St Johnstone's winning run ended as Tayside derby ends all square

St Johnstone's five-game winning run was brought to a halt by draw specialists Dundee in a 1-1 stalemate at McDiarmid Park.And Tommy Wright's Perth side let-slip the opportunity to ease past third-placed Aberdeen on goal difference, despite recovering from the loss of an early goal in the televised Tayside derby.A David Wotherspoon strike levelled Kane Hemmings' opener but the second half lacked the excitement and quality of the opening period as Dundee posted their fifth draw in six games.Perth manager Wright has a reputation for tinkering with his line-up but he opted for the same side which claimed three points against Dundee United.Dark Blues captain Kevin Thomson was a surprise absentee from the visitors' line-up, with Nicky Low filling the gap.The early exchanges yielded an opening goal for Dundee as they caught out the home side with their adventure and enterprise.Having saved Hemmings' first-minute drive, St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Mannus was helpless as the former Barnsley striker swept a precise shot into the corner of his net from the edge of the area, having combined with strike partner Greg Stewart to dissect defensive pair Dave Mackay and Steven Anderson.But, in their first attack of any note, the home side drew level after 13 minutes.Michael O'Halloran's pace has troubled defenders all season and this time it was Jason Holt who was left trailing in his wake.The winger's cutback was laid on a plate for supporting midfielder Wotherspoon and his thundering drive found the net via the crossbar.Julen Etxabeguren and Paul McGowan were cautioned by referee Alan Muir midway through the half.Minutes from the interval a wayward back-pass from Anderson caused anxiety for his keeper but Mannus managed to mop up before Hemmings could steal in.Saints scorer Wotherspoon remained grounded after being clattered by goalkeeper Scott Bain in the 73rd minute but he recovered after treatment.However, Dundee's Spanish defender Etxabeguren was not so fortunate, limping off to be replaced by Thomas Konrad.Seven minutes from the end, Dundee substitute Riccardo Calder threatened to break the deadlock with a weaving run and pass which picked out Stewart in a threatening position.But while Mannus failed to gather the striker's curling shot at the first attempt, the keeper scooped it up before a Dundee attacker could pounce.