It was a tough afternoon for Kilmarnock to get past League Two Dumbarton.
Being pushed all the way until the death, it took a Jordan Jones stunner at the death to overcome Stevie Farrell’s side to secure their spot in the Scottish Cup fifth round.
Jones’ first goal of the season brightened up what was an otherwise sticky affair at Rugby Park.
All that matters in cup football is the result - something the manager emphasised. McInnes said: “It was a brilliant finish from Jordan and it needed that moment of real quality to separate the teams.
“I’m really pleased for him. He came on and gave us life, impetus and was really positive no more so than with the goal. There’s defining moments for players and it’s important for any player they work hard and show perseverance. But we also need quality and that’s why we’ve brought Jordan here.
“All the credit goes to Dumbarton. They were terrific in how they set up and were everything I thought they’d be. They play on transitions and give you nervy moments.
“There was a combination of a lot of our players having played a lot of football - three games against the Old Firm in the last couple of weeks - and a few who had not had a lot of football. It showed a wee bit. We were a hit disjointed and never got any real flow.
“There will be a shock in this round. I’m delighted for my players they kept the wherewithal and kept going.
“We had a meeting on Friday and we spoke about the importance of this game and wanting to get back to Hampden. We wetted out appetite getting to the semis of the League Cup.
“This couldn’t be a fixture that was just getting in the way of these bigger games. It had to be a big game itself.
“The work rate from the team was great, I couldn’t fault them on that. We just looked a bit disjointed. We wanted the supporters to enjoy the performance a bit more. I wanted to enjoy the performances a bit more. At the end of the day it’s all about getting through.”
The opening stages were especially dull. Killie dominated possession, but they didn’t come close to opening up the Sons’ backline.
The first opportunity eventually fell to Joe Wright for the hosts on 21-minutes. After some passing exchanges from left to right, Danny Armstrong received the ball on the wing from Wright. The defender continued his venture into the box as Armstrong picked him out with a cross. His effort on the stretch was hit way over, though.
Fraser Murray headed over from around 10-yards. He probably should’ve done better with no one near him. Liam Polworth was at the heart of the set-up.
Kyle Lafferty struggled with a hamstring issue. He was subbed off at the break for namesake Vassell.
Greg Wylde looked to have missed a sitter for Dumbarton on 51-minutes after an initial shot was saved by Zach Hemming, but his blushes were spared by the linesman’s flag. Kalvin Orsi tested his luck from range too after dispossessing Wright, but his shot was tame.
Murray really should’ve netted at the back stick from an Armstrong cross. The winger fluffed his finish much to the frustrated home crowd. He was subbed a short while after through injury. Matchwinner Jones replaced.
The Wigan loanee made an immediate impact with a delightful cross for Ash Taylor, but he couldn’t keep his header from close-range down. Robinson was next to head wide.
Killie piled on the pressure in the final 30. Armstrong has a shot parried away by Brett Long.
Dumbarton – who were valiant in their efforts - had some dangerous flurries into the Killie half, but good defending from Lewis Mayo kept them at bay.
Kerr McInroy flashed a rasping shot inches over the bar before Martin McNiff narrowly skewed his effort wide as Dumbarton looked to nick it. Christian Doidge then forced Long into a brilliant low save on to the post.
Just as extra-time loomed, with the clock at 90, Jones fired home a superb volley, showing great technique to break Dumbarton hearts.
Farrell said: “The way we play suits coming to places like this. We came here and were compact.
“We wanted to be braver at the top end of the pitch after the break and I feel like we did that. We can be very proud. We’re now fully focussed on League Two.”
