Hearts produced a stunning comeback with Nathaniel Atkinson's last-gasp volley securing a point at Rugby Park.
The Jambos had drawn a blank since the return to action from the international break with Robbie Neilson's men suffering from a poor run of results and they were heading for the same fate in Ayrshire after falling two goals behind, but Stephen Humphrys and Atkinson fired home for the visitors after goals from Chris Stokes and Kyle Lafferty.
That is the sort of lift the capital club needed but things don't get any easier as they face Serie A outfit Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League before a trip on the road next weekend to face Aberdeen. Celtic at home follows that with a further two games to come after the Hoops before the end of the month.
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Here's three things we learned from Kilmarnock vs Hearts
Form guide
Hearts looked to be heading for an eighth defeat in 11 games before their leveller in the final moments in Ayrshire.
In the mini period since Scotland's Nations League heroics the Jambos have conceded NINE goals which will be a cause for concern for Robbie Neilson.
But the boss will be delighted to have secured a priceless point after coming back from a two-goal deficit.
Taking big chances
Hearts missed a number of big chances at Rugby Park.
It all started with Barrie McKay's effort with less than two minutes played as he blazed over with the goal at his mercy from six yards out.
Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Humphrys then had headers saved in the first period although the latter did eventually find the net just after the hour.
Should Hearts create a similar number of clear-cut opportunities in Florence against Fiorentina they will need to hit the back of the net.
We've seen teams punished on more than one occasion already this season after failing to convert when on top.
Hearts got away with one with the late reply to secure a share the spoils but on another day they could have had all three points or none to take back to Edinburgh.
Off the mark
One positive to come out of the four-goal thriller was that Stephen Humphrys grabbed his first goal in maroon.
The strike will do the loanee the world of good as he bids to add more goals to his Hearts tally from this moment on.
A cool moment from the attacker to slot beyond Zach Hemming.
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