St Mirren continued their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season as Killian Phillips' second-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Johnstone.
Chances were limited in difficult, windy conditions, although St Mirren enjoyed the better of the opening half.
Their first major opportunity arrived after 25 minutes when Samuel Ramos powered a header towards goal, only for Toby Steward to make an excellent save and divert the ball onto the crossbar.
St Johnstone were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead shortly after half-time when referee Ross Hardie awarded a penalty following a review for handball against Alex Gogic.
Jamie Gullan stepped up but was denied by Jacob Chapman, who correctly anticipated the direction of the spot-kick and pushed the ball away.
Matthew Foulds then fired narrowly wide for St Johnstone, while Jake Young saw an effort turned around the post at the opposite end.
With the match appearing destined for a goalless draw, St Mirren finally made the breakthrough when Ramos was brought down inside the penalty area.
Phillips kept his composure from the spot, confidently converting to give the hosts the lead.
St Johnstone responded strongly and came agonisingly close to an equaliser when Cheick Diabate's header struck the post.
Louis Lloyd also wasted a promising opening as the visitors searched for a way back into the contest.
St Mirren held firm to secure another clean sheet and their second victory from two league matches, giving them an ideal start after last season's relegation concerns.
The Paisley side now sit top of the table ahead of a difficult Premier Sports Cup meeting with Rangers at Ibrox next weekend.
Newly promoted St Johnstone, meanwhile, showed they can compete at Premiership level but were left frustrated by Gullan's missed penalty and Diabate's effort against the woodwork.
Despite the defeat, their performances in the opening two matches suggest they are capable of making their presence felt back in Scotland's top flight.
