St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas was delighted to hear the final whistle after edging out Brechin City 2-1 to advance to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.
Murray Davidson's opener after five minutes gave Lomas' side the perfect start before Paul McManus levelled for the Second Division side. Francisco Sandaza restored the the hosts' lead 30 seconds into the second half but the visitors continued to press to set up a nervous finish at McDiarmid Park.
"It can happen one of two ways when you get an early goal in a cup tie, you either go on and score three or four, or they get themselves back into the game," said Lomas.
"After we got off to a good start I was hoping we could push on but we took our foot off the gas for 10 to 15 minutes and allowed Brechin back into the match. When that happens the lads and the crowd can get frustrated."
Lomas was full of praise for St Johnstone's Second Division opponents, who will consider themselves very unfortunate not to have at least forced a replay.
"Full credit to them, they came here and had a go and in the end we were delighted to hear the final whistle," he added. "Our second goal came at a great time for us and perhaps we could have pushed on and scored a few more, but I don't want to take anything away from Brechin and their performance."
Brechin manager Jim Weir was pleased with his side's fighting spirit, but admitted he saw their defeat as an opportunity missed.
"Losing the first goal could have easily set us back but we responded very well and had a good chance before we did get the equaliser," said Weir. "I am pleased for every one of the players as they worked their socks off. They'll perhaps look back on the game with a bit of regret, as it was a good opportunity they passed up.
"The manner in which we lost the second goal was disappointing. I didn't feel it was the best of crosses but we didn't deal with it properly - that can be the difference sometimes.
"We continued to work hard though and Derek Carcary had a good chance just after coming on. In the end it just wasn't our day."
