Kilmarnock 2-1 St Johnstone: Three things we learned

By Laurie Finlayson

Kilmarnock and St Johnstone in action at Rugby Park

Kilmarnock defeated St Johnstone 2-1 at Rugby Park, meaning Killie will be fourth at Christmas and the Saints will be in ninth position. Let’s look at what stood out from the game:

 

Killie cap off an impressive first half of the season

The home side came out of the traps flying and opened the scoring after just six minutes through teenage sensation David Watson, who blasted home a volley from 25 yards out. In recent times, the Scotland Under-19 international has been playing further forward, in a more attacking midfield role. He’s been reaping the benefits from this, scoring twice in his last three matches.

 

Killie's fast start continued as after 17 minutes, they doubled their lead as Marley Watkins poked the ball beyond Saints ‘keeper Dimitar Mitov.

 

At the halfway point, Kilmarnock sit fourth on fourth on 27 points, a far cry from the 11th place in which they found themselves last season. Derek McInnes will be hoping his side can maintain their form, keeping their top-six place and potentially qualifying for Europe next season.

 

A sloppy start costs the Saints dearly

St Johnstone will have come away from this match rather frustrated having found themselves two goals down after 17 minutes. The home side were bordering on unplayable for spells in the first half.

 

The Saints played with more attacking intent in the second period since they had to chase the game. With 57 minutes on the clock, St Johnstone manager Craig Levien turned to experienced striker Nicky Clark, moving to a front two. Clark almost instantly repaid Levien’s faith by getting his team a goal back just four minutes after coming on the pitch. Matt Smith whipped in a free-kick which spooked the Kilmarnock defence, who left Clark free at the far post to make it 2-1.

 

St Johnstone have started relatively well under the stewardship of the former Hearts and Scotland boss, but with two defeats on the spin, they will need to be careful not to drag themselves deeper into relegation trouble.

 

The festive period could be pivotal in both sides’ seasons

We all know just how hectic the football calendar is between Christmas and New Year. Potentially a fan’s dream but a player’s nightmare.

 

This time of the season, as we reach the halfway point, is typically when clubs find their true position in the league table: Are they a team fighting for top-six or higher, or will they be battling to avoid the drop? The same applies to Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.

 

Killie face a trip to Paisley to take on St Mirren on Wednesday (27 December) in what could be a huge match in the battle for a top-half finish, even in December. St Johnstone face an early six-pointer away to Livingston on the same night. Before 2023 is over, Killie welcome fellow top-six candidates Dundee to Rugby Park on December 30, before heading to Ibrox after bringing in the bells on January 2 2024. The Perth side travels to Dens Park to face Tayside rivals Dundee in their first fixture of 2024.

SportLaurie Finlayson