TREBLE BY TYREECE EXTENDS THE RUGBY PARK RUN

It's now 13 years without a league win at Killie after John-Jules hat-trick sinks Saints

- Colin Paterson

Tyreece John-Jules was Kilmarnock's hat-trick hero last night as St Mirren suffered another dismal Rugby Park collapse.

The former Arsenal kid breathed fresh life into his side's Premiership survival fight while drawing the Buddies closer to trouble.

Two goals in three minutes at the end of the first half then a brace inside six minutes as the second period ticked away sank Saints.

There were flashbacks to March 2024 — when the Buddies lost 5-2 here after conceding all those goals in 18 destructive minutes.

Killian Phillips struck either side of goals from ex-Buddie Greg Kiltie and John-Jules, who was at the double to complete his treble before a Scott Tanser consolation.

Saints remain in ninth but resurgent Killie are just three points adrift in the relegation playoff spot.

Buddies boss Stephen Robinson made one enforced change to the side which edged Airdrieonians out of the Scottish Cup.