2 hours ago Match report: Kilmarnock 1-0 Hearts
Kilmarnock ensured there was festive cheer around Rugby Park with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Hearts.
Derek McInnes made two changes from the starting XI that faced Dundee United last weekend – Bobby Wales and Marley Watkins coming in for Danny Armstrong and Kyle Vassell.
Killie were dealt a blow after just 6 minutes when Robbie Deas was shown a red card for a challenge on Kenneth Vargas.
This forced McInnes into an early change as Wales made way for David Watson.
But 18 minutes in Killie had the golden opportunity to take the lead when Joe Wright was brought down for a penalty.
Anderson made no mistake as he slotted past Craig Gordon calmly to make it 1-0 Killie.
Marley Watkins had a great chance to double the lead after 28 minutes as he was slipped through on goal – but Craig Gordon did well to save the 1-on-1.
Killie made a double substitution at the break as Robby McCrorie and Anderson went off for Kieran O’Hara and Liam Donnelly.
Watson had a good chance after being played through on goal in the 49th minute, his low shot was well saved by Gordon.
Liam Donnelly had a great chance as he fired away a shot from inside the box, it was blocked out for a corner.
The Jambos had a decent chance after 73 minutes when James Penrice fired a low shot at goal, O’Hara did well to save and parried it away from the oncoming Liam Boyce.
Score: Kilmarnock 1-0 Hearts
Team: McCrorie (O’Hara 46’), Mayo, Wright, Deas (sent off 6’), Ndaba, Murray, Lyons, Polworth, Wales (Watson 11’), Watkins (Cameron 70’), Anderson (Donnelly 46’ (Mckenzie 84’))
