Danny Invincibile was the matchwinner as Kilmarnock secured a second home win in seven days to climb to 10th place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The victory went some way to making amends for Kilmarnock's midweek horror show against SPL minnows Gretna.

And with the three points, Killie clambered above St Mirren who fell to 11th place despite contributing plenty to the Rugby Park clash.

Saints could consider themselves unlucky not to leave with at least a point after enjoying plenty of the possession.

Invincibile's goal in the 25th minute was enough for the Ayrshire side, and the win relieves some of the pressure on the shoulders of Killie boss Jim Jefferies.

Jefferies recalled fit-again Alan Combe and David Lilley who had been forced to miss the Gretna clash, in which Kilmarnock suffered an embarrassing 4-2 defeat.

St Mirren brought Stewart Kean into their attack at the expense of former Rugby Park favourite Craig Dargo. Goalkeeper Chris Smith and midfielder Hugh Murray also came in for Mark Howard and David Barron.

James Fowler almost gave Kilmarnock the lead with just 17 seconds on the clock but shot wide after his first effort was blocked.

At the other end, Jamie Hamill nipped in quickly to deny Mark Corcoran.

Kilmarnock had an escape in the ninth minute when Craig Bryson headed Ian Maxwell's effort off the goal-line.

Kilmarnock were struggling to find their groove but St Mirren were struggling to make the most of their possession.

Saints striker Billy Mehmet came close in the 17th minute but his shot flew over the crossbar.

Killie then attacked shortly afterwards and Mehdi Taouil crossed for Bryson but the referee blew for a foul on goalkeeper Smith.

When the only goal of the game arrived, it was against the run of the early play.

Garry Hay's corner kick from the left was not held by goalkeeper Smith, who was back in the team after a glandular illness, and Invincibile had a simple tap-in at the far post.

The goal gave the home side a boost and they began to play, just as they had in last Sunday's 3-1 win over Aberdeen.

A pacy move on the right set up a great crossing opportunity for Hamill but he sliced his cross wide.

Five minutes before the break Saints striker Kean missed a great chance to equalise when he headed Corcoran's cross wide of the goal.

Saints made a late push as the first half ended and it took a good save from Alan Combe to deny Andy Dorman.

Kilmarnock brought on Grant Murray for the second half in place of Martyn Corrigan, who had picked up an injury.

The home side began brightly as Bryson sent Taouil away on the left but the Moroccan put in a disappointing cross.

Kilmarnock almost snatched a second goal after 55 minutes when Smith made a meal of Bryson's shot after the Saints goalkeeper had mis-hit a clearance.

The home side were forced into a second substitution after 59 minutes when Paul Di Giacomo replaced Taouil who went off with a head injury.

Hugh Murray picked up the game's first yellow card on the hour mark for a late tackle on Hay, and three minutes later the booked Saints player was replaced by Jim Hamilton.

Saints almost got back on level terms shortly afterwards but Mehmet's header following Maxwell's throw-in went just wide of Combe's goal.

Invincibile almost doubled Kilmarnock's lead after 69 minutes but Smith produced a good block to deny the striker from 15 yards.

Allan Johnston then raced clear but he fired his cross behind with three Kilmarnock players waiting in the box.

Then Hamilton came close to scoring an own goal when he almost sliced a Bryson cross past Smith.

Eight minutes from the end Kilmarnock brought on their third substitute Willie Gibson for Johnston.

Invincibile should have tied things up for the home side seven minutes from time, but he drilled his shot low past Smith's right-hand post.

Fortunately for the Australian there was to be no late Saints fightback.