St Johnstone return to the Premiership on a high as they edge past Killie in a dramatic four-goal thriller with Kai Fotheringham wins it for the Saints in a 4-3 victory.
St Johnstone started off the brightest, having majority of the ball but unable to find a goal with Paton having a chance after 10 minutes but headed straight towards the Killie number one which was eventually flagged offside.
The hosts went ahead after 17 minutes, Tshibola slipping up on the ball which gifted Stanton a run goal-bound which found itself at Gullan which was slotted through to Josh Fowler in the box as he calmly struck it home as St Johnstone took the lead.
Some sloppy play once again allowed Paton to have a shot on target but was well stopped with moments later, Jason Holt had a strong chance from distance which fired just wide of goal.
Kilmarnock struck level after 37 minutes, a ball into the box which ended in a scramble which fell to Greg Kiltie as he took it first-time and struck it into the net to give the visitors the vital equaliser.
Overall, a first half to be happy with by the hosts but for Killie, despite the equaliser, they will need to improve in certain areas going into the second 45.
Into the second half, St Johnstone quickly went back in front following a ball into the box as Diabate powerfully headed the ball into the back of the net to restore the lead.
Killie were back level very quickly as Joe Hugill slotted the ball into the net from very close range as the goals continued to fly in bringing the visitors level.
Another goal quickly went in as Jason Holt netted an own-goal following which looked to be a strike from Hugill to put Killie ahead for the first time in an eventful second period.
St Johnstone levelled once again as Gullan whipped in a dangerous free kick with Lloyd getting on the end of it and bringing his side level with just his first touch after coming on.
An exciting ending is in store as both sides seem very eager to find the winner with both sides creating chances after a very eventful game so far.
Fantastic play by both Fotheringham and Fowler as Fowler slots the ball into the path of Fotheringham as he smashes the ball into the back of the net as the Saints look likely to be heading to victory unless Killie still have something in them.
A big win for St Johnstone on their return to the Premiership in a very entertaining game as Killie go home empty handed despite netting on three occasions.
St Johnstone: Stewart, Foulds, Diabate, Mitchell, Smith, McAlear (6), Holt (6), Stanton, Gullan (8), Fowler (9), Paton (7).
Substitutes: Fotheringham, Chalmers, Lloyd, Tait
Kilmarnock: Stryjek, Clesceno, Brown, Stranger, Schjonning-Larsen, Ring (6), Lowery, Tshibola, Kiltie, John-Jules (6), Hugill.
Substitutes: Brandon, Rice, Mathurin, O’Hara, Owen