Kilmarnock left it late to claim a crucial 1-0 victory over Livingston in the cinch Premiership at Rugby Park.
The visitors failed to convert a number of chances in the first half against their out-of-sorts hosts and they were punished at the death.
Substitute Kevin van Veen was the provider, knocking the ball across goal for Marley Watkins to bundle home two minutes from time.
Killie strengthened their grip on fourth spot after winning their first league match of the year, while Livingston’s miserable winless run has stretched to 17, meaning they remain six points adrift at the foot of the table.
Greg Stewart was handed his first start for Kilmarnock and Liam Donnelly replaced Liam Polworth as Derek McInnes made two changes to the team that drew with Motherwell four days earlier.
Livingston made four changes as they looked to taste victory in the Premiership for the first time since October.
Tete Yengi started in the Premiership for the first time, while Daniel Mackay, Steven Bradley and Michael Nottingham all returned to the side.
Bradley had a weak early shot from distance smothered by Will Dennis, while Kyle Vassell blazed high and wide of the target at the other end.
The visitors passed up a good opportunity after 20 minutes when Nottingham rose to meet Bradley’s free-kick, though his header sailed harmlessly into the arms of the Killie keeper.
It required an important intervention from Jamie Brandon to turn Stuart Findlay’s dangerous cross behind for a corner – but the home supporters were growing increasingly frustrated at the laboured tempo of their team.
Livingston had the ball in the net six minutes before the break after Scott Pittman raced onto Yengi’s defence-splitting pass and rolled the ball home, only to have his celebrations cut short by the offside flag.
On the stroke of half-time, Pittman curled an effort just wide with Dennis scrambling and Yengi then prodded wide after being brilliantly set free by Bradley.
The home fans voiced their displeasure at the end of the first half and McInnes reacted by making a double change at the break. Matty Kennedy replaced Tom Davies and Polworth came on for David Watson.
Shamal George had been a virtual spectator but came up with a brilliant stop five minutes into the second half as he leapt to tip away Kennedy’s goal-bound shot.
The Livi keeper was at it again on the hour-mark, sensationally keeping out Donnelly’s close-range header.
The home supporters were lifted by the introduction of Van Veen on 71 minutes, part of a triple switch by the hosts.
Killie survived a huge scare when Mo Sangare passed up a glorious chance after being picked out by Andrew Shinnie.
The Lions almost paid the price for their lack of cutting edge when Murray found Watkins with a pin-point cross, though he was the latest to be denied by more heroics from George.
Kennedy stung the palms of the keeper before the hosts finally made the breakthrough with two minutes left.
Van Veen did well to nod Kennedy’s cross into the path of Watkins who turned the ball into the net.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Chelsea v PSG before Chelsea Now Nuno Mendes VS Chelsea Andrea Berta on Fire Who !? After carrying the country for years, they finally picked Messi up PSG went 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 in the Club World Cup final Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, BleacherReportFootball)...
Ben Doak could leave Liverpool this summer if their £25m valuation is metNottingham Forest have joined the race for Ben Doak after registering their interest in the Liverpool teenager. Doak was a revelation on loan at Middlesbrough last season, scoring three goals and racking up seven assists in the Championship. And his performances have caught the attention of Forest, who have cash to burn ...
Manchester United could snap up Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer.Manchester United are said to be in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB LeipzigManchester United are reportedly in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer. The 22-year-old striker agreed terms with Arsenal earlier this summer, but the Gunners made a transfer U-turn after Leipzig’s asking price rose t...
Reports from Portugal suggest Viktor Gyokeres' long floated move from Sporting CP to Arsenal could be in danger of completely collapsing.Parties cannot align terms for add-ons in deal Initial fee of €70m + €10m of conditional agreed Long-running saga continues to drag onWHAT HAPPENED?A report by Portuguese newspaper Record, suggests the summer's longest-running transfer saga shows no s...
Ex-Liverpool star Oxlade-Chamberlain's Besiktas deal torn upEx-Arsenal and Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's deal with Besiktas has been terminated, setting up the player's return to the Premier League.As per Yeni Safak, Besiktas have terminated Oxlade-Chamberlain's deal, as he was informed he would not be part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans going forward. The midfielder struggled with inj...
Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal 2025Cristhian Mosquera has said goodbye to his Valencia team-mates ahead of his move to Arsenal, and also spoke about his sadness in leaving Los Che.WHAT HAPPENED?The 21-year-old reported to Valencia's Paterna training ground along with his team-mates, but rather than participate in pre-season, he was there to say his goodbyes. Mosquera will be making the switch to north...
Manchester City FC v Manchester United FC - Premier LeagueA 20-year-old Manchester United fan has pleaded guilty to assaulting Jack Grealish by slapping the Manchester City star following April’s heated Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Alfie Holt admitted to the offence in court and has been banned from attending football matches for three years, while also receiving a fine for the incident...
AFC Ajax v Galatasaray A.S. - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8Jordan Henderson has opened up on his departure from Ajax after the Dutch club mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing the former Liverpool captain to return to the Premier League with Brentford. In a heartfelt message, Henderson reflected on his 'immense pride' in representing Ajax, thanking fans and teammates fo...
Corentin TolissoManchester United are reportedly looking to make a surprise move to sign France international Corentin Tolisso from Lyon, contacting the midfielder's entourage as they look to strengthen their squad this summer. Tolisso, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season, is reportedly open to joining the Premier League giants – but the Red Devils face competition from Atletico Madrid.WHAT...
Besiktas v Istanbul Basaksehir - Turkish Super LeagueEx-Arsenal and Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's deal with Besiktas has been terminated, setting up the player's return to the Premier League. WHAT HAPPENED?As per Yeni Safak, Besiktas have terminated Oxlade-Chamberlain's deal, as he was informed he would not be part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans going forward. The midfielder struggled ...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 4 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 5 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 6 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club
- 7 DAZN sports host nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction at CWC
- 8 Everton sign Villarreal striker Barry: The fans here are like crazy people, I like this!
- 9 Bayern Munich lay out terms for Luis Diaz
- 10 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife