Kilmarnock clawed themselves nearer to William Hill Premiership security because of a Tyreece John-Jules hat-trick in an enthralling 4-3 victory over St Mirren.
The ex-England U21s ahead added two second-half targets to an outstanding overhead kick as Killie edged a seven-goal thriller.
The second victory of Neil McCann’s reign noticed Eleventh-placed Killie transfer to inside three factors of St Mirren and Dundee, dragging each firmly again into the relegation battle.
Killian Phillips gave Saints an early lead earlier than two targets in three late first-half minutes turned the competition on its head.
Greg Kiltie’s third purpose in 5 video games drew the hosts degree earlier than an acrobatic hit from John-Jules in stoppage time.
Phillips equalised after 48 minutes however Killie drew clear to report an enormous victory for his or her survival probabilities.
Irish midfielder Phillips kicked off the leisure together with his first purpose since September.
Kilmarnock supplied a poor clearance to an extended throw and Richard King looped a header again into the penalty field.
The ball slithered away from Mikael Mandron because it bounced however, together with his again to purpose, Phillips caught ‘keeper Kelle Roos out with a backheel effort from seven yards.
Kilmarnock didn’t lack for depth of their bid to degree the scores and earned an enormous dividend for these endeavours two minutes earlier than the break.
Findlay Curtis created the half yard required to whip over a fantastic thing about a deep cross from the suitable and Kiltie, towards his former membership, headed dwelling from shut vary.
From the simple to the spectacular, the hosts swiftly seized the lead as Curtis’ deflected shot was met by a surprising strike by John-Jules that gave Shamal George no probability.
Saints started the second half decided to reply and so they crafted a solution inside three minutes.
Declan John fed Mandron who hit the byline and drilled a supply throughout purpose. Roos solely succeeded in scooping the ball out to Phillips who buried his second of the sport from eight yards.
The guests peppered the Killie purpose with Roland Idowu and substitute Dan Nlundulu going shut.
George dug out the save of the evening – a fierce Curtis strike at his far publish on the hour.
However the on-loan Wycombe ‘keeper was overwhelmed for a 3rd time after 76 minutes.
Joe Hugill was launched down the left and picked out John-Jules within the centre of the penalty field. George acquired a hand to the primary effort however John-Jules made no mistake on the second try.
The Englishman’s good evening was full when he secured the consolation of a two-goal lead with eight minutes left.
He acquired the higher of a tangle with Marcus Fraser to win an extended ball by the center and bury a end low previous George.
Killie wanted that additional benefit as a result of spirited Saints mustered a stoppage-time reply by Scott Tanser’s volley, but it surely was too little too late.
