Ally Mitchell's first goal of the season on the half-hour mark was enough to give Killie maximum points and leave United still looking for their first league win of the season.

It took Kilmarnock some time to get into the game but once they scored they never looked like losing.

United were the better team in the opening period and could have been a goal or two ahead before Killie scored.

Steven Thompson was the main threat to the home defence and Gordon Marshall was busier of the two keepers in that opening period.

The towering Jason de Vos also gave Marshall an early test, his 19th minute header well held by the Kilmarnock keeper. Then Alphonse Tchami was unlucky when Alan Mahood's late tackle denied him a shot at goal.

Thompson again have the home defence a scare when his header flew inches wide of the goal.

But Killie edged their way into the game with Andy McLaren beginning to buzz against his former team.

A short free-kick by McLaren set up Paul Wright in 26 minutes but Alan Combe gathered the ball on the deck as it made its way through a ruck of United defenders.

Killie managed to break through on the half hour mark through Mitchell. The midfielder timed his run into the box to perfection and lashed Paul Wright's pass high into the net.

United were unfortunate not to draw level five minutes later when Thompson's shot beat Marshall's outstretched arms but hit the post.

The visitors finished the first half on top and Thompson came close again with a flick at the back post that was only a yard wide of the goal.

Kilmarnock opened the second half in determined fashion and Ally McCoist was denied at the near post when Hasney Aljofree got in to block Wright's cross.

In 67 minutes a Mitchell error gave Cameroon striker Mvondo Atangana a chance to equalise but Marshall was quickly off his line to block his effort.

Substitute Christophe Cocard, came even closer to scoring for Killie, but his close-range shot came back off the post and was cleared by the United defence.

The visitors staged a brief rally in the middle of the second half but the Killie defence, well marshalled by Frederick Dindeleux, held out to stretch the Rugby Park side's unbeaten run to five games.