David Watson and Marcus Dackers on target as Kilmarnock ease past St Mirren in 2-0 William Hill Premiership win

First-half goals from David Watson and Marcus Dackers helped Kilmarnock to a comfortable 2-0 home victory over St Mirren in the William Hill Premiership.

The Paisley side had come out on top when these teams met at Rugby Park in last month’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie.

But Stuart Kettlewell’s men got their revenge to extend their record of not having lost a home league game to St Mirren since May 2013.

Saints barely threatened all match but had the first chance of a blustery afternoon when Alex Gogic glanced Declan John’s corner beyond the far post.

The windy conditions made things difficult for both sides and a long kick out from St Mirren goalkeeper Shamal George travelled the length of the pitch for Jonah Ayunga whose shot was blocked.

It was Kilmarnock, though, who went in front with their first opportunity of the game after 28 minutes.

Greg Kiltie’s pass sent Bruce Anderson running in on goal. George did well to save the striker’s shot but the ball sat up nicely for Watson to tuck away the rebound.

The home side then doubled their advantage nine minutes before half-time. Anderson did well to win the ball on the right touchline before passing to James Brown.

His cross was hung up perfectly for Dackers to power a header beyond George and leave Kilmarnock in control.

VAR then looked at a possible penalty claim for St Mirren for handball against Kilmarnock defender Robbie Deas before deciding against it.

Saints boss Stephen Robinson made a triple substitution at half-time to try to gain a foothold in the contest but it was the home side who started the brighter and George saved well from Dackers to keep his team in the game.

With his side still not making any inroads, it wasn’t long before Robinson was turning to his bench again to make two further changes.

The visitors finally threatened the Kilmarnock goal again when John put in an enticing ball from the left but goalkeeper Max Stryjek was quick out of his goal to snuff out the danger and deny Conor McMenamin what would have been a tap-in.

Djenairo Daniels could have added a third late on for Kilmarnock but lashed his effort high over the crossbar.