Battling young guns are still hunting first victory
The young Buddies remain in the hunt for their first win of the season following a frustrating evening at St Mirren Park.
Ross Stewart bagged Saints a goal to reduce the deficit, but on a night of missed opportunities it was a Killie side, bolstered by former Buddie Kirk Broadfoot, in the heart of their defence.
All Tuesday night’s goals came in an action-packed first-half, with Saints having the first chance.
Stewart’s volley forced a save from Curtis Lyle in goal in the early stages, before the big striker headed wide from a corner as the hosts cranked up the pressure.
However, Will Graham was on hand to open Killie’s account in 14 minutes, curling home Eamonn Brophy’s lay- off beyond a stranded Chris Henry.
Ex-Hamilton Accies man Brophy was then on hand to double his side’s lead shortly before the half hour.
Broadfoot cracked the post as Killie looked to put the tie beyond sight before the interval, but Saints soon looked to have got themselves back in the tie.
Dale Hilson stepped up to hit a penalty after Andy McDonald was brought down inside the box, but the striker saw his effort saved by the stopper.
But Saints managed to reduce the deficit moments before the break as Stewart drilled home to make it 2-1.
Hilson smacked the post in the second half as St Mirren looked for an equaliser, before Saints keeper Chris Henry was forced into a good save from Chris Burke.
In the end, St Mirren just weren’t able to get themselves back on level terms, but will take heart from their performance.
St Mi r ren: Henr y , Morrison, Barclay, Erhahon, McKendry, McDonald, Jamieson, Todd, Stewart, Hilson, O’Keefe. Subs: Wilson, Miller, Glover, McBrearty, Breadner, Morrison and Horne.