If you wanted a quiet night at the football, Rugby Park was the wrong place to be. In a pulsating seven-goal thriller, Kilmarnock secured a vital 4-3 victory over St Mirren, breathing fresh life into their bid to escape the relegation play-off spot.
The headline belonged to one man: Tyreece John-Jules. The former Crawley Town striker, who only recently extended his short-term deal in Ayrshire, bagged a stunning hat-trick to ensure Neil McCann’s side moved within three points of safety.
A Tale of Two Halves and Seven Goals
The game started as a nightmare for the hosts when Killian Phillips gave St Mirren an early lead. For 35 minutes, Killie looked toothless—until a three-minute explosion before the break turned the game on its head. Greg Kiltie headed home a beautiful Findlay Curtis cross before John-Jules stole the show with an acrobatic volley that will surely be a contender for Goal of the Season.
St Mirren refused to go quietly, levelling through Phillips again shortly after the restart, but John-Jules was not to be denied. A poacher’s finish, followed by a powerful solo run and strike, completed his treble and put Killie 4-2 up. A late Scott Tanser volley made for a nervous final few seconds, but the points stayed in Kilmarnock.
Analysis: The John-Jules Factor
Kilmarnock’s survival hopes have often felt pinned to finding a reliable goalscorer. In John-Jules, they may have found their man at exactly the right time.
- Clinical Edge: John-Jules has now found the net against Hibs, Aberdeen, and St Mirren in recent weeks.
- Gutsy Performance: Neil McCann praised his side’s “guts” to go again after twice losing the lead.
- Defensive Worries for the Buddies: Stephen Robinson didn’t hold back post-match, calling his side’s defending “really, really poor.” After years of top-six finishes, St Mirren are now officially looking over their shoulders.
The Road Ahead
The result sets up a monumental weekend. Kilmarnock host reigning champions Celtic on Saturday with a newfound sense of belief, while St Mirren travel to Easter Road needing to stop a slide that has seen them dragged firmly into the relegation scrap.
🗣️ HAVE YOUR SAY: THE GREAT ESCAPE?
That was easily one of the games of the season, but what did you think of the performance?
- Is Tyreece John-Jules the best January “signing” in the bottom half?
- Can Killie take this momentum and shock Celtic on Saturday?
Drop your match analysis and your survival predictions in the comments below! 👇
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
