Killie into Scottish Cup last 16

A crazy opening two minutes secured a spot in the Scottish Cup last 16 for Kilmarnock.

Kyle Vassell opened the scoring almost straight from kick-off before Marley Watkins’ diving header doubled the lead a couple of minutes later.

Killie were dealt a blow with Will Dennis being ruled out through injury, Kieran O’Hara came in for his first start and secured a well-deserved clean sheet.

It took just 18 seconds for Killie to get themselves in front as captain Vassell poked it home from close range. 

Then after just two minutes it was 2-0 as Watkins headed in from an Armstrong free-kick. 

Dundee thought they had pulled one back in the sixth minute, but Luke McCowan’s 20 yard strike was ruled out for offside. 

Despite the frantic opening period, chances were then at a premium for a while until Dundee were inches away from getting on the scoresheet. 

Dara Costelloe jumped highest after a McCowan corner, but thankfully for Killie it went narrowly past the post. 

McCowan then went close himself just before half-time as he rifled a low shot, however it went wide of O’Hara’s goal.

Matty Kennedy tested Dundee’s substitute goalkeeper Harry Sharp with a shot from 25 yards, but the Dee man got down well to palm it away. 

Watkins was next to try his luck in the 68th minute as he fired an effort from the edge of the box, but it curled wide of the post. 

Watkins then set up an incredible chance for Vassell who found himself one-on-one with Sharp, but the goalkeeper came out on top with the save. 

Charlie Reilly smashed a shot on target in the 89th minute, but it was no worries for O’Hara who held on well. 

Score: Kilmarnock 2-0 Dundee

Team: O’Hara, Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Armstrong (Ndaba 65), McKenzie, Polworth (Donnelly 82), Watson, Kennedy (Deas 90), Watkins (Stewart 90), Vassell.