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Kris Boyd's first-half strike was enough to give Kilmarnock a victory over St Mirren that leaves Hibernian second bottom of the Premiership.

But results elsewhere mean Killie face a showdown against Hibs on Saturday to avoid a relegation play-off.

Boyd missed a great early chance from eight yards, but he then squeezed a shot under goalkeeper Chris Dillo after from a fine Alexei Eremenko pass.

St Mirren threatened an equaliser then Killie's James Fowler was sent off.

The Ayrshire side held on to leapfrog Hibs by a point, but only two teams remain in danger of a play-off against Championship side going into the final weekend after Partick Thistle ensured their safety with a 4-2 victory away to Hearts that takes the Glasgow side above St Mirren into seventh spot.

Torrential rain lapping down on Rugby Park was a menace to both sides and, when Rory McKenzie intercepted a short Darren McGregor pass-back, goalkeeper Chris Dillo stayed on his feet to poke the ball out for a throw.

Another slip by Marc McAusland allowed McKenzie's low cross to find Boyd soon after, but the former Rangers striker stabbed wide from only six-yards out.

Steven Thompson then spurned Saints' first opening after he headed wide from Jim Goodwin's quick free-kick.

However, Killie were a different side from the one battered in the capital and they forced Dilo into another brilliant save as Manuel Pascali's header had the goalkeeper sprawling,

The Frenchman, though, was beaten by Boyd seconds later.

Dillo stood up well to deny the Killie hitman's first attempt after Alexei Eremenko swung a stunning ball to the back post but was powerless to stop Boyd battering home the rebound.

McAusland and John McGinn both sent efforts over Samson's bar as the visitors chased a leveller before the break.

However, Dilo ensured they only went in a goal down as he first saved from McKenzie after another McGregor slip-up then denied Lee Ashcroft with another instinctive block from the resulting corner.

The Buddies had looked anything but assertive in defence, but McAusland timed his last-ditch tackle to perfection to deny Boyd a second 10 minutes after half-time.

Samson kept out his former club again just after the hour mark as he got hands on Kenny McLean's low free-kick.

The final 10 minutes were torture for the home fans as Saints poured men forward - and their nerves were tested even further when Fowler, booked in the first half, collected a second yellow for tripping Jason Naismith on 87 minutes..

Killie, though, held out and referee Alan Muir's final whistle was greeted like a goal - now they have one-more nail-biter to see out on Saturday to ensure their 21-year stay in Scotland's top league continues.