Kilmarnock too strong for Queen of the South

Kilmarnock captain Chris Stokes knocked in the opening goal late in the first half

Kilmarnock made a winning start under new manager Derek McInnes, easing past Queen of the South at Palmerston Park.

Visiting captain Chris Stokes bundled in from a corner as half-time approached.

Earlier, Chris Burke and Rory McKenzie had been denied by a double goal-line clearance as Killie dominated.

Oli Shaw won and converted a penalty in the second half to wrap up the win, with McInnes' side closing the gap on beaten leaders Arbroath to two points.

The opening goal on the threshold of the interval was a slightly flukey affair with a left sided corner kick coming off the post and crossbar and then falling perfectly for Stokes.

But, in fairness, Kilmarnock had already blown a pile of chances, defied by heroic defending by Queens.

There was a long period of hope in the second half for the hosts, who have won just four league games this season, but the conceding of a cheap penalty saw that evaporate.

Shaw, the sinned against player, took the kick himself, scored his ninth goal of the term and suddenly Killie regained a serious grip on the game.

A promising start for McInnes was made all the sweeter since promotion rivals Inverness Caley Thistle, Raith Rovers and Partick Thistle were all involved in draws.

Queen of the South manager Alan Johnston: "It was never a penalty. There was a tug of the shirt but I've seen it again and it was way outside the box. But we continue to give away cheap goals. We have a fight on our hands. That's for sure."

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "I was delighted with the spirit and attitude of my players. We could easily have been several goals ahead at half-time.

"The intensity was good. It felt like a cup game and that was exactly what I was looking for."