January 2 2025 Match report: Kilmarnock 2-0 St Mirren
Kilmarnock started 2025 in perfect fashion with a fine 2-0 victory against St Mirren.
Bruce Anderson nagged a double to kick off the new year in the best way, a win that leaves the Ayrshire side three points off top-six.
Derek McInnes made two changes to the starting XI from Easter Road, with Danny Armstrong and David Watson making way for Anderson and Robbie Deas.
It took Killie just 8 minutes to get in front as Anderson was brought down by Alex Gogic inside the area and referee Colin Steven had no doubts as he pointed to the spot for a penalty.
The Ayrshire side’s top scorer this season grabbed the ball for himself, and despite seeing his spot-kick saved he was quickest to react and slammed home the rebound.
Saints were quickly up the other end with a chance of their own as the ball was whipped into Toyosi Olusanya, but his effort was well blocked inside the six-yard box.
Killie were well on top for the majority of the first half, however clear-cut chances were at a premium.
The hosts were dealt a blow just before half-time when captain Kyle Vassell hobbled off with an injury, he was replaced by Kyle Magennis.
Saints had a decent chance 10 minutes into the second half as Richard Taylor fired a ball across the face of the goal, Killian Phillips was closest but couldn’t quite connect.
Magennis worked well into the area just after the hour mark and was brought down for another penalty, again by Gogic.
Anderson made no mistake this time and didn’t require a reboind as he smashed home.
Substitute Innes Cameron had a great opportunity in the 84th minute when he was slipped through on goal, he couldn’t get a firm shot away though and Ellery Balcombe did just enough to block it.
Brad Lyons had a chance of his own after great work once again from Magennis, Lyons fired a low shot but it was dragged narrowly wide.
Score: Kilmarnock 2-0 St Mirren
Team: McCrorie, Mayo, Wright, Deas, Ndaba, Lyons, Polworth (Donnelly 73’), Murray, Wales (Cameron 73’), Anderson (Watson 84’), Vassell (Magennis 44’)
