Kilmarnock moved into the top six in the William Hill Premiership as they secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over bottom side St Johnstone at Rugby Park.
Liam Polworth gave the home side an early lead as he dispossessed Elliot Watt before showing great composure to coolly dink over Andy Fisher in the St Johnstone goal.
Two goals in three second-half minutes then put the game beyond St Johnstone just before the hour mark, as Fraser Murray’s sensational free-kick and Bobby Wales’ composed low finish had Killie 3-0 in front.
St Johnstone had won four matches on the bounce but, despite a late consolation from Graham Carey, their recent revival came to a halt as they tamely slipped to a defeat that sees them remain six points adrift of 11th-placed Dundee at the foot of the table.
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes had made two changes from the side who beat Dundee United last time out, with Robbie Deas and Polworth replacing David Watson and Danny Armstrong, while the visitors made just one change from their Scottish Cup win over Hamilton, as Barry Douglas came in for Taylor Steven.
St Johnstone have adopted a more possession-based approach since the appointment of manager Simo Valakari but they were architects of their own downfall in the ninth minute as they surrendered possession while trying to play out from the back, allowing Killie to take an early lead.
Saints midfielder Watt was hustled out of it by Polworth, who then raced on to Wales’ precise pass before chipping the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Fisher to open the scoring.
St Johnstone were rattled and it was almost 2-0 minutes later as Wales swivelled superbly and shot narrowly wide of the post with Fisher beaten.
It took the away side until the 36th minute to have a chance of note as Stephen Duke-McKenna’s precise cross-field ball found Sam Curtis but he could only shoot straight at Kieron O’Hara with his left foot.
Kilmarnock were then inches away from a second goal in the 44th minute as the impressive Murray drove down the left before crossing for Marley Watkins who headed against the crossbar.
Saints boss Valakari sent on Steven and Zach Mitchell for Douglas and Curtis at the break as he looked to get his side back into the game.
But it was Killie who started the second period the brighter and Murray was involved again, crossing for Brad Lyons whose left-foot volley was kept out by the feet of keeper Fisher.
Winger Murray had been a constant threat and he got the goal his performance deserved in the 57th minute as he doubled the hosts’ lead with a spectacular free-kick.
From fully 25 yards out he curled the ball beautifully over the wall and into the bottom left-hand corner, leaving Fisher with no chance.
Three minutes later and it was 3-0, as young striker Wales continued his strong season by scoring another superb goal, running onto Lewis Mayo’s pass before controlling expertly and coolly slotting the ball into the far corner.
The Perth side should have had a route back into the game in the 67th minute as Carey slid in Makenzie Kirk but the young striker blazed wildly over the bar.
St Johnstone would eventually get on the scoresheet in added time as Carey swept the ball home from six yards out but that was just a consolation as Killie saw the game out comfortably to record their second consecutive home victory and keep their European hopes very much alive.
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga