Kilmarnock Archives - SNN Sports

A COMPLETE preview of the 2026/27 William Hill Premiership

Millions of eyes from all around the world were fixed on the Scottish Premiership last season as Hearts bid to end the Glasgow-centric dominance that has reigned over Scotland since the 80s. Celtic got the title over the line at the last minute, which many will find disappointing, but the global attention on Scottish football can only be a good thing. Hearts’ weren’t the only underdog story of last season with Motherwell and Falkirk providing excellent stories in their own right. Whilst the 2026/27 season certainly has a hard act to follow in terms of entertainment factor, here’s everything you need to know about the league heading into the next season. Aberdeen: It’s a first full season in charge for Stephen Robinson who replaced Jimmy Thelin in March. It’s always hard to predict how Aberdeen will fair as life post Derrick McInnes can best be described as a rollercoaster. Aberdeen have flirted with relegation the past few years before proving to be too big to go down. But of course, there is the third place season of 2022/23 and the Scottish Cup win in 2025 to counter. It’s been a busy summer in the North East with 10 signings thus far. Stephen Robinson has re-united with Connor Ronan from their time at St. Mirren. They’ll hope the force is with them after signing Obi Wan Kenobi’s great-grandson in Nesta Guinness-Walker, Tony Yogane’s positive loan at Dundee has rewarded him with a move to Aberdeen. They’ve also added household Premiership names in Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons to name a few. Incomings: Connor Ronan, Alexander Briedl, Lewis Mayo, Brad Lyons, Toyosi Olusanya, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Dan Happe, Ayoub Mouloua, Marius Müller, Tony Yogane. Outgoings: Topi Keskinen, Alexander Jensen, Graeme Shinnie, Ryan Duncan, Marko Lazetic, Tom Mcintrye, Per Kristian Bratviet, Elvis Bwomono, Vicente Besuijen, Alfie Stewart (loan), Alfie Bavidge (loan). What to expect: Mid-table finish. Celtic: Celtic are now five-in-a-row champions, but it somehow feels like a dark cloud is hanging over the club. Despite the drama from the end of last season, it’s fair to say that last season’s Celtic side are probably the worst title winners in recent memory. Although, that speaks to just high the bar is for Celtic. Martin O’Neill will lead Celtic out for another season after signing a further one-year deal, somewhat delaying another managerial appointment. Despite criticisms surrounding their performances or style of play, O’Neill’s Celtic have shown that they can really turn it up when it matters, You can look ash their second half dismantlement of St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final, or snatching the title from Hearts with just minutes remaining, or their comeback against Rangers in the split and much, much more. Unfortunately for Celtic, the fall-out between the fans and the board continues after a lack of signings, with Celtic fans standing firmly behind the ‘not another penny’ campaign until they see change. Failures to secure new deals for Marcelo Sarrachi and Kelechi Iheanacho only add fuel to the fire too. It truly feels like a lot of discontent hangs over the club at the minute. Incomings: Camilo Duran Outgoings: Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Kelechi Iheanacho, Stephen Welsh, Hayato Inamura, Josh Clarke, Shin Yamada (loan), Kasper Schmeichel (retired) What to expect: Title contenders Dundee: When Stephen Pressely was appointed as Dundee boss last season, many eyebrows were raised from Dundee fans and neutrals alike, many even tipped them to go down, but Pressely kept them up at a canter. They’ll be without last season’s star man in Luke Graham after the defender departed for Stoke in a club record deal. Losses of Trevor Carson and Jon McCracken in the goalkeeping department may force the club to look for a replacement between the posts. Incomings: Idris Odutayo, Zan Besir, Alan Forrest, Ryan Finnigan, Owen Bevan Outgoings: Luke Graham, Jon McCracken, Ethan Ingram, Clark Robertson, Paul Digby, Billy Koumetio, Emile Acquah, Lewis Montsma, Trevor Carson (retired) What to expect: Bottom-half/ relegation candidates Dundee United: Much like his former club Aberdeen, Jim Goodwin’s recent career is another rollercoaster. When he took the Tannadice helm in 2023 the club was as good as relegated. Goodwin led them back to the Premiership at the first time of asking, before securing European football upon their Premiership return, even going toe-to-toe with Rapid Vienna in the conference league. They seemed to revert to the mode with a bottom six finish last year. It’s been a busy window on the other side of Dens Road so far. Jack Walton has returned to the club, there’s also been promising signings from Australia whilst Dylan Tait is an impressive signing from their competitors in Falkirk. Incomings: Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, Joshua Rawlins, Dylan Tait, Michael Forbes, Jordan Amissah, Jack Walton, Medhi Merghem, Idjessi Metsoko (loan) Outgoings: Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ashely Maynard-Brewer, Johnny Russell, Kristijan Trapanovski, Dave Richards, Lewis O’Connell, Owen Stiron (loan), Ruairidh Adams (loan) What to expect: Mid-table finish Falkirk: Falkirk returned to the Premiership after 16 years last season, marking a double-promotion with a top-six finish. A side who built on solid home performances last season and nearly secured European football in the process. Falkirk are on the up at the moment and they can build on this success. Or, whatever goes up can come straight back down. They’ve lost star men from last season in Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, Filip Lissah hasn’t returned to the club following an impressive loan spell. It could well get worse with John McGlynn being one of the leading contenders to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland boss. Incomings: Lewis Nielson, Jack McMillan, Deniss Melniks, Craig Sibbald, Scott Tanser, Jay Hogarth, Ethan Laidlaw, Paul McGovern Outgoings: Barney Stewart, Calvin Miller, Dylan Tait, Jamie Sneddon, Gary Oliver, Brian Graham, Rhys Walker, Sean Mackie What to expect: Bottom-half finish Heart Of Midlothian: Hearts were mere minutes away from becoming the first non Old-Firm cub to win the league in over 40-years. Derrick McInnes has since departed for Rangers and its a completely new look Hearts side for the Wouter Vrancken era. Numerous new signings

July 20, 2026

Main entrance of Kilmarnock FC’s stadium with signage reading "Kilmarnock Est. 1869"

“Well-liked” Kilmarnock Star Confirmed as Club Captain

Kilmarnock has named 29-year-old Greg Kiltie as club captain for the new season, a decision Neil McCann called a “natural choice.” Having regularly led by example on the pitch and within training, the Kilmarnock boss was thrilled to confirm Kiltie’s new role. “There were many who could have put themselves forward for the captaincy.” “But I just feel Kilts is a well-liked guy in the dressing room. It’s an armband and a recognition of his importance to the club, but I’m looking for everyone to step up this year.” Kiltie was recognised as Killie’s Player of the Season last campaign, after moving back to BSSP Rugby Park following a three-year stint for St Mirren. He achieved 39 appearances, 4 goals and 7 assists in all competitions last year, adding to 134 involvements from his first Kilmarnock stint. They kick off their Premier Sports Cup campaign at home to Raith Rovers on Tuesday, after successfully navigating the bottom six split last season.

July 13, 2026

Killie Snag Winger from Newly Promoted Championship Side

Kilmarnock have made their sixth signing of the summer, after announcing the arrival of Swedish winger Erik Ring on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance. The winger joins from Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee and departs with a Sky Bet League 1 winners’ medal, having made 49 appearances across two seasons for The Imps. Developed in the AIK Academy, Ring has played the bulk of his career in his native Sweden. He made a significant impact during his time with AIK’s senior squad, recording 66 appearances, four goals, and seven assists, bolstered by a further 33 appearances during a loan spell with Helsingborgs IF. A versatile player, Ring has experience on both flanks as Neil McCann begins his first full season in charge of Kilmarnock. A statement on the club’s website expressed their delight at securing Erik’s services. “His development through one of Scandinavia’s strongest footballing systems has established him as an exciting attacking player capable of making an immediate impact in the Scottish Premiership.” Kilmarnock begin their domestic campaign in nine days against Raith Rovers at BBSP Rugby Park for the Premier Sports League Cup group stages.

July 5, 2026

Joe Hugill Signs New Kilmarnock Deal Until 2028 After Impressive First Season

Kilmarnock striker Joe Hugill has committed his future to the club after signing a contract extension that will keep him at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park until the summer of 2028. The 22-year-old forward joined Killie on a permanent transfer from Manchester United in January 2026, initially putting pen to paper on an 18-month deal. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, Hugill became a key figure in Kilmarnock Football Club manager Neil McCann’s side, producing a sensational run of form during the closing months of the 2025/26 campaign. The striker finished the season as Killie’s joint-top goalscorer, finding the net eight times alongside Tyreece John-Jules. Hugill also added two assists in his 15 appearances, quickly becoming a popular figure among the supporters. His performances attracted attention shortly after arriving in Ayrshire, with his impact highlighting the potential he has to continue developing in the famous blue and white. With preparations already underway for the 2026/27 season, Hugill has chosen to remain part of the club’s exciting plans, which include continued squad development, the completion of phase one of Bowie Park and the introduction of a brand-new hybrid grass pitch at Rugby Park following significant investment. The forward believes he is in the right environment to continue improving under the guidance of McCann, Billy Dodds and the rest of the first-team coaching staff, and has agreed to extend his stay by a further year. As part of the new deal, Hugill will also take on a new shirt number, moving from No.44 to become Kilmarnock’s new No.9 ahead of the upcoming campaign. The club’s supporters will be hoping the striker can continue the form that made him one of Killie’s standout performers during the second half of last season.

June 29, 2026

Mark O’Hara returns to Ayrshire, where it all started

Kilmarnock have today signed Mark O’Hara from St Mirren as the midfielder returns to where his career begun. Mark O’Hara who made his professional debut at the age of 16 after coming through the ranks in Ayrshire has become a very well known face within Scottish Football also having spells with Dundee and Motherwell as well as small stints with Lincoln and Peterborough down south. The midfielder made 20 appearances on his first spell with Kilmarnock in 2012 which saw O’Hara make 88 appearances before moving across to Dens Park in 2016, spending two seasons in the City of Discovery before a very small spell in England. One season with Peterborough United then a spell with Lincoln before returning to Scotland to sign for Motherwell in 2019. He would go onto spend 3 years in Lanarkshire with the Steelmen making over 80 appearances in Amber and Claret before having a spell at his fourth Scottish outfit, St Mirren. The 30-year-old would go on to captain the buddies as well as secure three back-to-back top six finishes as well as taking St Mirren back to the European stage as well as winning the Scottish League Cup in 2025 in a 3-1 win over Celtic. Mark O’Hara is delighted to be back at where it all started and can’t wait to get going at Rugby Park. O’Hara said: “I’m delighted to be back, and it’s good to come back at this stage of my career when I’m a different player than when I left,” Mark told Killie TV upon his return to familiar surroundings. “This is the club that gave me my chance in football. I’m looking forward to a successful season ahead. “I needed a fresh challenge. The club’s in a good place, and having had conversations with the manager, and working for him before, I knew he was somebody I wanted to work for again and that he’ll get the best out of me. It’s nice to be able to give a bit back to the club that gave me an opportunity.” McCann added: “He’s an important signing for the team. As St Mirren’s captain, he brings leadership skills. We lost Brad [Lyons], who had been a big presence around here, so it’s important that we brought in another leader within the group. “Mark I know well from my time at Dundee, and he was absolutely brilliant for me. It was a long time ago, but he’s still got a lot to offer. He’s a homegrown player with a massive connection to the club, which I’m sure the fans will appreciate and enjoy him being back. “I think Mark has got so much more to offer. Last season maybe disrupted him with one or two injuries, but I feel I can get Mark back to how good he’s shown he can be.” O’Hara will wear the 5 jersey as well as most likely get given captain following their former captain, Brad Lyons departed for Aberdeen.

June 28, 2026

Bailey Rice Joins Killie on Loan

Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Bailey Rice, subject to international clearance. The Scottish midfielder arrives at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park from Rangers on a deal until the end of the season. Bailey, 19, had significant transfer interest from clubs around the UK and Europe before agreeing a new contract at Ibrox this summer. Following the success of Findlay Curtis’ loan spell in Ayrshire, both clubs felt another arrangement was suitable for the next step in Bailey’s career, and so he will join up with Neil McCann’s side when they travel to Northern Ireland for the next part of their pre-season preparations. “It’s a big club, and we’ve got a good team” Bailey told Killie TV after becoming our fourth summer signing. “I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I’ve got a good relationship with them. I’m looking forward to it. “I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back, and that’s what I like. “I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that onto the pitch, and take games by the scruff of the neck.” Bailey started out at Motherwell but was snapped up by Rangers from the Fir Park youth system. He has spent the last four years at the Glasgow club, making 16 first team appearances, including a Europa League outing at Old Trafford. He will wear number 49 during his time in Ayrshire – the same shirt he holds at Rangers. McCann commented: “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, even in his younger days. When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao, and he came on against Dundee as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to continue that progress under the new management team. “He’s somebody that I’ve always kept an eye on and he’s got so much to offer us. The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That’s a challenge I think he’s going to embrace. “He’s got so much potential, but sooner or later, potential needs to be realised, and he’s got a chance here with us. He’s young with not an awful lot of game time behind him, so I’ve set him the task of getting himself to the stage where he’s pushing to get into the team. If he does that, he’s got the quality that can help us have a successful season.”

June 28, 2026

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