Kilmarnock 3 Dundee Utd 0

Kilmarnock earned a deserved three points against Dundee United at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park this afternoon, with three different scorers seeing the team over the line in a 3-0 win.

Robbie Deas, Findlay Curtis and Joe Hugill were on the scoresheet for Killie as they took a big step towards staying in the Scottish Premiership.

For the first time since New Year, Killie climbed out of the bottom two with this massive win, coupled with St Mirren’s loss to Dundee. Former manager and current Scotland boss, Steve Clarke, was in attendance in the directors’ box for the occasion.

Neil McCann named one change to his starting line-up for this one, as Bruce Anderson came in for the injured Jamie Brandon. Brad Lyons sustained a knock in training, as the fit-again Marley Watkins took his spot among the substitutes.

The first chance of the game fell to Sapsford of United. The ball broke kindly in the box as he managed to get a snapshot away after only three minutes, but it was straight at Max Stryjek. He had to be on his toes again shortly after when he palmed away a dangerous cross from the left wing.

Up the other end a few moments later, Richards had to be alert to tip a header by Tom Lowery over the bar. The chance was created after fantastic ball-winning in midfield by Aaron Tshibola.

Greg Kiltie saw his shot from close-range saved at point-blank range by Richards after the attacker managed to get a toe on Joe Hugill’s tame effort from the edge of the box. It was a huge chance missed to open the scoring.

It wasn’t long before the hosts managed to do exactly that. Robbie Deas met Kiltie’s whipped delivery from a corner at the back post to fire Killie into a 1-0 lead on 20 minutes. The centre-back rose highest to meet the ball with his leg to find the net to help ease any tensions around the stadium.

After a period of possession for the visitors, Tish twice got the crowd roaring by winning the ball back in an advanced area. He had the option to pass out wide to either Kiltie or Nicky Cleșcenco, but he had earned the right to have a go himself, which Richards again tipped over the crossbar as Killie went close.

Cleșcenco was withdrawn at the interval, as Michael Schjønning-Larsen swapped to right-back, pushing Findlay Curtis into midfield, and Dominic Thompson came on at left-back.

That tactical change by the manager paid dividends almost instantly as Curtis robbed the United defence of the ball in a dangerous area. The on loan forward ran onto his touch, opened up his body and found the far bottom corner as the ball kissed the post on its way beyond the helpless Richards.

Not long after the hour mark Hugill added a third for Killie. The striker showed tremendous running power, putting pressure on United’s backline. He was able to capitalize on a defensive error by Cleall-Harding, reaching the ball before the United goalie to tap home and ensure a commanding lead for McCann’s men.

Hugill thundered another effort narrowly past the post after good harrying in midfield by Tshibola – a common theme on the day – and patient passing by Liam Polworth.

United pushed for a consolation goal, but Stryjek held anything that was aimed in his direction and Killie celebrated a well-earned victory.

Crowd: 5,524.

Team: Stryjek, Deas, Kiltie (Magennis, 73’), Stanger, Lowery, Anderson (Polworth, 62’), Cleșcenco (Thompson, 45’), Schjønning-Larsen (Mayo, 73’), Tshibola, Hugill, Curtis (McKenzie, 73’).

Unused subs: Wright, Williams, Watson, Watkins.