Jimmy Calderwood says saving Kilmarnock from relegation would match any of his other managerial achievements.
The Ayrshire side took a step closer to Clydesdale Bank Premier League survival with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie as their rivals Falkirk lost ground with a goalless draw with St Johnstone. Dons skipper Mark Kerr broke the deadlock but second half goals from Liam Kelly and Kevin Kyle gave the Ayrshire side a vital win in the battle to beat the drop
Calderwood, the former Aberdeen manager, said: "Avoiding relegation was the aim when we came here. Every club has different aims, whether it is at Aberdeen where you are trying to get into Europe and cup finals or Kilmarnock where the first aim is survival."
He added: "We managed to get Aberdeen into Europe and we got Dunfermline to a cup final and Europe but it would be great if we can finish this season with a result that keeps Kilmarnock up."
The Killie boss felt his side were long overdue a bit of luck after seeing them end a dismal run of 10 defeats in 11 games with a precious win over the Dons.
He said: "The players have been playing well and haven't been getting their just reward. We played well against a good St Johnstone side at the weekend and lost but we got that luck we needed.
"It was great that Kevin popped up with the winner. He has missed an absolute sitter five minutes before that but he managed to score the difficult one. But it wasn't all about Kevin Kyle as I thought Craig Bryson was immense as was young Liam Kelly who is going to be a really good player."
Kilmarnock will only require a draw on Saturday with Falkirk to ensure their top-flight survival but Calderwood says his side will be going all out for the win.
He added: "The most important thing is it is still in our own hands. I can't ever remember playing for a draw, maybe against Rangers or Celtic, but you have to go and try and win the game and get rid of the nerves as soon as possible.
"It would be nice to score in the first ten minutes and be able to enjoy the rest of the game."
Source: PA
