St Johnstone 2 Kilmarnock 1: Nicky Clark's early double earns Saints first win of the season
dailyrecord.co.ukNicky Clark proved how crucial he will be in St Johnstone's battle to push up the standings by netting a quick-fire double to bank a first three points of the season.The experienced forward, out for so long injured, was back to his clinical best with two goals within the opening eight minutes at McDiarmid Park.Kilmarnock hauled themselves back into the contest through Kyle Vassell early in the second half but Saints caretaker Alex Cleland celebrated victory at full-time.The closing 15 minutes had been a nervous watch for him, though, after Dara Costelloe had been shown straight red for a tackle on Matty Kennedy.A banner had been held aloft at the scoreboard end of the East Stand as the teams emerged reading: ‘End the nightmare’.Less than a minute in, Saints had supporters cheering in delight when Clark neatly tucked in the afters from a powerful Chris Kane drive from the edge of the box.There was certainly an intensity to the Perth play and, incredibly, a second goal arrived with only eight minutes on the clock.This time a delightful free-kick from Graham Carey - one of the best you will see - dropped perfectly for Clark to nod beyond a helpless Will Dennis.It was the start of dreams for caretaker Cleland, who was being assisted by Danny Griffin and had the experience of Alistair Stevenson to call upon.Killie had temporarily attempted to pull themselves back into the game but Kennedy’s low effort from distance drifted past the post.Saints actually looked like adding to their tally and Clark almost had his hat-trick after leaping like a Perthshire salmon to beat Dennis to the ball.Even captain Liam Gordon was fancying himself from 30 yards and why not?
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