Kilmarnock 0 – 1 Hibernian U19s

Kilmarnock 0–1 Hibernian

Kilmarnock Under 19s were narrowly defeated by Hibernian, with a late goal proving the difference in a closely fought contest at Rugby Park.

The hosts made a positive start and almost took the lead early on. A well-worked break saw Bowie link up with Law, who slipped a neat pass through to Coughlin, but the forward was unable to make the final contact as the ball drifted wide for a goal kick.

Hibernian threatened on 14 minutes when their number nine sent a looping effort just wide of the post, though the move was halted for offside. Armour was called into action on 29 minutes, calmly collecting a low, driven effort from the visitors’ number ten.

Killie were forced into a change on 35 minutes, with Kian Leslie replaced by Noah Simpson. The home side finished the first half strongly and created another opening on 40 minutes when Law struck goalwards following a well-constructed move, but the Hibs goalkeeper gathered comfortably.

Margiotta was introduced at the interval in place of Stanger.

The visitors applied pressure early in the second half and went close when a quick break down the wing ended with a cut-back to number eleven, who fired well over the crossbar.

Watson replaced Brannan on the hour mark, and Killie soon threatened again. On 62 minutes, Traynor drove a low effort towards goal, forcing the goalkeeper into a smart save and conceding a corner.

The closest moment of the match arrived on 72 minutes when Reece Craig stepped up to take a free kick from 20 yards, striking a superb effort that crashed against the crossbar.

Double changes followed on 75 minutes, with Coughlin and Law replaced by Davis and a Trialist, as Killie continued to look for a breakthrough.

Despite the home side’s efforts, Hibernian took the lead late on. On 87 minutes, a cross from the right found their number fourteen, who converted from close range.

Kilmarnock pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through, as the visitors held on to claim a 1–0 victory.

Kilmarnock: Armour (GK), Brannan, Bowie, Barlow, Stanger, Foster, Craig, Traynor (C), Coughlin, Law, Leslie

Subs: Simpson 35′, Margiotta 45′, Watson 60′, Davis 75′, Trailist 75′,

Unused Sub: Mullen (GK)