adam Montgomery.
Continuity was the name of the game in the middle of the park with Dan Phillips and Cammy MacPherson, while Melker Hallberg was also operating in that area.
The experience of May and Nicky Clark was tasked with providing some magic in the forward department.
Early pressure had been applied on the Saints defence and goalkeeper Remi Matthews needed to be sharp at his near post to keep out Aziz Behich’s low drive from a tight angle.
The hosts, bottom of the table at kick-off - still there - had also forced a number of corners in the opening stages.
Gradually, there was more attacking intent from the Perth side and MacPherson fizzed a low strike from distance towards goal but Mark Birighitti gathered.
MacPherson was architect moments later, carving a lovely pass into the left channel for advanced Montgomery. His cut-back was only missing touch from a visiting boot.
Similarly, in the 16th minute, a square ball across the box - this time from May - trundled dangerously without a finish.
May’s next meaningful contribution would be - assisted by Hallberg’s cross from the right - to send a volley into the back of the net with 32 minutes on the clock.
The homegrown hero, like he did earlier in the season, whipped out ‘The Griddy’ celebration in front of delirious travelling supporters.
United would be desperate for a response and Kai Fotheringham was attempting to provide a spark early in the second half. Matthews, however, was still quiet.
Fotheringham did have a sight of goal in the 67th minute after the ball bounced into his path from Charlie Mulgrew’s knockdown. The effort on the swivel from close range lofted into the air and was easily caught by Matthews.
Saints, who had looked relatively comfortable with their advantage, then looked to double up when a neat MacPherson flick sent Montgomery into a promising position.
He found Clark who, after setting himself, struck a left-footed effort straight at Birighitti.
United started applying more pressure and the visitors sat deeper. They were punished when, on 81 minutes, Levitt found the bottom corner with a strike from range.
Incredibly, 90 seconds later, Saints had the lead again. And again it was May. It arrived in bizarre circumstances.
United played short from a goal kick and, when the ball was played back to Birighitti, he hesitated. That allowed determined May to charge him down and find the net.
He passionately celebrated the moment before his team-mates held out for a hard-earned three points.
