Kilmarnock 2-1 St Johnstone: Killie claim all three points and sit fourth at Christmas

Killie continue their superb home form

A flying start ensured that Kilmarnock ran out 2-1 winners over St Johnstone in their final match before Christmas. This result means that Killie are in fourth play at the halfway point of the Premiership season.

It only took Killie six minutes to get themselves in front, with David Watson scoring a superb volley from around 25 yards out. It's the Prestwick Pirlo's second goal in his last three games. He seems to be flourishing in the more attacking role in which he has been deployed of late.

The home side doubled their advantage after 17 minutes with a smart finish from Marley Watkins.

For the first 30 minutes or so, Killie were untouchable in what was almost a role reversal of the game at McDiarmid Park last month.

In the second period, St Johnstone came out with a point to prove. After 57 minutes, they turned to their bench, bringing on experienced striker Nicky Clark. Four minutes after his introduction, he gets himself on the scoresheet, heading home from Matt Smith's free-kick. This made the second half a little more nervy for the Killie faithful, however, thanks to some solid defending and excellent saves from Will Dennis, the three points remained in East Ayrshire.

Next up for Killie is a Super Killie Away trip to St Mirren on Wednesday (December 27). This could be huge in the battle for a top-six finish. Keep an eye out for more coverage of that one here on the Killie Update as we'll be joining a sold-out away crowd.