Elliot Watt’s goal in the second half secured a crucial victory for St Johnstone, keeping their hopes of avoiding relegation in the William Hill Premiership alive and increasing the pressure on struggling Ross County.
Under Simo Valakari's leadership, St Johnstone, who were nine points behind in January, closed the gap to just three points behind Ross County after a hard-fought 2-1 win at McDiarmid Park.
St Johnstone took the lead with a goal from Daniels Balodis, but Alex Samuel equalized for Ross County before half-time.
However, Watt's goal in the 60th minute proved to be the winner as Ross County suffered their seventh consecutive defeat, putting them at risk of being overtaken by St Johnstone in the remaining two matches of the season.
St Johnstone, who had lost their previous four games, made changes to their lineup with Jason Holt, Adama Sidibeh, and Sam Curtis returning to the starting eleven.
Ross County also made alterations to their team, including defender Will Nightingale making his first appearance since August due to a knee injury.
In the first 30 minutes, St Johnstone dominated and had the better chances, with Curtis coming close to scoring from a cross by Josh McPake.
The breakthrough for St Johnstone came in the 31st minute when Balodis scored with a header from Watt's corner.
Ross County improved towards the end of the first half, and Samuel found the equalizer in the 41st minute from a low cross by Kieran Phillips.
St Johnstone had opportunities to regain the lead, but Sidibeh and Ikpeazu missed chances before Watt scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute.
Ross County thought they had equalized late in the game through Hale, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check. Ashworth was then sent off for dissent in stoppage time.