Aberdeen bounced back from last week’s defeat by Rangers with a hard-earned 2-1 win at St Johnstone to secure European football next season.
A fine individual effort from on-loan Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie and an own goal from Saints defender Tom Scobbie gave the Dons a two-goal advantage at the break.
St Johnstone substitute Danny Swanson netted from the penalty spot three minutes into the second half to set up a nervy second half but the Dons held on for the victory in a feisty encounter.
The result means the Dons are guaranteed a top three finish and will play in Europe next season.
The Dons made one alteration from the team beaten 3-0 by Rangers last Sunday with Ryan Christie replacing Niall McGinn, who missed out after picking up a knock in training.
The Saints, who defeated bottom of the league Caley Thistle 3-0 last weekend, made two changes with David Wotherspoon and Richard Foster, the former Aberdeen captain, replacing Clive Smith and Graham Cummins.
The Dons made the early running with Shay Logan trying his luck with a long-range effort that trickled wide.
Graeme Shinnie passed up a fantastic opportunity after eight minutes when he fired over from close range from a Jonny Hayes cross, although the defensive midfielder was adjudged to have been in an offside position in any case.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis was tested for the first time soon after but the former Cardiff City player easily saved Michael Coulson’s effort.
But it was the Dons who made the breakthrough after 19 minutes when Christie sidestepped challenges from Tom Scobbie and Paul Paton before slotting beyond Alan Mannus.
Aberdeen extended their advantage in the 32nd minute when a Hayes cross was turned into his own net by Scobbie.
The goal prompted St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright to make his first change only five minutes later with Danny Swanson introduced for Blair Alston.
The Perth Saints looked eager to make amends for a sluggish first half display after the interval with Steven MacLean going close following a well-worked move involving Paton and Wotherspoon.
But the home side were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute when MacLean fell to ground under pressure from Anthony O’Connor and substitute Swanson fired home from the spot.
Former Dundee United midfielder Swanson should have levelled eight minutes later when he was gifted a free shot on goal after a mix-up in the Dons defence but his composure deserted him at the vital moment.
The game was becoming increasingly nervy for the Dons with St Johnstone enjoying more of the ball and putting the Dons defence under plenty of pressure.
Perth Saints forward MacLean was fortunate to get away with a yellow card after a robust challenge on Dons midfielder Kenny McLean in the closing stages.