Liam Polworth scoresSNS

Liam Polworth scored a deft opener for Kilmarnock

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Kilmarnock delivered a "big performance" as they cruised to victory over St Johnstone to move into the Scottish Premiership top six for the first time this season.

The hosts also ended St Johnstone's run of three successive league wins to leave Simo Valakari's side six points adrift at the bottom.

St Johnstone came unstuck trying to play out from the back early on. Elliot Watt lost the ball on the edge of his area and Liam Polworth sent a dainty chip over goalkeeper Andy Fisher when one-on-one.

St Johnstone started to come back into the match towards the end of the first half, but found themselves two down shortly after the interval when Fraser Murray curled in a free-kick from 30 yards.

Four minutes later, Bobby Wales made it three when he plucked a long ball forward out of the sky with an exquisite first touch, before showing unbelievable composure to stroke the ball past Fisher.

Graham Carey netted a late consolation but the day belonged to Kilmarnock as they rose from 10th to sixth.

"That was the motivation for us all, if we could follow up an important victory against Dundee United here," McInnes told BBC Scotland.

"We knew we had our work cut out and had to deliver a big performance. We did exactly that. The intention was to stop St Johnstone enjoying the game.

"We scored some brilliant goals today, and it could have been more. The only negative was the fact we never kept the clean sheet."

Killie kill Saints momentum with dominant display

The only surprise at half-time was that Kilmarnock weren't further in front. They completely dominated, camping St Johnstone in their own box.

They pressed high, making the visitors panic as they tried to play through the lines, and it resulted in their first goal. They were also unlucky not to score when Marley Watkins hit the bar with a header.

Although Kilmarnock have won every home game in which they've scored first this season (five), there was a slight nervousness when they didn't fully capitalise on their first-half display.

However, the second put them out of sight and it was a well-deserved goal from Murray. The winger has become Kilmarnock's most valuable player in the absence of Matty Kennedy, with Danny Armstrong out of sorts.

He was a constant threat on the left, twisting and turning away from Drey Wright time and again and putting the ball into dangerous areas, creating for his team-mates. It really has been a coming-of-age season for the 25-year-old.

Wales was the other standout. It may have only been his third league goal of the season, but the teenager plays beyond his years and there will be no shortage of suitors when his contract expires in the summer.

St Johnstone crack under Killie pressure

A few weeks ago St Johnstone scraped a victory against St Mirren when the Buddies proved profligate in front of goal. Valakari's side lived dangerously again here - and this time paid the price.

The style the Finnish manager has tried to install is admirable and, when it works, eye catching. When it doesn't, it leaves them exposed and vulnerable.

The visitors lost the ball a few times early on and, after conceding, their confidence looked rocked. They did eventually build a few chances, but Makenzie Kirk was isolated up top.

This was the performance of relegation candidates. Much improvement is needed if they are to make up the gap and beat the odds.

What they said

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "We had some strong performances but Murray was a constant threat for us.

"His delivery, his energy, his willingness to work back, but his quality is what you always look for and it was terrific. His goal is top class."

St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari: "There are so many games left. We can't lose and waste these opportunities. Today we did, we can't cry about it.

"We have big belief, big workrate, and through this work rate we improve our performances. It takes us where it takes us.

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