Steven Naismith sealed a top-six finish for Kilmarnock in the Bank of Scotland Premier League with his winner in the 2-1 triumph over Falkirk at Rugby Park.

Danny Invincibile had given Killie a third-minute lead before Daniel McBreen equalised for the Bairns 16 minutes later.

But, after spurning a number of chances, the Ayrshire club were grateful to Naismith when he slotted home the winner in the 74th minute.

The home side got off to the best possible start with a goal in the third minute.

Garry Hay's corner was only partially cleared and Invincibile met the ball 15 yards from goal and drove it low inside Allan Ferguson's right-hand post.

Naismith should have doubled the lead minutes later but sliced his shot wide with only the Falkirk goalkeeper to beat.

Killie went on to dominate the opening period but the final ball into the box let them down all too often.

Then came a let-off for the home side on 13 minutes when Steven Thomson slid a McBreen cross inches wide of Graeme Smith's post.

Then came an amazing series of chances in the Falkirk box with Naismith, Colin Nish and Allan Johnston all having shots at goal blocked.

And Killie were punished for their earlier misses when the Bairns grabbed a 19th-minute equaliser against the run of play.

Smith brought off a good save from McBreen's initial shot, but the striker followed up to net with the rebound.

Ferguson then denied Hay from putting his side in front again when he punched away the Killie skipper's 20-yard free-kick.

Just before the break, Johnstone missed another golden opportunity when he shot wide of the target from 15 yards.

The opening period of the second half followed much the same pattern, with Killie on the offensive.

Wales almost stole in to reach a Nish head flick but the ball just ran out of play.

In the 67th minute, the visiting fans called for a penalty when McBreen's shot was blocked but the referee waved aside the appeals.

Killie at last went ahead in the 74th minute when Naismith netted his eighth goal of the season.

The 19-year-old latched on to a loose clearance 15 yards from goal and curled the ball past Ferguson.

Minutes later, Wales was only inches away from connecting with Naismith's low cross as the home side stepped up a gear before running out deserved winners.

Teams

Kilmarnock Smith, Wright, Ford, Wilson, Hay, Invincibile,Fowler, Johnston, Naismith, Wales (McDonald 90),Nish (Murray 72).

Subs Not Used: Bell, Lilley, Di Giacomo, Campbell, Adams.

Goals: Invincibile 3, Naismith 74.

Falkirk Ferguson, Lawrie, Ross (Dodds 83), Milne, Twaddle,Thomson, Latapy, Cregg, Craig (O'Donnell 67), Gow,McBreen (Moutinho 77).

Subs Not Used: Howard, Lima, Scally, Lescinel.

Booked: Ross.

Goals: McBreen 19.

Att: 5,443

Ref: I Fyfe (Scotland).