Jefferies hails Killie dominance Leishman rues missed chance

Mark Burchill had fired Dunfermline into a surprise early lead from close range, but Rhian Dodds slotted in a quick equaliser.

Kris Boyd slammed Killie into the lead, only for Derek Young to volley in for the Pars after the break.

But Invincibile's low drive helps put pressure on SPL leaders Hearts.

A Colin Nish hat-trick saw off the challenge of Livingston a fortnight ago and the striker started up front alongside Kris Boyd, but Gary Locke was a late injury absentee and was replaced with Rhian Dodds.

Dunfermline were without midfielder Gary Mason through injury, while Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor made his debut at the expense of Bryn Halliwell.

The visitors stormed into a surprise lead after only three minutes.

Lee Makel's free-kick fell to Burchill 12 yards from goal and the former Celtic striker lashed a left-foot shot into the roof of the net.

The lead only last five minutes when Allan Johnston set up the unmarked Dodds inside the Fifers' penalty area and the Killie midfielder drew McGregor before firing his left-footed shot into the net.

Only a fine, close-range save from McGregor from Johnston, following an impressive four-man move, kept the scores level.

A fine stop by Killie keeper Alan Combe prevented Burchill firing the Fifers back into the lead with his left-footed volley from 14 yards.

Simon Ford came close for Killie with a header before they regained the edge after former Dunfermline striker Nish looked to be barged by Andy Tod.

But Garry Hay's cross fell to Boyd who quickly and confidently slammed it into the net from 12 yards out as the referee waved play on.

McGregor made a fine block from Invincibile's angled drive and Nish sent another header just wide.

Combe pulled out a magnificent save of his own from Burchill's close-range header.

But Dunfermline were on the back foot again after the break, defenders Scott Wilson and Tod having to throw themselves to block shots from Boyd and Nish respectively.

A Nish header went just wide of his former club's near post before Dunfermline looked to make Killie pay for their misses.

Noel Hunt chested the ball back into the path of Young six yards out and the striker lashed his volley into the net off the crossbar.

McGregor saved well from Dodds and Nish as Killie retaliated, but Hunt squandered an excellent chance to give the Pars victory when he fired past the post.

Ford volleyed wildly over the bar from just 10 yards out before Invincibile gave Killie a deserved win.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Hay, Ford, Greer, McDonald, Johnston (Lilley 90), Dodds (Wales 88), Nish (Naismith 81), Invincibile, Boyd.
Subs Not Used: Smith, Dillon, Murray, Hamill.

Goals: Dodds 8, Boyd 33, Invincibile 90.

Dunfermline: McGregor, Ross, Scott Wilson, Tod, Thomson, Campbell (Horsted 90), Makel, Derek Young, Darren Young, Tarachulski (McCunnie 45), Burchill (Hunt 62).
Subs Not Used: Halliwell, Zambernardi, Labonte, Donnelly.

Booked: Darren Young.

Goals: Burchill 4, Derek Young 67.

Att: 4,737