Kilmarnock 3
Ayr United 2
Scottish League Cup (2nd Round)

Match Report

Kilmarnock survived a scare against bitter local rivals Ayr United to reach the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup thanks to a dramatic late turnaround at Rugby Park.

Neil McCann's Premiership side twice came from behind before substitute Nicky Clescenco dinked in the winner in the 89th minute after Ayr goalkeeper Harry Stone spilled the ball into his path having collided with teammate Kevin Holt.

On-loan Dundee United striker Owen Stirton had volleyed the visitors in front early on before Joe Hugill equalised for Kilmarnock just before half-time.

Shortly after the break, Ross Taylor - who followed manager Gary Naysmith to Ayr this summer from Stenhousemuir - curled a delightful left-footed finish into the bottom corner in front of an ecstatic away support to restore the Championship side's advantage.

However, with time running out, Michael Schjonning-Larsen smashed a wonderful goal of his own past Stone to bring the hosts level once more.

Taylor spurned a golden chance to win it for Ayr on the break, driving to the edge of the Kilmarnock box but shooting wide with the goal at his mercy.

He was made to regret that miss with just two minutes of the 90 remaining as Stone - who made several fine saves throughout the game - gifted Clescenco an opportunity to win it and the Moldova winger sent the home support into raptures.

Flaws remain, but Killie find way to win - analysis
In their opening two league defeats by St Johnstone and Celtic, Kilmarnock shipped nine goals and were alarmingly open defensively.

That trend continued as Ayr started on the front foot, with striking duo Taylor and Stirton allowed acres of space in which to operate.

Scott McMann and Reece Lyon both shot just wide after Stirton's opener and the visitors deservedly led with half-time approaching.

McCann turned to his bench early, bringing winger Clescenco on for right-back Jamie Brandon after just 39 minutes and his side got on the scoresheet soon afterwards.

They again started slowly in the second half and Ayr - who were unbeaten in all competitions this term before their trip up the road - found joy in transition throughout.

Despite their defensive flaws, Kilmarnock stayed in the contest and started to turn the screw as the visitors tired.

Stone made good saves to deny Robbie Deas and Tom Lowery, while Mark O'Hara headed wide from close range, but eventually the pressure told as Schjonning-Larsen drove forward and beat Stone at his near post.

The on-loan Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper was again called into action as he kept out Clesenco, but his first mistake of the game proved costly.

He came off his line to cleanly gather a cross from the left, but as he landed, the ball came loose and Clesenco kept his cool amid the derby chaos to win it.

It was far from a vintage Kilmarnock performance, but after two chastening league defeats, it was the result that mattered most for McCann.

What they said
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "Congratulations to Ayr United for their quality and their endeavour. It's always difficult when you're the side that's having to make the game.

"We showed a lot of character tonight. There's a lot of pressure on this game, let's not kid ourselves. The fans that turned out were magnificent, and I'm so happy our boys showed the quality to put us in the quarter-finals.

"Nobody can say we didn't deserve it. We were the team in control of the match, they had a bit of quality on the counter attack. Tonight, we can celebrate. I've told them to go and enjoy it.

"We showed a lot of guts and I'm so happy."

Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith: "Apart from winning the game, they couldn't have given me any more. We stuck to the game plan, always looked a threat on the break.

"We started the first half and the second half the better team. Towards the middle and end of both halves, Kilmarnock came into it and asked us questions.

"In the main, we defended really well. We were just lacking numbers. It caught up with us a wee bit.

"We just leave Harry be, it's just a mistake. He was tremendous again tonight, came for everything, made some big saves. It's a horrible way to lose a game.

"That's up there with one of the sickest feelings I've had at the end of a game."

Match report written by BBC Online