Ladbrokes Premiership

PARTICK THISTLE 0

KILMARNOCK 2

By Stewart McConnell

Pictures: Ross Mackenzie

A PRE-match pep talk from new boss Steve Clarke helped inspire Killie as they clinched their first league win of the season.

They easily saw off fellow strugglers the Jags at Firhill to lift themselves off bottom spot.

And the result is bound to boost the morale of the squad and lift the new boss as he aims to turn around their fortunes.

The visitors were in determined mood as they aimed to end their miserable run and were well worth the three points.

Caretaker boss Paul McDonald admitted Clarke's words of wisdom had helped and said: "It was a thrill to get the three points. Credit to the players for getting the win. I just don't think previously results had gone their way but we got the goal and then carried on the pressure into the second half. The new manager gave the players a pep talk before the game at our pre-match meal and it worked wonders.

"Steve is a massive name in the game, and it show just how ambitious our club is to appoint someone of his stature. It's a credit to our directors and we are thrilled. Now I'm happy to go into the shadows again."

Killie worked hard for their victory and went ahead in 40 minutes when Boyd stroked the ball home after an error by Niall Keown.

Victory was sealed in 63 minutes when Adam Frizzell let fly with a 25-yard drive which gave Tomas Cerny no chance.

Killie now enjoy a break this weekend before facing a Hallowe'en clash with Hibernian at Rugby Park.

KILMARNOCK: MacDonald; Greer, Broadfoot, Findlay, O'Donnell, McKenzie, Power, Jones, Taylor, K Boyd, Frizzell. Subs: Waters, Thomas, Erwin, Bell, Brophy, S Boyd, Hawkshaw.

STARMAN: Adam Frizzell 3

Jordan Jones 2

Kris Boyd 1.