Two goals from Bruce Anderson gave Kilmarnock a 2-0 home win against St Mirren.
The striker scored in both halves – one was a diving penalty, the other direct from the spot – and Saints defender Alex Gogic conceded both penalties.
The result strengthens Killie’s push for a top-six place, while St Mirren, who have created several chances all season, are still looking for their first win at Rugby Park since May 2013.
The only blemish from Kilmarnock’s perspective was the injury suffered by captain Kyle Vassell late in the first half.
The home team made two changes compared to the team that Hibernian was beating. Danny Armstrong and David Watson were replaced by Robbie Deas and Anderson.
The Saints, however, made three changes after the defeat against Dundee. There were places in the starting lineup for Richard Taylor, Jonah Ayunga and Scott Tanser who replaced Declan John, Elvis Bwomon and Greg Kiltie.
New signing Owen Oseni was placed on the bench and made his debut midway through the second half.
The home team took the lead from the first real attack of the match. Gogić’s attempt was blocked by Anderson, who was brought down by a defender in the box.
Anderson’s shot from the spot was saved by Ellery Balcombe, but the rebound hit the striker who scored at the second attempt.
St Mirren were then entitled to a penalty after Deas took Toyosi Olusanya to the ground, but referee Colin Steven was not interested and play continued.
Joe Wright was the next to threaten for Kilmarnock, but his header from a free-kick did not have the power to trouble Balcombe.
Anderson was brought on by Bobby Wales but his close-range effort was deflected for a corner before Brad Lyons saw his cannonball from St Mirren’s Oisin Smyth to fall clear of the goal in the final attack of the first half.
The Saints had the first notable chance in the second half, but Taylor headed Tanser’s free kick wide of the far post.
However, Kilmarnock scored next to strengthen their control of the game. Again it was from the penalty spot, again Gogić.
The centre-back was adjudged to have tripped Kyle Magennis and this time Anderson made no mistake from the spot.
Lyons shot wide of the post at the end of the game.
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