Kilmarnock's fine Ayrshire Derby victory sent them top of the cinch Championship pile for the first time since December 3 – and Derek McInnes is desperate to stay there.
First half goals from Rory McKenzie, Oli Shaw and Jack Sanders helped Killie to a memorable 3-1 win against bitter rivals Ayr United at Somerset Park.
A crazy first 45 was rounded-off with a Markus Fjortoft red card 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute and a Kerr McInroy strike to give the Honest Men a glimmer of hope.
But a relatively dull second period in comparison saw few flashpoints as the game petered out to finish as the first half did.
It sends Killie to the league summit for at least 24 hours, with Arbroath heading to Inverness tomorrow.
And beaming boss McInnes said: “It’s a derby and it was all about winning especially at this time of the season.
“It was our third opportunity to go top of the league. We failed to do so in two Friday night games. Now it feels good to be there - but it’s all about being top on April 29.
“We recognise the strength and quality of the teams round about us. Nobody is going to give us victories.
“I’m just pleased to win another one on the road. We have won our last three home games in the league and now picked up a draw and a win on the road. Continue that form and it gives us a chance.
“The connection with the fans and the players tonight really helped us.
“The fans were brilliant. Like me they frustrated at wanting more goals. But it’s a derby and Ayr are not going to roll over.
“I loved how the supporters were with the players at the end. I said after the last derby we had a bit of making up to do with the fans so that’s sent them home happy.”
He added: “I thought we were very good. Our shape caused them a bit of problems but we still needed individuals to produce moments and Fraser Murray’s touch and reverse pass for the first goal was excellent and settled us down.
“We then score two goals off set plays and have one cleared off the line.
“We were asking the question for the fourth goal. But it’s human nature after the red card that one or two start to relax and the intensity drops.”
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