ST MIRREN manager Oran Kearney has urged his players to improve their game-management skills after they slumped to defeat against Kilmarnock.

The Buddies have taken just one point from a possible 15 since Kearney succeeded Alan Stubbs in early September.

And their hopes of claiming victory at home to Killie on Saturday were boosted by a first half goal from Adam Hammill.

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However, two goals from the visitors after the break consigned the Paisley team to a 2-1 defeat.

And Kearney wants to see his players becoming more 'streetwise' to give themselves the best possible chance of turning their fortunes around.

The Gazette:

Danny Mullen tries some acrobatics in the disappointing defeat (Pic: Allan Picken) 

The Northern Irishman said: "The way we managed the game is probably the most disappointing thing.

"The ball stayed in play a lot and we couldn't do anything to stifle Kilmarnock.

"I've seen it plenty of times before that, if you can get to the 60-minute mark, then they start to lose faith and you can find yourself able to kick on and try and do something.

"It's that 15-minute spell that was disappointing.

"We recognise there will be moments like the first half when we were on top but there's also moments when the other team will have their say and it's about how to manage that.

"It's the game-management aspect that's probably the most disappointing thing."

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke heaped praise on Alan Power after the midfielder's goal kickstarted another Ladbrokes Premiership fightback for his team.

The Gazette:

Craig Samson could do nothing to prevent Alan Power's wonder strike (Pic: Allan Picken) 

Killie secured their fourth successive league victory, where they have come from behind in each of them, to climb up to third place in the table.

After a thumping strike from Power levelled the score at 1-1, it was Aaron Tshibola who gave the visitors a hard-fought win.

"He doesn't get very many," Clarke said of Irish ace Power. "Fair play to him because, if there's ever a shooting session at training, he's always out there practising.

READ MORE: McShane believes St Mirren could kick start their season with Killie win

"It was nice for him to get a little reward for his efforts. It was his first goal for the club and a good way to get us back into the game.

"When you've got good football players, they make decisions on the pitch that sometimes work out. That's the beauty of our two goals."