St Johnstone 1-1 Motherwell: Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson refuses to use absence of Scotland under-21 international duo as excuse for draw

Motherwell were missing top youngsters Allan Campbell and Barry Maguire, who had to self isolate after being deemed close contacts of three Scotland Under-21 team-mates who have tested positive for Covid-19 since returning from Greece in midweek.

But the Steelmen took a 17th minute lead when Mark O’Hara impressively shot home the rebound after Liam Polworth’s initial effort had been blocked following a fine move down the right.

There was a lengthy stoppage as Murray Davidson needed four minutes of treatment after falling awkwardly following an aerial battle with Robbie Crawford.

The midfielder was eventually taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Craig Bryson.

But shortly after the restart Saints drew level. Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi was tempted into a rash challenge that upended May. The striker picked himself up to slot home his third penalty in two games.

The second half was nip and tuck as both sides probed tentatively for openings. But defences held firm to keep both sets of attackers at bay.

Saints complained when Craig Conway was caught late by Mugabi after heading goalwards, with the winger subsequently having to be substituted with a facial injury.

Another header brought the home side's next chance 19 minutes from time. Wotherspoon's corner was headed down by Kerr and helped on by May but Motherwell keeper Aaron Chapman saved on the line.

When home substitute Chris Kane shot over from a tight angle any prospects of a late winner slipped away.

Referring to Campbell and Maguire’s absence, ’Well boss Robbo told Sky Sports: "Obviously it wasn't ideal; that's an understatement. We had named the team and were ready to go.

"But I got a phone call around 11 o'clock from the chief executive to tell me the two boys, Allan and Barry, couldn't play - and a double punishment that they can't play next week.

"It's a big blow but we're not going to use that as an excuse for the performance. We're happy to get out with a point in the end with the disruption, but we can play better than we did today."