Oli stars as Killie go clear at top
A double from in-form Oli Shaw helped Killie move two points clear at the top of the Championship after a dominant display at Rugby Park.
Shaw netted either side of the break before late goals from substitutes Callum Hendry and Chris Burke sent the Doonhamers tumbling to defeat.
Happy home boss Tommy Wright was lavish in his praise of Shaw, saying: “It’s often been thrown at him that he doesn’t do other aspects of the game well, the physical side of it. But in this league you’ve got to make sure you deal with that.
“His link up play is good no matter who he plays with. He’s a dream to work with. His movement is good in the box and he works extremely hard at the game.
“I’ve been really pleased with him since he’s come in and let’s hope his goalscoring form continues.”
Killie opened the scoring on 19 minutes with a well-worked goal. A great turn of pace from Dan Armstrong on the right got him to the by-line before his floated cross allowed Shaw to nod home from close range.
The Doonhamers had a couple of half-chances but their first real threat came five minutes before half-time when Lee Connelly’s dipping shot from 20 yards almost caught out Zach Hemming in the home goal.
In the second half, Queens’ Connolly was denied from close range by a smart save from Hemmings before Liam Polworth and Shaw both went close to doubling Killie’s lead.
The Rugby Park men eventually got their second when the ball fell to Shaw 12 yards from goal and he coolly slotted the ball past Brynn.
A fine afternoon for the home side was rounded off with Hendry scoring after an impressive solo run before teeing-up fellow sub Burke to net a fourth.
Wright added: “We had to be patient. They came with a game plan to be really deep and give up territory so when that happens you’ve got to be patient and not force things.
“But you’ve also got to move the ball quickly and we did that. We got in behind them for the first goal and once we get the second goal the game is over – but it was important we got that second goal.”
Queens boss Alan Johnston admitted: “It’s never good to get beat. Kilmarnock were the better team but I don’t think there was four goals in it if I’m honest.
“The scoreline probably flattered Kilmarnock with the goals they scored late on.
“But at the end of the day it’s still a defeat so we need to make sure we get back on track and try to get something next week.”