Kilmarnock 3 Ayr United 2

Ayrshire derby day had arrived, and there was no shortage of anticipation around Rugby Park as Kilmarnock and Ayr United prepared to renew their fierce rivalry in the Round of 16 of the Premier Sports Cup.

Killie started off quick with a cross in from Greg Kiltie, the ball was put out for a Killie corner. Some scrappy work at the back post led Killie to having another corner. Nothing came of it but Killie were back on the attack shortly after.

Ayr United’s number seven, Stirton, found the back of the net after a cross ball in the opening four minutes of the game.

After a low pass in from Aaron Tshibola, he won Killie another corner. Referee Matthew MacDermid awarded Killie a free kick after a nasty challenge on Kiltie.  

After a period of exceptional attacking play, Killie were hungry to find the net to equalise the score. Tshibola was given a yellow card after a soft challenge sent the Ayr United player to the ground.

A first half substitution for Killie saw Nicky Cleșcenco replace Jamie Brandon.

Joe Hugill made it 1-1 just before half-time with a power shot into the bottom right corner which saw it sail past Ayr United’s goalkeeper into the bottom corner. Rugby Park erupted in celebration; all was to play for. Half time 1-1.

Ayr United scored on the 47th minute to make it 2-1. After Killie won a corner, Kiltie put a superb ball in which met Tyreece John-Jules but unfortunately, he headed it into the hands of their goalkeeper. Killie were not backing down, and they put on an outstanding attacking display, fighting to get an equaliser.

On the 68th minute, Mark O’Hara was brought on to replace Aaron Tshibola, which helped give the hosts the impetus to go on for the victory.

An excellent ball in from Cleșcenco met the substitute O’Hara but his header just went wide. Number 27, Ieuan Owen replaced John-Jules on the 72nd minute.

Schjønning-Larsen hit a thunderous strike from outside of the box to get Killie that equaliser on the 79th minute, making it 2-2 heading into the closing stages.

Killie came from behind for the third time with Cleșcenco scoring an absolute beauty of a goal after a mistake from their goalkeeper on the 88th minute.  

The full-time whistle went, 3-2 Killie. The disco lights went up and the Killie fans could finally celebrate.

There’s only one team in Ayrshire!

By Sarah Harrison.

Starting XI: Stryjek, Brandon (Cleșcenco, 38′), Stanger, Deas, Schjønning-Larsen, Lowery, Tshibola (O’Hara, 68′), Ring, Kiltie, John-Jules (Owen, 72′), Hugill.

Unused subs: Ferrie, McKenzie, Yfeko, Owen, Ellis, Coughlin, Rice.

Attendance: 11,365.

Booked: Tshibola, Schjønning-Larsen.