PLAYING IT SAFE AT KILLIE

Del's boys on the up but Staggies face a sweat

- BRUCE ANDERSON and LIAM DONNELLY

Bruce ANDERSON and Liam Donnelly grabbed the goals as Kilmarnock took a massive step towards Premiership safety.

Derek McInnes’ side earned a well-deserved victory, with goals in each half, while Ross County's struggles continued, leaving them perilously close to relegation.

The Staggies were left in deep trouble, slipping into the play-off spot for the third consecutive season, offering little resistance in a lacklustre display in Ayrshire.

But Killie are now nine points clear of the bottom side St Johnstone and the outcome was never in doubt after Anderson had nodded them into the lead.

They could have won far more convincingly and Killie No.2 Paul Sheerin was delighted at his side's display. He also insisted they have not given up trying to get key winger Danny Armstrong to sign a new deal.

He said: "It was a disciplined, professional performance and as a unit we were relatively solid. It probably wasn't overly pretty though.