Kilmarnock 0-1 Hearts

Kilmarnock’s 2024/25 campaign came to a frustrating end as a late goal from Stephen Kingsley secured all three points for Hearts in a tightly contested final-day fixture at BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park.

The match opened with intensity, and Kilmarnock nearly took an early lead just two minutes in. Skipper Kyle Vassell showed great strength and determination down the right flank before cutting the ball back to David Watson, whose shot was blocked and deflected behind for a corner.

Killie continued to press and created another good opportunity on 15 minutes when Danny Armstrong’s well-struck volley from 20 yards flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Fraser Murray was next to try his luck on 25 minutes, curling a free-kick just off target from the edge of the area. Despite the pressure from the home side, Hearts had a chance of their own at the half-hour mark, but Alan Forrest’s long-range effort was comfortably gathered by Robby McCrorie.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 37th minute when Yan Dhanda was shown a straight red card following a VAR check for a dangerous challenge on Stuart Findlay, leaving the visitors down to ten men for the remainder of the match.

Brad Lyons came close to breaking the deadlock just before the break, unleashing a powerful shot that whistled just wide of the post in the 44th minute.

Kilmarnock continued to control the tempo after the interval and came close again on 67 minutes when McCrorie was called into action to deny Cammy Devlin with a fine save from a fierce drive.

A golden chance came and went in the 72nd minute when substitute Marley Watkins did brilliantly down the flank before finding Fraser Murray in the box, but the midfielder’s first-time strike cleared the bar.

Despite being down to 10 men, Hearts remained dangerous on the break, and it was the visitors who would have the final say. In the 89th minute, Stephen Kingsley pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and fired home past McCrorie to give Hearts a dramatic late winner.

Kilmarnock Team:
McCrorie, Lyons (Polworth 71’), Mayo, Findlay (Anderson 46’), Ndaba, Armstrong (Burke 71’), Donnelly, Watson, Murray, Wales (Watkins 65’), Vassell (Mackay-Steven 83’)