Kilmarnock took a huge step towards Scottish Premiership survival on Saturday as they collected a comprehensive 3-0 victory over St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium. A Findlay Curtis double and an own goal from St Mirren's Miguel Freckleton secured the visitors' first away win since September, lifting them four points above their hosts with only two matches remaining.
The result leaves Kilmarnock in a commanding position to avoid the drop, while St Mirren now appear destined for the relegation play-off after losing their third consecutive post-split match without finding the net. Interim manager Craig McLeish made three alterations from the side that lost to Dundee, introducing Marcus Fraser, Liam Donnelly, and Conor McMenamin. However, his team struggled to impose themselves from the outset.
Kilmarnock, fresh off a win over Dundee United, made only one change: Dominic Thompson replaced Bruce Anderson at left-back, with Michael Schjonning-Larsen shifting to the right flank. The adjustment paid immediate dividends in the ninth minute when Tom Lowery's cross from the left was inadvertently turned into his own net by Freckleton, who collided with McMenamin in the process and was forced off with an injury.
St Mirren's frustrations mounted as Roland Idowu was booked for a reckless challenge on Nicky Clescenco. Idowu nearly atoned with a mis-hit cross that forced Kilmarnock goalkeeper Max Stryjek to stretch and keep it out. At the other end, Killian Phillips made a crucial intervention to deny Joe Hugill's cross reaching the unmarked Curtis. Mark O'Hara came close with St Mirren's first real chance late in the first half, but his effort failed to beat Stryjek.
The second half began disastrously for the home side, as Curtis raced clear just 28 seconds after the restart and slotted past Ross Sinclair to double Kilmarnock's lead. St Mirren pushed for a response but Jake Young and Phillips both missed the target from close range. The visitors continued to threaten, with David Watson heading straight at Sinclair and Hugill being denied by a brilliant saving block from Freckleton before Curtis missed at the far post.
Curtis made amends in the 68th minute with a stunning finish to complete his brace and seal a dominant victory. The win moves Neil McCann's side to 38 points, while St Mirren remain on 34 with just two games left. The result also underscores Kilmarnock's resurgence after a difficult season, with Curtis's performances drawing praise from fans and pundits alike.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.
