Kilmarnock beat Dundee United to end their wait for a win

Kilmarnock secured their first William Hill Premiership win of the season with a well-deserved 2-0 victory at Dundee United.

Bruce Anderson opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half, with skipper Robbie Deas doubling their advantage after the break.

The hosts had a chance late on to reduce the deficit but Zac Sapsford’s penalty was saved by Killie goalkeeper Max Stryjek.

The result moves the Ayrshire side up to sixth in the table, with the Tannadice team down to fourth.

United boss Jim Goodwin kept faith with the starting line-up that beat Aberdeen at home on Tuesday, the fourth time in succession the team remained unchanged.

Kilmarnock made just one change from the side that lost on penalties to St Mirren in the League Cup two weeks ago with Anderson coming in for Djenairo Daniels.

There was an early chance for the hosts when skipper Will Ferry robbed Liam Polworth of possession and advanced on goal but as he prepared to pull the trigger, the Killie man raced back to make a crucial intervention.

Shortly after, United had another sight at goal but Ivan Dolcek sent his low 22-yard shot straight into Stryjek’s arms.

However, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with David Watson delivering a pinpoint pass into Anderson just inside the United box and he produced a clinical low finish into the bottom corner past Yevhen Kucherenko.

The Terrors looked for an immediate response and came close when Dolcek swung a corner in from the right but Vicko Sevelj could only direct his powerful header wide of Stryjek’s right-hand post.

Killie were quickly into their stride after the break with David Watson embarking on a powerful run towards the United goal but his shot was easily held by Kucherenko.

Killie tails were up and they doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Thompson hit a dangerous cross into the United box towards Deas. Although Kucherenko made a valiant effort to keep the powerful header out, the ball crossed the line.

The Terrors tried to respond with Sevelj having a great opportunity but he shot straight at Stryjek with the keeper subsequently tested by a tricky header from sub Nikolaj Moller.

Moller then looked certain to score when Luca Stephenson sent a superb cross in from the right but Stryjek pulled off a brilliant save.

The hosts were handed a lifeline in the 88th minute after Sapsford was bundled over by Stryjek with referee Ross Hardie pointing to the spot.

Sapsford picked himself up to take the penalty but Stryjek made immediate amends, diving to his right to deny the striker.

Deep in stoppage time, Killie had a superb chance to make it three but Kucherenko saved substitute Marley Watkins’ shot.