Kilmarnock secure top-flight status with big win at Partick Thistle

Kilmarnock guaranteed their Scottish Premiership survival with a 4-1 hammering of Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium this afternoon.

The hosts started on the front foot, but things started to unravel for them when Greg Kiltie drew a foul out of Callum Booth in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Partick goalkeeper Scott Fox saved Jamie Hamill's penalty kick, but the former Hearts man quickly made amends by knocking home the rebound.

Killie took a two-goal lead into the break as Tope Obadeyi was on hand to head in a corner from Alexei Eremenko in the 37th minute, giving the hosts a mountain to climb.

The visitors looked out of sight just after the hour mark when Obadeyi found space in the box and rifled a shot into the bottom corner to claim his second of the afternoon.

Partick pulled one back several minutes later when Kallum Higginbotham's corner found the head of Conrad Balatoni and ended up in the net, but Killie soon restored their three-goal cushion.

Josh Magennis fired home their fourth in the 71st minute to ensure that Killie cemented their position in the top flight in style.

Motherwell's 2-1 defeat against St Mirren condemns them to the playoffs.