Kris Boyd secures Kilmarnock safety

Kilmarnock have defeated Hibernian 1-0 to retain their place in the Scottish Premiership.

Kris Boyd's first-half goal proved the difference at Easter Road, ensuring that Hibs fall into the relegation playoff zone.

The visitors had the ball in the back of the net with 13 minutes on the clock when Boyd converted Jackson Irvine's knockdown, but the striker was adjudged to have been offside.

Boyd found the target once more on 42 minutes, and this time the goal did stand when his snapshot found its way past Ben Williams to give Killie a priceless lead.

Kilmarnock went in search of a second goal, and they nearly found it when Rory McKenzie and the lively Boyd linked up, but Williams was on hand to turn McKenzie's shot behind for a corner.

Williams was again needed on the hour mark to deny Boyd's header, with the striker being well picked out by Ross Barbour at the back post.

Hibernian pushed late on for an equaliser but it was not to be for Terry Butcher's side, who now face a tense playoff to decide their top-flight future.