Killie survived a late Hibs comeback to grab all three points in the first under 21 game of the campaign. The game saw Alan Johnston pull on the stripes for the first time and the Scotland winger looks like being a valuable asset.

Both teams fielded experienced squads and it was Hibs who came closest early on. Both Orman and Dobbie tried their luck from distance but Smith did well on both occasions.

Killie's first effort was in 13 minutes when a good Johnston run ended with a lob that flew a yard over. "Magic" again came close in 24 minutes after a great run and shot that was superbly saved by Reid.

Dillon had a header deflected wide before Dargo bagged the opener in 37 minutes. The wee striker sprung the offside trap to meet Dodd's through ball before rounding the keeper and rolling home.

The second half started slowly before Killie again gained control. A neat three man move involving Joly, Nish and Dargo ended with the former Raith striker firing a shot inches past. The lively Naismith sent over a perfect cross for substitute Campbell but the youngster headed over from close range.

Dillon again came close with a header before Dargo scored again - deja vu? A cross from the left caused panic in the Hibs defence and the ball broke loose for Dargo (70 mins) to knock home from a few yards.

With 9 minutes left Hibs got a goal back from an indirect free kick inside the box. The ball was rolled to Dobbie who smashed into the roof of the net from 14 yards. Hibs pressed for an equaliser and came close with five minutes left when Riordan's 25 yard free kick was well saved by Smith at full stretch.