Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee United

Kris Boyd was on target twice for Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd struck twice as Dundee United fell to the bottom of the SPL table.

Boyd outjumped the United defence to meet a Peter Leven free-kick and power in a downward header after 27 minutes.

United's Mark Wilson had a first half penalty saved by Graeme Smith, while Boyd made no mistake from the spot on 78 minutes.

Danny Invincibile added a late goal with a smart finish with the outside of his boot.

The win, in front of a crowd of just 4,535, boosts Kilmarnock's hopes of catching Motherwell and securing a lucrative place in the top six before the split.

United were first to threaten after a scrappy opening period and a sweet volley from Stuart Duff forced Smith into a smart save.

But Killie took the lead out of the blue when Boyd headed into the bottom right-hand corner from a swirling Leven delivery.

United spurned a glorious opportunity to equalise on 42 minutes when Smith saved Wilson's penalty kick after Duff had been tripped by David Lilley.

The visitors cam close to an equaliser when Alan Archibald got on the end of a Barry Robson free-kick at the back post to head just wide.

Killie were dangerous on the break and moments after Colin Nish had stung Tony Bullock's hands, the striker sent Boyd through on goal but the United keeper foiled him with a fine block.

Two minutes later Steven Naismith thundered a powerful strike at goal from inside the box which Bullock did well to beat out.

Killie were awarded a penalty when Gary MacDonald was brought down in a busy goalmouth.

Boyd smacked the ball home off the inside of the right-hand post for his seventh goal against United this season.

The home striker thought he had his hat-trick two minutes later when he poked home from close range but it was ruled out for offside.

Substitute Invincibile then added a magnificent third goal two minutes from time to put the seal on a fine performance from the home side.

Kilmarnock: Smith, Fowler, Hay, Lilley, Dindeleux, McDonald, Leven, Johnston (Invincibile 45), Naismith, Boyd (Dargo 84), Nish (Wales 84). Subs Not Used: Bell, Fontaine, Murray, Dodds.

Goals: Boyd 27, 78 pen, Invincibile 88.

Dundee Utd: Bullock, Wilson, Archibald, Kenneth, Ritchie, Brebner, McInnes (Dodds 71), Duff, Grady (Scotland 71), Crawford, McIntyre (Robson 56). Subs Not Used: McLean, Kerr, Cameron, Samuel.

Booked: McInnes.

Att: 4,535

Ref: J Underhill