Play-off pressure piles up for St Mirren v Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock's trip to visit St Mirren on Saturday could potentially decide which of the sides is consigned to a play-off to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premiership.
"We always knew next week was going to be a massive game. It's a must-win game now. " St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish did not attempt to play down the importance of Saturday's home match against Kilmarnock after defeat in Dundee meant his side dropped into the relegation play-off spot with just three games to go.
The 1-0 loss at Dens Park moved the hosts six points clear of 11th place and all but clear of danger, just as Kilmarnock's home win over Dundee United had boosted the Rugby Park side's hopes of staying safe. It was a combination of results that has left St Mirren in serious trouble with time running out. Confirmation of Livingston's long-expected relegation has only increased the focus on the fight to avoid the dreaded play-off and the game in Paisley is sure to be a tense affair.
After 35 games played, St Mirren sit on 30 points, with Kilmarnock one better off. However, momentum has clearly shifted and Neil McCann's side will be the more positive heading into the potentially decisive clash. Hearts chase history as Rangers reach critical point Relief for Celtic...
now does O'Neill want Rangers to win? Celtic edge past 10-man Hibs to go joint top Killie climb at important time Kilmarnock's emphatic 3-0 win against United lifted the team out of the play-off spot for the first time since 14 December, when a 2-1 defeat in Aberdeen not only dropped the team to 11th place but also proved to be Stuart Kettlewell's last match as manager. McCann did not arrive as his replacement until early January and, although he has not been able to find consistency, the former Dundee boss has been able to deliver wins on a more regular basis than his predecessor.