Two goals from Bruce Anderson earned Kilmarnock a 2-0 home win over St Mirren.
The striker struck in each half – one a penalty rebound, the other direct from the spot – with Saints defender Alex Gogic conceding both penalties.
The result strengthens Killie’s push for a top-six place, while St Mirren, who created few chances throughout, are still searching for their first victory at Rugby Park since May 2013.
The only downside from Kilmarnock’s perspective was an injury sustained by captain Kyle Vassell late in the first half.
The home side made two changes from the team beaten by Hibernian. Danny Armstrong and David Watson were replaced by Robbie Deas and Anderson.
Saints, in turn, made three changes following their loss to Dundee. There were places in the starting line-up for Richard Taylor, Jonah Ayunga and Scott Tanser who replaced Declan John, Elvis Bwomono and Greg Kiltie.
New signing Owen Oseni was named on the bench and made his debut midway through the second half.
The home side went in front from the first real attack of the game. Gogic’s attempted clearance was blocked by Anderson who was then felled by the defender in the box.
Ellery Balcombe saved Anderson’s spot-kick but the rebound landed kindly for the striker who netted at the second attempt.
Anderson celebrates his opener
St Mirren then had a penalty claim of their own after Deas ushered Toyosi Olusanya to the ground but referee Colin Steven was not interested and play continued.
Joe Wright was next to threaten for Kilmarnock but his header from a free-kick lacked the power to trouble Balcombe.
Bobby Wales teed up Anderson but his close-range effort was deflected for a corner before Brad Lyons saw his shot cannon off St Mirren’s Oisin Smyth and fall off target in the final attack of the first half.
Saints had the first notable chance of the second half but Taylor’s header from Tanser’s free-kick flashed wide of the far post.
Anderson celebrates after scoring a penalty to make it 2-0
It was Kilmarnock, though, who scored next to strengthen their grasp on the game. Again it stemmed from a penalty, with Gogic once more the culprit.
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 far post late in the game.
