Derek McInnes has hailed Kilmarnock fans "remarkable" in the wake of a massive 1-0 win against title rivals Inverness.
The Ayrshire side were cheered on by almost 5,000 home supporters – and the Rugby Park boss insists he's grateful for their backing.
Killie steered themselves into pole position in the race to catch Arbroath in the cinch Championship with the three points.
A Kyle Lafferty tap-in within the first 10 minutes was enough to send them into second place, just a point behind Dick Campbell’s league leaders.
It was a professional performance from the hosts who have now set up a spectacular TV showdown at Gayfield on Friday night with the winners taking their place at the summit.
Delighted boss McInnes said: “The main priority was to win the game and the players showed real resolve.
"I don’t think Zach [Hemming] has had a real save to make but we should have picked Inverness off. We were a bit wasteful.
"We are a team who look like we are not used to winning at home. Sometimes in games like that there is tension from the crowd, but our fans were remarkable.
"They got behind the team and were a proper home support and I was grateful because they see the willingness of the team and we had some good moments in that first-half.
“We would like to have more control in these games but it is all about the winning. At 1-0 up we will be better again so we are learning as we are going along. It was 10/10 for effort."
It took Killie just nine minutes to take the lead and, of course, Lafferty made no mistake in tapping home from six yards after wonderful work from Daniel MacKay who fired a cross in from the right wing.
The stadium erupted in the 17th minute as fans inside the ground applauded in memory of Warren Graham, known as the Killie Piper, who sadly passed away during the week at just 17.
Stand-in captain Rory McKenzie had a fantastic chance to double Killie’s lead when he found himself through on goal in the 24th minute but his effort flew just over the bar.
Tom Walsh looked to bring the sides level just before the half-hour mark, but his effort from the left wing was turned out for a corner thanks to a top save by Hemming.
Killie fans thought the game was all but wrapped up five minutes after half-time when Euan Murray had the ball in the net but it was relief for the visitors when the goal was ruled out for a handball.
McKenzie tried his luck from 20 yards in the 55th minute but his low driven shot was well saved by Mark Ridgers.
Oli Shaw had an incredible chance to seal the three points in the 70th minute as he picked up the ball 12 yards out after a Chris Burke cross, but his first shot was blocked and a rebound trickled agonisingly wide.
Three minutes later McKenzie picked up the ball outside the box after some great play. He curled a glorious shot towards goal but Ridgers was equal to it with a good save.
Inverness were screaming for a penalty in the 89th minute when Joe Hardy went round Hemming and ended up going down, but Whistler Don Robertson was having none of it as he waved play on.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
