After last weeks dismal performance at home to Hearts Killie boss rang in the changes for the match at Livingston. Dropped were Meldrum, Mahood, McSwegan & Hay, being replaced by Dubourdeau (Killie debut), Hessey, Hardie & Nish.

Defender Gordon Greer failed to overcome a leg strain picked up in training during the week and had to watch from the stands and Killie were forced into a late change when Francois Dubourdeau started in goal instead of Colin Meldrum, who had been listed on the team-sheet.

Marvin Andrews came close to giving the home side the lead within the first 60 seconds.

Lee Makel's in-swinging corner was met by Andrews, but the defender's header drifted inches over Dubourdeau's goal.

Andrews was forced to leave the field just six minutes later after falling awkwardly after again heading just over but injuring his shoulder.

The game burst into life in the 15th minute, when the visitors took the lead when Sean Hessey half-volleyed home from 16 yards after Jamie McAllister failed to clear.

Their lead lasted just three minutes, Livi midfielder Lee Makel easing past three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box that crept in off the post.

The visitors restored their slim advantage a further three minutes later.

Barry McLaughlin's cross was missed by McAllister and Kris Boyd angled a neat volley past McKenzie from 16 yards.

The goalkeeper came to the rescue after a defensive mix-up left Boyd in the clear only drive against McKenzie's legs.

Salvador Capin's cross was met by Fernando Pasquinelli at the other end, but the ball cleared the cross bar.

Fernandez carved an opening for his team-mates when he delivered a deep cross which was headed wide by Francisco Quino.

But the visitors were dealt a blow in the 61st minute when Barry McLaughlin was dismissed.

The defender had already been cautioned in the first-half and referee John Rowbotham had no hesitation in showing a red card after the player felled Quino in the middle of the park.

Maximo gave a debut to close-season signing Guy Ipoua a minute later and the Cameroon-born striker made an immediate impact.

The former Gillingham player raced into the Killie half before passing to Pasquinelli on the wing.

His over-hit cross was knocked back across goal by Lilley, but Dubourdeau rose high to gather the ball.

Moments later, Makel produced another vicious cross, but Lilley failed to find the target with his close-range header.

Kilmarnock: Dubourdeau, McLaughlin ,Dindeleux, Hessey, Shields, Fulton, Canero, Fowler, Hardie, Boyd (Di Giacomo, 77 mins) & Nish (Mahood, 84 mins)

Attendance: 6,150