Tommy Wright toasted another clean sheet as his in-form St Johnstone side moved into fifth place in the Scottish Premiership table with a 1-0 win over Livingston.
Saints relied on a late Murray Davidson winner to see off a determined Livingston side but the foundations of a fourth successive victory were built on their 11th shut-out in 14 games.
"It was like a war of attrition at times and there wasn't much between the two sides," said Wright.
"We didn't play as well as I'd have liked but it's the sign of a good side when you keep a clean sheet and get the victory by producing one moment of quality.
"Neither keeper was really troubled. Both had similar saves to make in terms of longish free-kicks which they dealt with.
"We had chances on the counter-attack in the second half but we were loose. But it is three points against a difficult side to play against and I'll take it."
The Saints manager praised match-winner Davidson after being brought in for the first time since suffering an injury against St Mirren on Boxing Day.
"I couldn't do that with any other player," he admitted.
"Murray had two full training sessions but that's what he does. He will go through a brick wall for you. He had a very good game and I'm pleased he got a goal."
Livi keeper Liam Kelly fended off a flashing Matty Kennedy header from Richard Foster's well-worked cross as the home side had the better of the chances.
With a stalemate looking likely, Davidson bundled home a winner 13 minutes from the end to lift Wright's side above Hearts in the table.
Livi have won just one game on the road all season and manager Gary Holt could not mask his frustration at letting a point slip away.
He agreed with Wright's view that it had been a war of attrition and added: "We lost it. That's the crux of it.
"We played well and had a lot of the ball but we didn't grasp the occasion. We were reactive rather than proactive at times.
"But St Johnstone are a good, workmanlike and experienced side. We matched them in large areas and had good opportunities to go beyond them and make runs but we just didn't do it.
"We always took the wrong option and got done by the sucker punch. It looked a 0-0 all day long. But we gave away a cheap, cheap goal."
Holt admitted Craig Halkett and Declan Gallagher, who were doubtful because of injury ahead of the game, turned in impressive performances at the heart of his defence.
Holt added: "They were probably nowhere near ready but they are warriors."
