Neil McCann praised his side’s “character” after emerging victorious in a five-goal thriller against local rivals Ayr, becoming the first side to progress to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals.
Nicky Clesenco’s 89th-minute winner sparked wild scenes in the packed-out BBSP Rugby Park, but Killie were made to work for their win after The Honest Men had twice led through Owen Stirton and Ross Taylor.
McCann was delighted the hosts could stand up to the pressure.
“Congratulations to Ayr United for their quality and their endeavour. It’s always difficult when you’re the side that’s having to make the game.
“We showed a lot of character tonight. There’s a lot of pressure on this game, let’s not kid ourselves. The fans that turned out were magnificent, and I’m so happy our boys showed the quality to put us in the quarter-finals.
“Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it. We were the team in control of the match, they had a bit of quality on the counter attack. Tonight, we can celebrate. I’ve told them to go and enjoy it.
“We showed a lot of guts and I’m so happy.”
In contrast to the delight of the home boss, Ayr United’s Gary Naysmith admitted the defeat “one of the sickest” he has faced in his career thus far. It was a night that could have been so different for The Honest Men, who started the first and second half in lightning-quick fashion.
“Apart from winning the game, they couldn’t have given me any more. We stuck to the game plan, always looked a threat on the break.
“We started the first half and the second half the better team. Towards the middle and end of both halves, Kilmarnock came into it and asked us questions.
Big games have big moments, and Harry Stone’s collision with Kevin Holt allowed Clesenco the opportunity to chip into the net.
“In the main, we defended really well. We were just lacking numbers. It caught up with us a wee bit.
“We just leave Harry be, it’s just a mistake. He was tremendous again tonight, came for everything, made some big saves. It’s a horrible way to lose a game.
“That’s up there with one of the sickest feelings I’ve had at the end of a game.”
Kilmarnock are next in action on August 29th against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United, still waiting for their first victory in the Scottish Premiership. Ayr United will look to add to their unbeaten Championship start against Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy.