“For us to get back-to-back wins is huge,” said Pulis, whose team struggling through a 1-8-4 stretch before recent home wins over Hartford and Ottawa. “Full credit to the guys. They really grinded it out tonight. It was a tough game.... Thankfully Tyler Blackwood comes up with a really good, composed finish.”

Ottawa had the game’s first quality chance in a contest dominated early by midfield play. In the 14th minute, the visitors’ Wal Fall, a former STLFC player, shot from well outside the penalty area and fired wide.

A few minutes later, STLFC created its first couple of chances. On the first, midfield leader Lewis Hilton had a shot from the edge of the box blocked for a corner. After the kick, Greig laid off a pass to STLFC teammate Masta Kacher, but his shot was blocked at the Ottawa defense.

The home team nearly created a chance in the 19th minute, but a Greig’s pass across the field toward a wide-open Kacher was off the mark and collected by Ottawa keeper Callum Irving.

STLFC got a scare in the 26th minute when Hilton pulled up lame while chasing an Ottawa player along the endline. But after a short break, Hilton returned to the action. But he left the match at halftime.