Kilmarnock boosted their Scottish Premiership survival hopes with a “much-needed” victory against Livingston as their inspired home form continued.

Kyle Vassell fired Derek McInnes’ side in front three minutes after the break, before Danny Armstrong’s penalty assured them a crucial win at Rugby Park.

With three games left Kilmarnock are up to 10th place, outside the relegation play-off, one point clear of Ross County and three in front of bottom side Dundee United.

County have to visit Ayrshire before the end of the season, setting up a thrilling finale to the Premiership campaign.

Livingston stay eighth and have very little to play for, but a seventh away defeat in a row without scoring equals a miserable record set by United 23 years ago.

“In the context of the season, three points was much-needed,” McInnes told BBC Scotland.

“We spoke confidently during the week about the importance of our home form and we saw that today, particularly second half.

“First half we were a bit nervy, agitated and understandably a bit anxious. The composure came once we got in front and it’s important we show both sides to our game in the remaining games.”

Pre-match McInnes urged his team to take advantage of their excellent record at Rugby Park, where only Celtic, Rangers, and Livingston had won in the league this season.

But a nervy and untidy first half suggested his team were struggling to cope with the pressure, and Vassell passed up the best chance when clean through after Christian Doidge’s excellent flick.

However, persistence paid off soon after the restart as another Doidge flick put Vassell in behind and this time his low shot found the far corner, albeit with the help of some weak goalkeeping from Shamal George.

From there, Kilmarnock found the confidence they needed to kick on. And after a series of shots were blocked, Doidge’s effort struck Jason Holt’s outstretched arm.

Referee David Munro initially awarded a corner, but after video assistant referee Willie Collum sent him to the monitor to have another look, Munro pointed to the spot.

Armstrong, Kilmarnock’s talisman all season, stepped up and calmly tucked the ball away from the despairing George to bolster their lead and ultimately wrap up a critical three points.

Livingston stuck at it, but lacked quality in the final third and looked every inch a team who have very little to play for after missing out on the top six.

Match Report: Thomas Duncan (BBC)

Kilmarnock: Walker, Mayo, Wright ▊, Dorsett (Sanders 82), Chambers, Armstrong (Jones 82), Donnelly, Watson, McKenzie ©, Vassell (Wales 88), Doidge (Lyons 90)
Subs not used: Hemming, Power, Alston, Polworth, Robinson
Goals: Vassell (48), Armstrong (64 pen)

Livingston: George, Devlin (Penrice 82), Fitzwater, de Lucas ▊, Montaño (Parkes 82), Holt ▊ (Anderson 65), Sn.Kelly ©️ ▊, Shinnie, Pittman, St.Kelly (Bradley 77), Nouble
Subs not used: Hamilton, Brandon, Boyes, Omeonga, Bahamboula

Referee: David Munro
HT: 0-0
Att: 5,051

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