Full TimeSecond Half ends, Kilmarnock 3, Ross County 1.Post updateAttempt missed. Kyle Vassell (Kilmarnock) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Alan Power with a cross following a corner.Post updateCorner, Kilmarnock. Conceded by Ross Laidlaw.Post updateAttempt blocked. Alan Power (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Greg Kiltie.Post updateAttempt blocked. Alan Power (Kilmarnock) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Greg Kiltie.Kilmarnock ensured their Scottish Premiership survival with a rousing 3-1 victory over Ross County whose fate will now be decided in the relegation play-off. Derek McInnes’ side needed just a point but collected all three to finish in 10th place and guarantee they avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Brad Lyons and a Daniel Armstrong penalty either side of half-time cemented the hosts’ superiority and Kyle Vassell made sure of victory after Yan Dhanda’s spot-kick had reduced the arrears.
County, who finish three points above bottom club Dundee United, never looked like salvaging the win they required and will now face Championship side Partick Thistle in the two-legged Premiership play-off final. Despite only needing a draw, Killie manager Derek McInnes had pledged to go full throttle for the victory and his side delivered with gusto at sun-drenched Rugby Park. The hosts played with purpose and precious few nerves as they took command and forced County into retreat. Christian Doidge’s header brought a fingertip save from Ross Laidlaw before Lyons opened his account for the club in timely and impressive fashion, leaving his marker David Cancola dozing at a corner to dart to the front post and clip a terrific finish past the County goalkeeper.
The visitors needed to achieve something they haven’t managed since 2017, a win at Rugby Park, but the paucity of their performance gave little hint of the high-stakes occasion. Nohan Kenneh sliced wide from the edge of the area as the visitors tried to summon a response, but shortly after the interval their task became even tougher. Alex Iacovitti swiped Daniel Armstrong’s legs away on the right-hand edge of the penalty area and after consultation with the video assistant referee, Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot. Armstrong coolly completed the job, sending Laidlaw the wrong way.
Just as Killie looked to be cruising to victory, Ash Taylor needlessly tugged the jersey of Keith Watson as they jostled at a County corner. VAR intervened, Clancy opted to award the penalty and Dhanda thrashed an unerring strike into the top corner. The midfielder scooped a shot over soon after but Killie soon regained their composure and Vassell sent the home support wild with joy and relief when he looped a header in off the crossbar to seal a deserved win.
Player of the match – Daniel Armstrong – Kilmarnock rose to the occasion and secured their Scottish Premiership survival with a rousing 3-1 victory over Ross County at Rugby Park. Despite only needing a point, Killie manager Derek McInnes had pledged to go full throttle for the win and his side delivered with gusto, playing with purpose and precious few nerves as they took command and forced County into retreat. Brad Lyons opened his account for the club in timely and impressive fashion before Daniel Armstrong scored from the penalty spot either side of half-time. Kyle Vassell made sure of victory after Yan Dhanda’s spot-kick had reduced the arrears for County who now face Championship side Partick Thistle in the two-legged Premiership play-off final. Player of the match was Daniel Armstrong whose coolly completed penalty kick sent Ross Laidlaw the wrong way and sealed Kilmarnock’s deserved win.