On the night when Colin Meldrum returned to Rugby Park, 101 brave souls watched a stunning Dargo strike grab the points for Killie. Both teams were packed with first team experience and it was Killie who looked the likelier lot in the opening period.

In ten minutes, good work from Naismith ended with a pass to Wales but the striker's shot flew a yard over. Livi's first effort came from Snodgrass but his attempted lob landed weakly in Smith's hands.

Killie went straight up the park and Naismith was inches away from getting on the end of a long through ball. In 29 minutes a flowing passing move ended with a Canning strike stinging Meldrum's fingers from 18 yards. Great work from Dargo on the edge of the box ended with a curling shot rattling the base of the post before being cleared.

Killie introduced Nish at the start of the second half as Killie continued to dominate. In 51 minutes Leven tried his luck with a 25 yard free kick but Melly held it comfortably. Seven minutes later an excellent run by Naismith took him to the bye line. The youngster's cross picked out Murray but his right foot shot was palmed round the post by Melly.

It was one way traffic at this stage with Nish, Murray and McGregor all having shots blocked inside the box. Livi weathered the storm and in 68 minutes had a decent chance to poach a lead. Dair tried an optimistic shot from distance that landed on the roof of the net.

Killie were soon back on the attack and in 76 minutes they grabbed the vital goal. Joly took possession in the centre circle and floated a long ball towards the 18 yard box. The ball was nodded clear but only fell to Dargo 25 yards out and he smashed a tremendous half volley just under the bar.