Kilmarnock Archives - SNN Sports

Livingston 1-4 Kilmarnock: Classy Killie Dismantle Hosts to end Season on a High

Livingston 1-4 Kilmarnock May (19′) Hugill (24′, 58′) Clescenco (34′) Curtis (53′) Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock delivered a dominant four-goal display, as Livingston’s dismal season ended on another low at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. The visitors, fresh from their survival securing victory over Dundee, started brightly, keen to end the season on another high. But despite dominating possession in the opening 10 minutes, Robbie Muirhead’s header came the closest to breaking the deadlock. Michael Schjonning-Larsen made space in the box on the 15-minute mark, but after dropping the shoulder, his left-footed strike veered high of Jerome Prior’s net. The hosts looked determined to give their fans one last cheer in a testing season. They found the elusive first goal courtesy of Stevie May in the 20th minute. McKay was instrumental, laying off May to fire a low strike past the rooted Max Stryjek in the penalty box. Kilmarnock probed for an immediate equaliser, responding well to the setback. Nicky Clescenco found an advanced position on Killie’s left, swinging a low cross for Joe Hugill to roll home. Both sides had little to play for, but had started the match at an entertaining pace. Clescenco doubled the lead with ten to play in the first half. After dispossessing Livi on the attack, a flowing counterattack was powered home by the winger in the six-yard box. The visitors were enjoying wave after wave of attack as the half came to a close. Neil McCann deserves a heap of credit for reenergising a broken Kilmarnock side, who looked well on their way to capturing a fourth straight league victory. Killie continued with confidence in the second half, looking to add gloss to the scoreline. A last gasp Cammy Kerr challenge denied the visiting attack after a strong run from Hugill down the Livi right. Scotland starlet Findlay Curtis added a third minutes later. Clescenco evaded the Livingston defence with brilliant skill before releasing Dom Thompson into space. His low cross was sidefooted home by Curtis, putting clear daylight between the sides. Hugill rolled home his second goal on the hour mark after a simple through ball; the visitors were really starting to enjoy themselves. The hosts continued to show fight off the bench, Sam Culbert’s effort sailed narrowly over Max Stryjek’s goal with 15 to play. The Polish goalkeeper then pulled off almost identical saves to deny May and Culbert as the clock crept closer to 90. The full-time whistle brought down the curtain on a difficult season for the hosts, but for Kilmarnock, it was the perfect way to close out an impressive post-split run. Livingston: Prior 6 Kerr 6 Kabongolo 6 Wilson 6 Smith 5 Montano 5 Tait 5 Danso 5 May 6 Muirhead 5 McKay 5 Substitutes: Nouble 5 Denholm 5 Zimmerman 5 Culbert 5 Fati 4 Kilmarnock: Stryjek 8 Thompson 7 Deas 7 Stanger 7 Schjonning-Larsen 7 Tshibola 8 Lowery 7 Kiltie 9 Clescenco 9 Hugill 9 Curtis 9 Substitutes: Lyons 6 Thomson 5 Brown 5 Watson 5 Bowie 4 Attendance: 3038

May 17, 2026

Kilmarnock 3-1 Dundee FC: Killie confirm their Premiership status with a vital victory over the Dee

A brace from Joe Hugill secures safety for Killie, delight for Neil McCann has been a revelation since his arrival to the Rugby Park dugout. It was a cagey opening first 15 minutes, the hosts had the opening chance, Findlay Curtis with some excellent wing play, floating an enticing ball into the Dundee box, but it just missed the head of Joe Hugill. Moments after, Tom Lowery sees his powerful attempt on goal from the edge of the box saved by Dundee keeper Kieran O’Hara. A tense atmosphere was already building inside Rugby Park. But the hosts were in control of the match in the early stages. Midway through the first half, Kiliie had the ball in the back of the net, some quick and clever play as Greg Kiltie played a dangerous ball into the box, Findlay Curtis managed to get on the end of it to poke it in past Kieran O’Hara, much to the joy of the home fans. That joy was short-lived as VAR deemed the goal to be offside. A rare and glaring opportunity arose for Dundee as Fin Robertson found himself in acres of space inside the Killie box following a quick counterattack; however, the delivery to him was abysmal. A corner brought some hope for the hosts; unfortunately for Killie, it came to nothing. Following the corner, Dundee set out on a counterattack, which was abruptly ended when Robbie Deas brought down Scott Wright on the halfway line, resulting in a yellow card for the Kilmarnock captain. Two huge chances for Kilmarnock on the stroke of half-time, Bruce Anderson almost squeezed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Another glorious opportunity from the resulting corner, Findlay Curtis’s header was just inches wide. With the news that Saint Mirren were leading at Pittodrie, the anxiety amongst the home fans grew even more as the whistle for half-time went. Kilmarnock finally got the goal they needed through Tom Lowery in the 62nd minute; the midfielder rifled the ball right into the far corner of the net. Kieran O’Hara had absolutely no chance. Another massive chance for Findlay Curtis moments after his side took the lead, however, the tricky winger could not convert as his attempt went wide, a golden opportunity for the home side to go two up. That chance would come back to haunt him as Dundee re-grouped and went on the offensive, equalising through substitute Charlie Riley. His strike from just outside took a deflection and flew into the back of the net, ultimately going down as a Tom Lowery own goal. Just as Dundee drew level, St. Mirren doubled their lead at Pittodrie, a terrible passage of time for Killie. Lifeline for the hosts in the 84th minute. A clumsy challenge by young prospect Charley Oosenbrugh on Aaron Tshibola inside the box led to a penalty being awarded for Kilmarnock. Joe Hugill stepped up and made no mistake, burying his penalty into the bottom left corner, sending the Killie fans into pandemonium. Killie sealed the deal as Neil McCann’s men made it 3-1 with just seconds left on the clock. Joe Hugill nodded the ball into the net, grabbing a brace for himself on the night after substitute Rory McKenzie capitalised on some poor Dundee defending and secured Killie’s status as a Premiership side for another season. Coming into tonight’s game, Neil McCann knew a victory for Kilmarnock would secure their Premiership status for another season. Facing a heavily rotated Dundee side, who have already secured their spot in Scotland’s top flight for another season, despite many people backing the Dee to face the drop at the start of the season. This result now means that this season’s League Cup winners, St. Mirren, will play in the relegation play-offs and could well face the drop to the Scottish Championship. As for the hosts, they can travel stress-free to Livingston for their final game of the season this coming Sunday. Player Ratings Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7, Schønning-Larsen 8 (Mayo 87′ 6), Stanger 7, Deas 8, Thompson 8, Tshibola 8, Lowery 8, Curtis 7, Hugill 9, Kiltie 7 (McKenzie 92′), Anderson 6 (Watkins 58′ 6, Watson 87′ ) Dundee: O’Hara 6, Astley 7, Clark Robertson 6 (Bevan 67′ 6), Koumetio 6, Halliday 6 (Oosenburgh 4), Finaly Robertson 6, Jones 7, Cotteril 6 (Yogane 86′), Samuels 5, Wright 5 (Reilly 68′ 6), Hay 6 (Westley 68′ 6)

May 12, 2026

McCann lauds “important” win but insists relegation scrap is far from over

Neil McCann has urged his side to stay grounded, despite moving out of the relegation playoff spot for the first time in 18 weeks, after a dominant home win against Dundee United. Saturday’s 3-0 victory sets up a tantalising encounter against rivals St Mirren next weekend. Speaking at full-time, the manager believes the result could prove a “big moment” for the entire club. “We’ve been stuck in the bottom two for such a long time. It feels nice that everyone can go and enjoy their weekend now, but there’s nothing done yet. We were right at it today, the last ten minutes we came away from ourselves, which I’ve just reminded the team that’s not what we are after, but to win a game of the size of it was today is so important.” “It’s such a brilliant result. It’s such a big day for the club that we’ve managed to get another win at home.” “The away form’s really important as well. We need to do a job away from home as well. We’ve got three games left and we’ll look to try and win all three of those. Findlay Curtis doubled Killie’s lead in the second half, continuing his fine form on loan from Rangers. With National boss Steve Clarke in attendance, it could help to earn another Scotland call-up before the World Cup. “Findlay Curtis has shown his versatility. He did more than fine. He did great against a really, really top player in Will Ferry, who’s been scoring goals and creating goals for Dundee United, so we knew we had to nullify him. A great finish and a top all-round performance.” Skipper Robbie Deas agreed on the impact of the youngster. “He comes in, he works so hard, and he fits in so well. He deserves everything he’s got. I’m delighted for him. “He’s got his [Scotland] call-up and his debut, but he knows himself that he still needs to work hard. You can see that today.” “He’s playing different positions. I don’t know how many positions he’s played today, but he’s more than capable of it. He’s a very level-headed guy. “I’m absolutely delighted for him, and I hope he keeps it up.” Kilmarnock return to action with three games in a hectic eight-day schedule. With an opportunity to move four clear of relegation, the motivation is crystal clear for McCann’s team.

May 3, 2026

Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee Utd: Hosts leapfrog relegation rivals to boost survival hopes

Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee United Deas (21′) Curtis (51′) Hugill (64′) Kilmarnock took a huge step towards automatic safety after a clinical home victory against Dundee United at the BBSP Rugby Park. Both sides had early chances in a frantic opening. Max Stryjek saved Zac Sapsford’s shot inside the penalty area after positive play from Will Ferry down the United left. Neil McCann knew a victory could potentially propel Kilmarnock out of the relegation playoff, and responded minutes later. Dave Richards tipped Tom Lowery’s header over the bar for their first effort of the game. United’s best threat looked to be coming from Ferry, who was influential in last weekend’s derby victory. His latest cross deflected to Sapsford inside the box, whose low shot arrowed wide from 12 yards. If they could build on the 3-0 win against their bitter rivals, they could wrap up the top spot in the relegation group. Dave Richards produced another top-class save in the 17th minute to keep the scores level. Greg Kiltie raced through on goal, but the Welshman spread himself to deny from close range. Killie hit the front from their first corner of the match in the 21st minute. A deep cross was headed home by captain Robbie Deas to lift Killie from the relegation spots. News of Dundee’s opener against St Mirren spread across all corners of the BBSP Rugby Park, to reinvigorate the home faithful . The tenacious Tshibola went close to doubling the lead in the 38th minute. But after dispossessing the United midfield, his speculative 25-yard effort was tipped over. Sapsford’s blazed over Neil Farrugia’s cross close to the break, as United pushed for the leveller. Kilmarnock’s excellent home form looked to be delivering another victory as the halftime whistle blew. Findlay Curtis endured a quiet first half but burst into life in the 50th minute. After latching onto a speculative forward pass, the winger showcases composure beyond his years, sidefooting past Richards to double the host’s lead. With national boss Steve Clarke in attendance, the youngster’s strike could help to foster another Scotland call-up with the World Cup on the horizon. Matters got worse for the Arabs, and especially for the unfortunate Samuel Cleall-Harding, in the 64th minute. The young defender misjudged a backpass, allowing Jordan Hugill to poke Killie into a 3-goal advantage and effectively end any hopes of a Dundee comeback. United were unable to test Stryjek in the first half, and Jim Goodwin quickly moved to his bench before the hour mark. Though safety is all but secured in the top flight, the manager would have hoped for a strong end to the season. The visitors pushed for a way back, with Kilmarnock happier to drop deep and defend their lead. Farrugia and Ivan Dolcek’s efforts were saved by the Pole, determined to keep his clean sheet. Victory moves Kilmarnock out of the relegation playoff spots for the first time in 18 games, but McCann insists “we’ve achieved nothing yet” ahead of a seismic clash against St Mirren next weekend. Teams Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7 Curtis 8 Stanger 7 Deas 7 Schjonning-Larsen 8 Kiltie 7 Lowery 7 Tshibola 8 Hugill 7 Anderson 7 Clescenco 6 Substitutes: Thompson 6 Polwarth 6 Curtis 6 Mayo 6 Dundee United: Richards 5 Cleall-Harding 4 Graham 6 Keresztes 6 Naamo 6 Ferry 6 Camara 5 Agyei 5 Sapsford 6 Watters 5 Farrugia 6 Substitutes: Dolcek 6 Sevelj 6 Russell 5 Sibbald 5 Stirton 4 Attendance: 5,529

May 2, 2026

Retaining Premiership status a real possibility for Kilmarnock under Neil McCann

Prior to McCann’s arrival in January, Kilmarnock looked destined for the drop, but McCann has since turned Killie’s fortunes around as the gap has closed on their fellow relegation battlers. Stuart Kettlewell was relieved of his duties at Rugby Park last December after going 10 games without a win, including six defeats in a row during that period. Leaving Kilmarnock second bottom with just a three-point gap above bottom side Livingston. Since Neil McCann’s arrival to the Kilmarnock dugout, the former Scotland international has steadied Killie’s ship, picking up vital points including back-to-back victories against league leaders Hearts and fellow strugglers Livingston. Killie find themselves in eleventh place, but more importantly, the gap to the bottom spot has increased massively in their favour to twelve points, all but securing them from automatic relegation. Neil McCann’s side are just two points off St. Mirren in 10th place, leapfrogging the buddies come the end of the season will mean they are safe from a relegation play-off with a Championship team. “These next five games are huge for not only ourselves, but the club as a whole and the fans, and we understand the importance of them.” “I’m not frightened by the challenge ahead. I’ve been here before, and my positivity is the exact same, and that’s reinforced because I do believe that teams are actually realising that Kilmarnock have got a right good side.” “All in all, my reflection on where we’ve been since I’ve come in to where we are now, I feel were in a great place to really finish the season strongly.” As we enter the split, it is do or die for Killie, but Neil McCann has all the confidence in himself and his players in avoiding the drop. Kilmarnock kick off split fixtures with a trip away to Aberdeen this coming Saturday. The last time these two faced each other, Neil McCann comfortably guided Kilmarnock to a 3-0 victory, and he will be aiming for more of the same this weekend. Despite a brief season in the championship in 2021/22, Kilmarnock have established themselves as a solid Premiership side this century, lifting the Scottish League Cup in 2012 and having several impressive league finishes, such as a finishing in third place in 2018/19 under current national team manager Steve Clarke, and a fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 campaign. Kilmarnock post-split fixtures: Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (25 April 3:00 pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee United (2 May 3:00 pm) St. Mirren v Kilmarnock (9 May 3:00 pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee FC (12 May 7:45 pm) Livingston v Kilmarnock (17 May 2:00 pm) 💬 Have Your Say What do you think? Let us know in the comments or on social media @SNNsports.

April 22, 2026

Double trouble (X2!) at Killie Community Easter camp

Staff at the Killie Community experienced Déjà vu on Thursday (April 16th) when FOUR sets of twins took to the pitch at their Easter holiday camp. Fully kitted out in Killie colours ranging from Rory McKenzie’s special testimonial strip, this season’s multicoloured goalkeeper jersey, our Paper Roses kit and of course, the club’s iconic blue and white stripes, the respective pairs of brothers were all thrilled to pose for a photo in unique circumstances at the Community Hub. Involved in the Killie Community’s dedicated Easter camp were: Ollie & Alfie, aged 5 Calvin & Corey, aged 6 Struan & Alexander, aged 5 Rory & Arlo, aged 5 The boys were part of the programme which saw over 150 children, aged 5 – 12, from the local area enjoy football coaching and other fun, engaging activities during the school holidays. Last week’s participants were lucky enough to spend some time with vice-captain Robbie Deas and academy product David Watson as the first team players signed autographs. The kids played on the club’s community nine-a-side pitch at the rear of the Moffat Stand, before enjoying a snack and healthy lunch during breaks throughout the dedicated, fun-filled days of the initiative. Spaces in the camp are partly funded by Scottish Gas, the Scottish FA and various other local and national organisations to allow youngsters to attend at no cost. Thumbnail Photo Credit: Jeff Holmes

April 16, 2026

Hibernian 3-0 Kilmarnock: Quickfire start boosts Hibees European hopes

Hibernian 3-0 Kilmarnock Elding (1′) Passlack (12′) Suto (90+3′) A strike after just 13 seconds spurred Hibernian to a home victory over Kilmarnock, as they returned from the international break to close the gap on Motherwell to three points in the European spots of the Scottish Premiership. The hosts made a dream start with barely a second on the clock. Owen Elding repaid his manager’s faith to slide under Kelle Roos in the box after a marauding forward run by Felix Passlack. The lead became two after twelve minutes. Elding, playing with such swagger, released Jordan Obita through on goal after spinning on the halfway line. Roos attempted to close the angle, but the wingback squared to Passlack, who rolled home. David Gray’s side was so sharp and showcased a conviction that has been lacking in a somewhat inconsistent season. With news of Barney Stewart’s headed opener filtering through the stands, Hibs looked destined to close the gap on Motherwell to three points. Kilmarnock thought they had established a foothold in the game with their first chance of the match. Brad Lyons collected a rebounded ball on the byline and slid across the box for Findlay Curtis to sidefoot home. But after a lengthy VAR check, Lyons was adjudged to be standing offside, and the goal was swiftly ruled out. Neil McCann’s side closed out the first half better than they started, but struggled to penetrate the Hibs back three. The hosts’ swashbuckling opening 15 minutes was the difference in the Capital. The visitors started the second half positively. Curtis did unbelievably well to beat Chaiwa in the corner, but his back-post cross was cleared. The next goal felt critical in this crunch encounter. The winger scored his first Kilmarnock goal against Livingston 2 weeks ago, and seemed to be McCann’s best outlet for drawing level. Kiltie tested Raphael Sallinger with a speculative from twenty yards as the visitors continued to press. Hibs looked comfortable, but Gray would hope his side could find a third and kill the game. Kilmarnock continued to dominate the ball to no great avail. McCann would have been disappointed with his side’s efforts to create clear-cut chances in a mediocre second half. Hibs rounded out the scoring with seconds to play. Substitutes Martin Boyle and Ante Suto combined, the latter rolled past Roos to finish a productive afternoon for the hosts. Gray’s men move just three points behind Motherwell with just six games remaining. But for Kilmarnock, lessons to be learned for McCann’s side, who remain rooted in the relegation playoff spot. Hibernian: Sallinger 7 Hanley 8 O’Hora 7 Iredale 7 Passlack 7 Obita 7 Barlaser 7 McGrath 7 Chaiwa 8 Scarlett 7 Elding 8 Substitutes: Newell 6 Suto 6 Andrews 6 Boyle 3 Campbell 3 Kilmarnock: Roos 6 Stanger 6 Brandon 6 Deas 6 Schjonning-Larsen 6 Tshibola 6 Polwarth 4 Lyons 4 Kiltie 6 Curtis 7 Hugill 5 Substitutes: Watson 6 Watkins 6 Thompson 5 Anderson 2 Thomson 2

April 4, 2026

“We’ve found a good place” – Kilmarnock finding their groove under McCann

Neil McCann aimed to “eliminate the fear” after taking over Kilmarnock in January, as they continue their quest for safety in the Scottish Premiership against Hibernian. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Easter Road, McCann believes his side are in a positive position, despite being perched in the relegation playoff spot. “I’m aware of it, clearly, I have to be aware of it, but just looking at where we are now, I think we’re just in a really good groove in terms of how we’re feeling about ourselves and the way we want to play. “We’ll probably have another wee meeting today, actually, just in fine-tuning because I still think we can get much better. “But I think we’ve found a good place where we’re defensively structured but still retaining a real good threat. I’m hoping that the fans are enjoying what they’re seeing just now. “I think where we are right now is that we always wanted to make sure we’re in the fight here. The former Rangers and Hearts winger took over at the beginning of 2026, and after ending their 14-match winless run, back-to-back victories over Hearts and Livingston have boosted their survival chances. “I think the biggest thing for me coming in here with Billy [Dodds] was to eliminate the fear that maybe was existing. “Fear is maybe the wrong word, apprehension may be a better word to use, and just let the boys get back to enjoying their football, being brave because being brave is going to get results and we’ve started that but we’ve got so much work to do. “We’re nowhere near where we want to be and Saturday is just going to be another example of how hard it’s going to be for us this season.” A positive result over David Gray’s side could help Killie leapfrog their nearest rivals and out of the relegation playoff position. With plenty of football yet to play, there is no doubt that Kilmarnock are in a stronger place under McCann’s guidance.

April 2, 2026

McCann determined to create a “Fortress” after Hearts victory

Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann expressed his delight at his side’s improved home form, following their deserved 1-0 victory over league leaders Hearts at BSSP Rugby Park. “There’s a lot to like. I’m so proud of the players. We’ve had two weeks to dwell on the Falkirk result. “The message was to play with risk and bravery, but that we would have to match Hearts. “We knew they would throw balls in the box and be physical, but to a man, we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the three points. “We did all the stuff off the ball so well. Derek [McInnes] is a first-class manager, and we had to adjust our tactics to respect how Hearts would play. “We had everything tonight and could have scored more as well. We tried to stay composed, they stuck their chests out and deserve their victory. “The bar was set when we came in – what we expect as a coaching team. What we’re doing at home is so pleasing. I want it to become a fortress.” The victory moves the Ayrshire side level on points with St Mirren, ahead of a crucial few weeks before the Scottish Premiership split. Victories over Aberdeen, St Mirren, and now Hearts at home have fuelled optimism for a rejuvenated Killie support. McCann and assistant Billy Dodds deserve heaps of credit for the side’s steady improvement.

March 16, 2026

“Refocused” Kilmarnock will be a tough assignment for Hearts – McCann

Neil McCann promises that leaders Hearts will be given a “tough game” by his wounded Kilmarnock side, who suffered a damning defeat to high-flying Falkirk in their last league encounter. The Ayrshire team have had 2 weeks to stew on the 5-1 defeat, but believes the break allowed his side to “refocus”. “We’ve had a wee bit of extra time to stew on that defeat from Falkirk, which looked totally out of character in terms of performances that we’ve produced since I’ve been here. “I think everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and we were punished by a really good side. “What it has done is give us a wee bit of time to actually look at where we’ve gone wrong in that game, in particular. “With a mix of just giving the boys a wee bit of time away as well because we have been training them hard, so it’s been beneficial, I hope to everybody.” McCann expects a reaction from his team, who “look forward” to welcoming Derek McInnes’ side. “I’ve never seen anything other than a brilliant attitude in training since I’ve been in here. I’ve been talking about the attitude of the boys and what we’ve been asking them to do, of course. “They are gonna be a wee bit low when they return from that defeat and so we should be it was a sore one for everybody to take. “We were really disappointed in ourselves, the show we put on, in most of the other games, I think you can say we’ve been right in, and looking like a threat. “But it has given up a wee bit of a jolt at a good point of the season, actually, with the four games coming up before the split “It’s maybe refocused our minds, we look forward to welcoming hearts here at Rugby Park.” McCann believes his side will be tough outfit for the Gorgie side to crack. “Hearts are going great, and its gonna be a really tough game, they are coming here with their own pressures, to stay at the top of the table, and I think they’ll be thinking this is a hard game. “I honestly do believe that they’ll be expecting a tough game from us down here and I think we’ve been really good at home of late, so we’ve got to continue that for, and belief. Hopefully, we get a big crowd behind us” The manager added that there were no injury scares, his side were “pretty strong” and had a “full group training today [Friday]”.

March 14, 2026

Kilmarnock