Kilmarnock 3 Partick Thistle 0

Tope Obadeyi helped himself to a double as Kilmarnock cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Partick in the Scottish Premiership.

The English forward netted either side of the break at Rugby Park, with Manuel Pascali also on the scoresheet for the home side.

It proved to be a comprehensive and convincing victory for Allan Johnston's men, largely inspired by a man of the match display from Finland international Alexei Eremenko.

Darryl Westlake was handed his first start for Kilmarnock after a substitute appearance in the midweek League Cup defeat to St Johnstone.

Partick were boosted by the news that Ryan Stevenson and Kallum Higginbotham were both fit to start, having been rated doubtful beforehand with ankle knocks.

Killie started brightly and carved out the first chance of the game when Chris Johnston saw his effort blocked following some fine build-up play from Eremenko.

At the other end, Stevenson tried his luck with a half-volley from distance that stung the palms of Craig Samson.

The Killie keeper was then called into action to pull off a double save and deny the visitors the opener.

He dived low to block a swerving Steven Lawless shot, before dealing effectively with the close-range follow-up from Kris Doolan.

It was Kilmarnock who opened the scoring with 25 minutes on the clock. Ross Barbour provided the cross from the right and Obadeyi stooped low to nod beyond the grasp of Scott Fox in the Thistle goal from just outside the six-yard box.

Thistle tried to haul themselves back into the game and Stevenson saw his long-ranger smack off the crossbar.

Higginbotham then dragged his shot wide of target, with Partick unable to level the scoreline before the break.

Thistle's hopes of forcing their way back into the game were dealt a blow when Killie doubled their lead six minutes after the restart.

Eremenko swung an inviting corner into the box and Pascali was waiting in plenty of space to nod home from six yards.

There appeared to be no way back for Partick when the home side netted their third of the day after 57 minutes.

A smart ball from Eremenko found Obadeyi and he drilled low past Fox to claim his brace.

Killie kept up the pressure and, moments later, the superb Eremenko saw his free-kick flash just past the post after Obadeyi was fouled 25 yards out.