Kilmarnock boss Gary Locke felt getting the home fans onside was crucial in propelling his side to victory over Inverness CT.

The boisterous Rugby Park faithful got behind their team, particularly in the closing stages of the game as the hosts held on for a 2-1 win.

Greg Kiltie opened the scoring nine minutes in, but Ross Draper pulled one back before the break with Caley Thistle's 1500th competitive goal.

A wonder-strike from Craig Slater restored Killie's lead in the second half and it proved the catalyst to lift the home crowd.

"If the fans see the endeavour of the players, they'll back you, I've always said that," Locke said.

"You could see that here. Too many times we have let ourselves down here and we've had criticism.

"But if the players keep putting that type of effort in, the fans will get behind them. You have to apply yourself week-in, week-out.

"We needed to make progress. We were well aware that we needed a half-decent start to 2016, but we've a long way to go.

"It helps you can get back-to-back wins and I hope that breeds a bit of confidence to kick on."