KILLIE TO THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

side should have been easily dealt with by Niall Keown. But the Jags defender’s header was weak and fell straight into the path of Boyd.

The veteran striker has scored countless goals from such positions over the years — and he added another to his impressive tally when he kept his composure to side-foot the ball home from 12 yards out and into the bottom left-hand corner of Tomas Cerny’s net.

There was no doubt that Thistle displayed more desire and energy after the interval. Paul McGinn had a powerful shot from 22 yards out well saved by Jamie MacDonald. That was the keeper’s first save.

But the game was quickly into the same flow as the first half. Killie got more of the ball and also counterattacked well. Boyd was denied his second goal in the 62nd minute when his header was cleared off the line by Milan Nitriansky.

However, they were not to be denied and just 60 seconds later a powerful 25-yard shot from Frizzell gave Cerny no chance and the points were secured. Frizzell’s strike is likely to be as good a goal as you will see all season.

Thistle were, clearly, down and out. They are in a rut. Adam Barton has often been their talisman, but he was poor yesterday and was replaced by young academy graduate, Andrew McCarthy. Barton was also well below par against Motherwell a fortnight ago.

Surely, he now cannot take his starting place for granted. There must now be many in the same boat as they head to Dundee next weekend and then face Hamilton at home. It is a vital period before November comes along.

The Firhill fans, at the best of times, can be a demanding lot. Many left the stadium before full-time but those who stayed did witness a side that refused to give up. They kept at it and tried to force pressure on the Kilmarnock backline. But their final ball from wide areas lacked the necessary quality and too many times their crosses hit the first man.

Then, in stoppage time, Kris Doolan forced MacDonald into a brilliant save and sub Conor Sammon hit a post with his late shot.

The boos rang out at timeup and Thistle boss Alan Archibald said the fans were right to have a go.

He said: ‘We were really poor. The guys need to take that on board. The fans, quite rightly, got on their backs and they deserve the boos. They (the fans) have always been brilliant but they are frustrated and we all understand why.’

It is understood Archibald retains the full backing of the board at this moment as they believe he will turn things around.