A Kevin Kyle second-half double gave Kilmarnock a well-deserved home win against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League.
His first arrived in the second half with a simple close-range header in the 51st minute.
Just over 10 minutes later, he helped himself to another when he volleyed into an empty net from 30 yards out.
Frazer Wright spoiled the clean sheet for the home side in the dying minutes when he headed into his own net.
Early in the match, St Johnstone left-back Danny Grainger burst in the Kilmarnock penalty area, but defender Frazer Wright did well to prevent Samuel getting a clean shot in at the back post and the ball sliced wide.
On the half-hour mark, Killie midfielder Craig Bryson went to ground inside the Saints box after a challenge by Chris Millar but referee Alan Muir ignored optimistic claims for a penalty.
Five minutes from the break St Johnstone midfielder Swankie drew a fine save from Killie keeper Mark Brown with a curling shot from 25 yards but the half-time whistle came as something of a relief.
The crowd hoped for better in the second half. But the early signs were not encouraging as Kyle clattered into Steven Anderson as the Perth defender cleared.
In the 51st minute, Kyle put the home side ahead with the simplest of goals.
Garry Hay curled a long ball into the St Johnstone box, and the Killie captain beat hesitant Saints goalkeeper Alan Main to head into the empty net.
It was the first effective use of the route-one tactic, but a more thoughtful approach almost paid off three minutes later as St Johnstone wobbled.
Kyle latched on to a searching cross from Hay to crash a header off the post - with Main beaten again. The visitors scrambled the ball clear.
In the 64th minute, Kyle helped himself to a second after Main ran from his box almost to the touchline to attempt a clearance that was partially blocked by Killie striker Conor Sammon.
When the ball broke back to Kyle 30 yards from goal, he volleyed back into the empty net - and the chasing Saints goalkeeper was helpless to prevent it from crossing the line.
St Johnstone pressed for a lifeline, with all three substitutes on, but there was a sense of helplessness running through their ranks.
In the second minute of added time, the luckless Frasier Wright headed a Grainger corner into his own goal, but it was too little too late for Saints.
Sandy's Match Pic's are HERE
