St Mirren turned up the heat on seventh-placed Kilmarnock in the battle to finish as the highest-placed bottom-six Scottish Premier League side.

Paul McGowan played a one-two with Steven Thompson before firing past Killie keeper Cammy Bell early on.

Thompson volleyed St Mirren's second as half-time approached.

Kilmarnock's Dean Shiels had a penalty saved in the second half and the visitors held on to their lead to move to within a point of the hosts.

The Buddies currently boast a better goal difference than the Ayrshire men, while Aberdeen remain in contention with two rounds of fixtures to play, the Dons sitting three points behind St Mirren.

McGowan was the architect and scorer of the opening goal as he worked his way into the box from deep, linked with Thompson on the way, and forced the ball past Bell on nine minutes.

s Fowler on the rebound.

The hosts tried to respond and St Mirren stopper Craig Samson made saves in quick succession to deny Gary Harkins and then Jame

But the Buddies were not content to sit on their lead and Nigel Hasselbaink had two efforts saved and another off target.

Dieter Van Tornhout drew a save from Samson and Liam Kelly fired over as Killie tried to level, but the home side were undone on the stroke of half-time as Thompson struck.

Jeroen Tesselaar cantered down the left and crossed for Thompson to direct a superb left-foot shot into the net.

Kenny McLean came close to a third for St Mirren with a shot wide of the mark a few minutes into the second half.

A handball by Darren McGregor gave the home side a chance to pull one back from the spot but Shiels' effort was blocked by the feet of Samson, who blocked another shot by Van Tornhout in Killie's next attack.

Manager Kenny Shiels used all his substitutions at once in an attempt to change Kilmarnock's fortunes but the introduction of James Dayton, Matthew Kennedy and William Gros did not have the desired impact.

And the visitors could have added to their lead but McGowan was denied by Bell.

Lineup, Bookings (5) & Substitutions (6)

Kilmarnock

  • 01 Bell
  • 02 Toshney (Dayton - 59' )
  • 04 Fowler Booked
  • 05 O'Leary
  • 06 Nelson
  • 19 Gordon
  • 08 Kelly
  • 11 Harkins
  • 20 Shiels Booked
  • 22 Racchi (Kennedy - 59' )
  • 27 Van Tornhout Booked (Gross - 59' )

Substitutes

  • 17 Letheren
  • 26 Pursehouse
  • 88 Sissoko
  • 10 Dayton
  • 18 Johnson
  • 33 Kennedy
  • 21 Gross

St Mirren

  • 01 Samson
  • 02 van Zanten
  • 04 McGregor
  • 05 Mair
  • 22 Tesselaar
  • 06 Goodwin
  • 17 Mclean
  • 27 Imrie Booked (Carey - 80' )
  • 09 Thompson
  • 10 McGowan Booked (Teale - 85' )
  • 11 Hasselbaink (Thomson - 74' )

Substitutes

  • 12 Smith
  • 37 Naismith
  • 07 Murray
  • 08 Thomson
  • 21 Teale
  • 28 Carey
  • 39 Reilly
Ref: Beaton
Att: 3,645

Match Stats

Shots

13 8

On target

4 5

Corners

12 7

Fouls

8 12

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:02 Full time

Full Time The final whistle goes and the game is over.

90:00 +2:46

Defending throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

90:00 +2:10

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

90:00 +2:01

Shot by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), missed right.

90:00 +0:56

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Gary Teale (St Mirren) to centre, resulting in open play.

90:00 +0:34 Booking

Booking James Fowler (Kilmarnock) booked for dissent.

90:00 +0:11

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

89:31

Foul by Steven Thomson (St Mirren) on Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) from own half, passed.

88:30

Defending throw-in by Graham Carey (St Mirren).

87:39

Defending throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

87:11

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to near post, resulting in ball out of play.

87:01

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

86:31

Attacking throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

84:54 Substitution

Substitution St Mirren substitution: Paul McGowan replaced by Gary Teale (tactical).

84:40

Foul by Jim Goodwin (St Mirren) on James Fowler (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock) from right channel, passed.

83:50

Goal kick taken long by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

82:01

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Graham Carey (St Mirren) to short, resulting in open play.

81:29

Foul by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) on Graham Carey (St Mirren). Free kick taken left-footed by Graham Carey (St Mirren) from left wing, passed.

80:47

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Graham Carey (St Mirren) to centre, clearance by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock).

79:29 Substitution

Substitution St Mirren substitution: Douglas Imrie replaced by Graham Carey (injury).

79:14

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

76:29

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

76:19

Shot by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar.

75:23

Attacking throw-in by Matthew Kennedy (Kilmarnock). Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

74:52

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to far post, clearance by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

74:29

Attacking throw-in by James Dayton (Kilmarnock).

73:56 Substitution

Substitution St Mirren substitution: Nigel Hasselbaink replaced by Steven Thomson (tactical).

73:34

Cross by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren), resulting in open play.

72:35

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

72:26

Shot by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.

71:27

Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock) from own half, passed.

71:18

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

70:35

Foul by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren) on James Dayton (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock) from right channel, passed.

69:13

Defending throw-in by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock).

68:30

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

67:48

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

66:45

Defending throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

66:21

Cross by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren), clearance by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock).

65:55

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) to centre, clearance by Ryan O'Leary (Kilmarnock).

65:41

Shot by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

65:15

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

64:06

Free kick taken right-footed by James Fowler (Kilmarnock) from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

64:06 Booking

Booking Paul McGowan (St Mirren) booked for unsporting behaviour.

63:58

Foul by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) on Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock).

63:08

Defending throw-in by James Fowler (Kilmarnock).

63:05

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

62:47

Shot by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.

62:20

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to far post, clearance by Darren McGregor (St Mirren).

61:06

Shot by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), over the bar.

60:27

Free kick taken right-footed by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

60:27 Booking

Booking Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) booked for unsporting behaviour.

60:23

Foul by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) on Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

59:49

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play.

58:47 Substitution

Substitution Kilmarnock substitution: Dieter Van Tornhout replaced by William Gros (tactical).

58:34 Substitution

Substitution Kilmarnock substitution: Danny Racchi replaced by Matthew Kennedy (tactical).

58:08 Substitution

Substitution Kilmarnock substitution: Lewis Toshney replaced by James Dayton (tactical).

57:59 Booking

Booking Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) booked for unsporting behaviour.

57:08

Foul by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) on Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) from left channel, resulting in open play.

56:16

Shot by Dieter Van Tornhout (Kilmarnock) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

55:47

Attacking throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

55:06

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

54:50 Penalty

Placed penalty taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) (top-right of goal), save (caught) by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

53:44

Handball by Darren McGregor (St Mirren).

52:37

Goal kick taken long by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

52:23

Shot by Kenny McLean (St Mirren) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.

52:04

Defending throw-in by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock).

51:36

Attacking throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

51:06

Attacking throw-in by Dieter Van Tornhout (Kilmarnock).

50:30

Attacking throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

49:51

Foul by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock) on Lee Mair (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Craig Samson (St Mirren) from own half, resulting in open play.

49:08

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to centre, clearance by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren).

48:57

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

48:36

Defending throw-in by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock).

48:15

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

47:25

Defending throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

47:03

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

46:51

Defending throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

46:07

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

45:50

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

45:12

Defending throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

45:01

The second half has started.

31:02

Free kick taken by Jim Goodwin. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Dean Shiels, clearance by Darren McGregor.

31:02 Booking

Booking Booking for Dieter Van Tornhout for unsporting behaviour.

30:52

Free kick awarded for a foul by Dieter Van Tornhout on Lee Mair.

45:00 +0:22 Half time

Half Time The half-time whistle blows.

44:28

Assist (pass) by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren) from left wing.

44:28 Goal scored

Goal - Steven Thompson - Kilmarnock 0 - 2 St Mirren Goal by Steven Thompson (St Mirren) volleyed left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Kilmarnock 0-2 St Mirren.

43:55

Defending throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

42:02

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

41:38

Attacking throw-in by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock).

41:13

Attacking throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

40:54

Shot by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock) right-footed from left channel (18 yards), blocked by Paul McGowan (St Mirren).

39:50

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

39:24

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to far post, resulting in ball out of play.

38:24

Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

37:52

Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock).

37:31

Goal kick taken long by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

37:14

Shot by Steven Thompson (St Mirren) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed left.

36:14

Defending throw-in by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock).

34:51

Defending throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

34:04

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

33:48

Cross by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren), clearance by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock).

33:12

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) to near post, clearance by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock).

31:02

Free kick taken right-footed by Jim Goodwin (St Mirren) from own half, resulting in open play. Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to centre, clearance by Darren McGregor (St Mirren).

31:02 Booking

Booking Dieter Van Tornhout (Kilmarnock) booked for unsporting behaviour.

30:52

Foul by Dieter Van Tornhout (Kilmarnock) on Lee Mair (St Mirren).

29:42

Foul by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock) on Paul McGowan (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by David van Zanten (St Mirren) from own half, passed.

29:14

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

28:53

Shot by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), over the bar.

28:19

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to centre, clearance by Steven Thompson (St Mirren).

27:52

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

27:25

Defending throw-in by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock).

26:44

Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock) from own half, passed.

25:49

Defending throw-in by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock).

24:55

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

24:23

Cross by Paul McGowan (St Mirren), resulting in open play.

24:11

Attacking throw-in by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock).

23:36

Foul by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren) on Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

23:26

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

23:09

Shot by Dieter Van Tornhout (Kilmarnock) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

22:55

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

22:44

Attacking throw-in by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock).

21:31

Cross by Dieter Van Tornhout (Kilmarnock), clearance by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to centre, clearance by Darren McGregor (St Mirren). Attacking throw-in by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock).

21:20

Attacking throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

20:51

Goal kick taken long by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

20:12

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

18:52

Foul by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock) on Douglas Imrie (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) from right channel, resulting in open play. Shot by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren) right-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) to centre, clearance by Michael Nelson (Kilmarnock).

18:25

Goal kick taken short by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

18:10

Shot by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.

17:48

Defending throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

17:25

Defending throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

16:56

Steven Thompson (St Mirren) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

16:33

Shot by Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

16:14

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

14:17

Shot by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), resulting in open play. Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to centre, shot by Danny Racchi (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), resulting in open play. Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) to centre, clearance by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock).

13:42

Foul by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock) on Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) from right channel, resulting in open play.

12:48

Defending throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

12:25

Attacking throw-in by David van Zanten (St Mirren).

11:25

Attacking throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

11:07

Cross by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock), clearance by Jim Goodwin (St Mirren).

10:33

Foul by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren) on Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) from right channel, passed.

8:59 Goal scored

Goal - Paul McGowan - Kilmarnock 0 - 1 St Mirren Goal by Paul McGowan (St Mirren) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Kilmarnock 0-1 St Mirren.

8:30

Foul by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) on Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

7:58

Attacking throw-in by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock).

7:19

Attacking throw-in by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren).

6:39

Foul by Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock) on David van Zanten (St Mirren). Free kick taken right-footed by Darren McGregor (St Mirren) from own half, passed.

6:32

Goal kick taken long by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

5:46

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) to far post, save (caught) by Craig Samson (St Mirren).

5:24

Defending throw-in by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock).

4:48

Shot by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), resulting in open play.

3:47

Foul by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) on Lee Mair (St Mirren). Free kick taken left-footed by Lee Mair (St Mirren) from own half, passed.

2:56

Foul by Douglas Imrie (St Mirren) on Gary Harkins (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock) from own half, passed.

2:13

Defending throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

1:21

Goal kick taken long by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock).

0:49

Foul by Jeroen Tesselaar (St Mirren) on James Fowler (Kilmarnock). Free kick taken right-footed by Dean Shiels (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

0:27

Defending throw-in by Lewis Toshney (Kilmarnock).

0:00

The referee gets the game underway.

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