Kilmarnock 5-1 Partick Thistle: 'Ridiculous' defence will condemn Jags - Alan Archibald

Partick Thistle were hammered by Kilmarnock on Saturday

Alan Archibald says his Partick Thistle side risk being left behind at the foot of the Scottish Premiership if they do not shore up their defence.

Thistle shipped five goals in a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Kilmarnock.

"The defending as a whole this season has been comical at times," Archibald said of Saturday's defeat.

Thistle are four points adrift in bottom spot but have a game in hand on each of the four clubs immediately above them in the standings.

At Rugby Park, Archibald's men fell behind to Kris Boyd's opener and, although Chris Erskine soon equalised, Eamonn Brophy netted twice for Killie, with a Niall Keown own goal and another Boyd strike completing the scoring.

"It's hard to speak about the game as a whole because we lost 5-1," the Thistle boss told BBC Scotland.

"We played some good stuff today, but the manner in which we gave away the goals is ridiculous.

"We started the second half brightly then we lose a goal and we go 3-1 down. We couldn't handle the front two of Kilmarnock and we just have to try to find a solution.

"We looked a real threat when we kept the ball and moved it quickly, we had a number of good opportunities, but it all reverts back to your defending.

"If you defend the way we're defending, it doesn't matter how you play. We can't keep defending like that or we will be adrift."

Steve Clarke, who took charge at Rugby Park in October, oversaw Kilmarnock's first home win of the season

The victory was Killie's first home win of the season, with manager Steve Clarke delighted for his charges as new signing Youssouf Mulumbu made his debut.

"It's been a long time coming here at Rugby Park," Clarke said. "I'm pleased for the players and it's good for them to get the first win.

"It's only my third home game, so I've steered clear of talk of a jinx.

"Performance is the most important thing and, with the exception of 15 minutes against Aberdeen, I couldn't ask for any more from the players.

"Eamonn Brophy has done well. He's been working hard, he didn't have a pre-season, but he's shown he's dangerous in and around the penalty area.

"It's important for Youssouf to get minutes on the pitch. It was important for the fans to see him and he showed his quality at times today.

"Alan Power has been a stalwart since I came to the club. He deserves a big mention."