Kilmarnock edge out local rivals Ayr United

Kilmarnock 3 - 2 Ayr United

Kilmarnock survived a scare against bitter local rivals Ayr United to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic late turnaround

Author | Max Lee

Stadium | Rugby Park

Neil McCann’s Premiership side twice came from behind before substitute Nicky Clescenco struck the winner in the 89th minute, capitalising after Ayr goalkeeper Harry Stone spilled the ball following a collision with team-mate Kevin Holt.

On-loan Dundee United striker Owen Stirton had volleyed Ayr in front early on, before Joe Hugill levelled for Kilmarnock shortly before half-time.

Ayr restored their lead soon after the break when Ross Taylor, who followed manager Gary Naysmith to the club from Stenhousemuir this summer, curled a superb left-footed finish into the bottom corner in front of an ecstatic away support.

Kilmarnock refused to be beaten

With time running out Michael Schjonning-Larsen produced a wonderful finish of his own to beat Stone and bring the hosts level once again.

Taylor then missed a golden opportunity to win it for Ayr on the counterattack, driving towards the edge of the Kilmarnock box before firing wide with the goal at his mercy.

He would rue that miss just two minutes before the end of normal time. Stone, who had made several fine saves throughout the match, spilled the ball into the path of Clescenco, who made no mistake as the Moldova winger sent the home support into raptures.