Kilmarnock ended a three-match winless run by thrashing Dundee United 3-0 at BBSP Rugby Park, hauling themselves clear of immediate relegation danger. Robbie Deas, Findlay Curtis and Joe Hugill struck to crush United’s resolve while Neil McCann’s side finally converted pressure into points after weeks of frustration. Livingston now face demotion.

United arrived with momentum from a derby win yet offered little threat as tactical changes failed to mask defensive frailty. Cleall-Harding gifted the third goal with a slack back pass that allowed Hugill to glide past David Richards, compounding errors that have undermined progress. Steve Clarke observed Curtis’s composed finish and mature display after leaving Rangers for regular minutes.

Kilmarnock leapfrogged St Mirren to escape the relegation play-off spot and ease the pressure on players and fans. Dundee United remain stranded in seventh, their standards visibly slipping when concentration lapses. Three points have transformed Killie’s mood and security for the closing phase of the campaign.