Kettlewell delighted hard work paid off for hitman

KILLIE gained revenge for their Premier Sports Cup heartache as St Mirren's dismal league record in Ayrshire continued.

- MARK WALKER AT RUGBY PARK

And Rugby Park boss Stuart Kettlewell reckons Marcus Dackers deserved his goal for the work he has put in this week.

First-half strikes from David Watson and Dackers within a devastating eight-minute spell deservedly sealed the points and pushed them into the top six.

St Mirren may have knocked Killie out of the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout a few weeks ago but they have now failed to win a league game at Rugby Park for 12 years.

Asked about Dackers' goal, Kettlewell said: “It was a brilliant moment because Marcus has headed a few balls this week in practice and we've spent a lot of time on his movement in the box, getting away from defenders but also on finishing.