Mission accomplished for McInnes as Kilmarnock stay up

Kilmarnock have avoided the jeopardy of a relegation play-off with manager Derek McInnes praising his team for achieving their primary objective of staying in the cinch Premiership.

The Rugby Park side confirmed their 10th place finish in the table by beating Ross County 3-1.

The Ayrshire side, who were promoted from the Championship a year ago, have spent most of their first season back in the top flight in a dogfight at the foot of the table.

But they managed to get themselves out of the bottom two going into the final weekend of the campaign and then held their nerve to stay in 10th place by defeating County and consigning their opponents to a two-legged play-off against Partick Thistle.

Dealing with pressure

"It's a huge pat on the back for my players in how they have dealt with the last few games," said McInnes.

"We are pleased we have met the demands for this season to stay in the league.

"I would have taken 40 points at the start of the season all day long.

"In the last 18 months we have got the team up and we have kept the team up, but the demands shift again now.

"We have to be ready for next season but we also have to recognise the effort involved in getting the job done."

Calmness from Armstrong

Killie took a first-half lead through Brad Lyons before further goals in the second half from Danny Armstrong and Kyle Vassell either side of a penalty from County's Yan Dhanda.

"Danny has carried the fight all season for us and it was fitting that he got the all-important second goal," said McInnes.

"Then when we needed that calmness at 2-1, Vassell came up with the big moment."

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