Kilmarnock made their move for William Hill Premiership safety with a 2-0 win over Ross County in their first post-split fixture at Rugby Park.
It was a dire encounter in the first half, lit up in the 37th minute when striker Bruce Anderson broke the deadlock with a back-post header.
The second half brought improvement and in the 69th minute midfielder Liam Donnelly doubled that lead with a close-range strike to register Killie’s first win in four meetings with the Staggies this campaign.
Derek McInnes’ side are in ninth place, three points ahead of Ross County who, with their fifth successive defeat, dropped into the relegation spot.
And with four fixtures remaining, Killie are nine points ahead of bottom side St Johnstone – who look doomed – but the bid to evade the relegation play-off spot continues and the Ayrshire side took a big step to ensuring they will not be involved by garnering a much-needed win.
There was a pre-match blow for Killie when stand-in captain Brad Lyons sustained an injury and was replaced by fellow midfielder David Watson, with defender Stuart Findlay taking over the armband.
Neither side was able to take control amid a seemingly endless stream of free-kicks and throw-ins.
In the 21st minute there was a half-hearted County penalty claim when striker Ronan Hale went down under challenge from Killie’s Corrie Ndaba inside the home box but referee Nick Walsh immediately waved it away.
Killie wide-man Danny Armstrong’s drive from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute which flew past the far post at least got the home fans excited and they were jubilant just minutes later when his cross from the right was met at the back post by Anderson, who leapt to head past County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah.
Hale flashed a drive from 20 yards just past the Kilmarnock post before the break but County’s response was weak.
There was more zip to Killie’s play at the start of the second half with Armstrong causing more problems, although it was from Fraser Murray’s corner that Donnelly came close with a header.
Armstrong and Murray drove efforts from distance over the bar and Amissah made a fine block from Ndaba’s close-range strike.
However, amid another spell of Killie pressure, when the ball fell to Donnelly 12 yards from goal he took a touch and fired a left-footed drive low into the far corner for his first goal since April 2023.
Ross County boss Don Cowie kept bringing on the substitutes and in the 82nd minute Hale’s header from 14 yards brought a first real save from Killie keeper Kieran O’Hara but there was no real threat of a comeback as the hosts ran out deserved winners.
Liverpool's asking price for Konate revealed amid Madrid interestAccording to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have informed all interested parties that they would demand a fee in the region of £35 million, amid strong interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been linked with a move for the French centre-back since last month, when it was reported that Konate had refused to sign a new contract.K...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man Utd 0-1 Corner FC Man Utd vs Arsenal 1st half Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace Viktor Gyokeres Chelsea The most touches by any player in Premier League history Onana on the bench watching Bayindir… Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...Former Tottenham and Roma midfielder Erik Lamela says his hip problems has forced him into retirement.The Argentine, while contracted to Sevilla, announced his retirement last week at the age of 33 and last night took to social media to explain his decision.Lamela said: "I want to announce that I have made the decision to end my profes...
Brentford concern as Man Utd, Spurs join Liverpool in Collins battleBrentford face a battle to keep hold of captain Nathan Collins this month.The 24 year-old defender is attracting interest from the Premier League's biggest clubs before the September 1 deadline.The Daily Mail says Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all targeting Collins as they seek a new centre-half addition.The Repub...
Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrateTitle challengers Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all made winning starts but in contrasting fashion on the first weekend of the Premier League season.Defending champions Liverpool needed late drama to beat Bournemouth on an emotional night at Anfield, City cruised to a 4-0 win at Wolves, while Arsenal fought a rearguard action to hold on t...
Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs PalaceChelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised new signing Estevao Willian after the Brazilian dazzled on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace. Introduced in the 54th minute for fellow recruit Jamie Gittens, he impressed Stamford Bridge with his speed and skillful play.Maresca has predicted that Willian will become an “important”...
BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder AlvarezWest Ham United are inviting offers for Edson Alvarez.The Mexico international has been transfer-listed by the Hammers as they seek to raise funds late in the summer window.TMW says West Ham boss Graham Potter has approved Alvarez's sale as he sees the Mexico captain as surplus to requirements.Despite Potter's opinion, Alvarez is attr...
Man Utd winger Sancho stalling Roma moveManchester United winger Jadon Sancho must accept a drastic pay-cut to complete a move to AS Roma.United and Roma have reached agreement over a fee for the England international. However, local media sources say the move is stalling due to Sancho's reluctance to accept Roma's current contract offer.United have accepted an offer of €23m from Roma for Sa...
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, left and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo fight for the ballThere was nothing to separate Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the first London derby of the new Premier League (PL) season, with a goalless draw extending the Blues’ unbeaten H2H run to 17 games (W14, D3) dating back to 2017.- Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three games in the Premier Leagu...
Man Utd turn to Palace youngster as Baleba alternativeManchester United are eyeing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.TalkSPORT says United are weighing up a move for the England international as an alternative to Brighton youngster Carlos Baleba.United have pulled out of talks for Baleba over Brighton's 3120m valuation.However, United manager Ruben Amorim is still demanding a new midfield add...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 3 Hummels snubs son for match with new model girlfriend
- 4 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 5 Agent of Real Madrid defender David Alaba responds to Saudi Pro League transfer speculation as Spanish giants ponder selling 33-year-old after injury woes
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 8 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 9 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss
- 10 Alexander Isak goes on STRIKE! Forward Refuses to Play Newcastle Opener as Liverpool Linger