Heffernan's
strength was
causing the home
defence problems
and a fantastic
run from the
Irishman past
four St Mirren
defenders ended
with his shot
being deflected
into the arms of
Samson.
Cammy Bell was
called into
action for the
first time after
15 minutes, when
Steven
Thompson's
downward header
was tipped round
the post by the
Kilmarnock
keeper.
Heffernan had the ball in the net when he again got in behind the St Mirren defence to round Samson and tap into the net, but the striker was flagged offside.
The hosts went ahead against the run of play when Tesselaar's excellent cross from the left was headed across Bell and into the far corner by McGowan.
Having got the goal, St Mirren grew in confidence and Thompson just failed to get on the end of another fine cross by Tesselaar before Gary Teale had claims for a penalty waved away.
The home side were awarded a spot-kick just on half-time after referee Stephen Finnie consulted his assistant.
It was decided that Steven Thomson's cross struck Kroca's arm inside the box and McGowan stepped up to slot home.
Bell made a great save after the break to tip Steven Thompson's glancing header to safety.
Kilmarnock started to dominate and captain Manuel Pascali's powerful effort was tipped over by Samson.
However, Kenny McLean's replacement Hasselbaink settled the game with five minutes remaining when he outmuscled his marker to head home from a David Van Zanten cross.
