Kilmarnock boosted their Scottish Premiership survival hopes with a crucial win over St Mirren, moving four points clear of the relegation play-off place with only two matches remaining.
An early own goal from Miguel Freckleton and a brilliant second-half brace from Findlay Curtis secured another impressive result for Killie in Paisley, where they have now lost only once in their last eight visits.
For St Mirren, it was a flat and disappointing display that leaves their survival hopes hanging in the balance and no longer entirely in their own hands.
Kilmarnock made a confident start and were rewarded inside 10 minutes when Tom Lowery’s cross was accidentally diverted into his own net by Freckleton.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Ross Sinclair later producing a smart save to deny Lowery after another dangerous break forward.
St Mirren struggled to create openings for most of the first half but nearly equalised before the break when Mark O’Hara met Scott Tanser’s cross, only to fire straight at Max Stryjek.
That missed chance proved costly almost immediately after the restart.
Just seconds into the second half, Curtis punished a defensive slip to curl home Kilmarnock’s second in front of the travelling fans.
The 19-year-old added another with 20 minutes remaining, producing a similar first-time finish from the edge of the area to put the result beyond doubt.
St Mirren wasted another huge chance before the third goal when Killian Phillips fired wide from close range, summing up the home side’s lack of cutting edge.
Neil McCann’s side played with energy, confidence and urgency from the start, looking far more prepared for the occasion than their opponents.
Curtis was the standout performer, continuing his impressive loan spell from Rangers with two composed finishes that further boosted his growing reputation.
Kilmarnock now look well placed to secure top-flight safety if they can maintain their recent form.
St Mirren never truly looked comfortable and have now lost five straight matches in all competitions.
After their League Cup triumph earlier in the season, form has collapsed badly, and they now face a tense battle to avoid finishing in the relegation play-off spot.
A major improvement will be needed quickly if they are to avoid ending the campaign in serious trouble.
St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish: "I'm embarrassed, first and foremost. It's my responsibility, I'm leading the group. There's frustration, there's anger.
"It's the first day since I've taken over the group that I've been really disappointed in us. We were second best all over the pitch. We didn't show the fight and desire.
"We owe the fans an apology. We didn't fight. We've said some harsh truths in the dressing room. It's now out of our hands, we have to rely on results from others and take care of ours first and foremost.
"We had players on the pitch that weren't fighting and that's not acceptable. If you're not going to fight, you're not going to step foot on the pitch. I have to go with the players I can trust."
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "We came to really difficult place, full stadium, St Mirren would come at us. We were ready for it.
"I felt there was massive belief among the players. To get the win is so pleasing. We showed today how good a side we are.
"The fans have really come with us. We were in a difficult position when we came in. They've seen we're a good side and we're playing in an attractive manner that's engaging them.
"We showed in the second half how good we can be. It could have been four or five, but I don't want to be too greedy.
"We've not done anything yet. We've got a brilliant three points and we'll enjoy it."
