Nicky Clescenco scored a dramatic late winner as Kilmarnock came from behind to defeat local rivals Ayr United 3-2 in a pulsating Premier Sports Cup contest at Rugby Park.
Killie had suffered back-to-back defeats coming into the match and found themselves behind early on as Owen Stirton volleyed home before Joe Hugill equalised.
Ross Taylor’s sublime finish then stunned the home fans but Michael Schjonning-Larsen scored an impressive solo goal of his own to make it 2-2 with 10 minutes remaining.
And with the match seemingly heading towards an extra 30 minutes, the hosts completed the comeback when Clescenco showed superb composure to dink the ball home after Ayr goalkeeper Harry Stone had spilled a deep cross.
Killie were hoping for a reaction to their 5-1 humbling against Celtic but got off to the worst possible start in the fifth minute as Stirton fired the visitors ahead.
The on-loan Dundee United striker met Scott McMann’s precise cross with a left-foot volley that evaded goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
The home fans were crying out for a moment of quality from their side and finally got it in the 42nd minute as Hugill exchanged passes with strike partner Tyreece John-Jules before clinically slotting into the bottom right-hand corner from 12 yards.
Kilmarnock supporters’ joy was short-lived, however, as Ayr went back in front three minutes into the second half.
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Taylor was allowed too much space by the home defence, giving him time to expertly pick his spot in the bottom left-hand corner from 20 yards to make it 2-1.
Stone was then at full stretch in the 69th minute to pluck Tom Lowery’s curler away from the top corner after a clever short corner routine from the hosts.
Mark O’Hara almost made an instant impact a minute later as the substitute headed inches past a post with his first touch after coming on.
The equaliser did come for Kilmarnock with 10 minutes remaining as Schjonning-Larsen collected the ball in his own half and made it unchallenged to the edge of the area before unleashing a precise low shot that flew powerfully past Stone at his near post.
Killie were going for the jugular now and Schjonning-Larsen turned provider moments later as he cut the ball back to O’Hara who produced an outstanding save from Stone as he dived low to his left.
Taylor almost repeated his early heroics for the away side, this time curling inches wide of Stryjek’s post with four minutes remaining.
There was to be a final twist in the 89th minute as Kilmarnock completed the comeback.
Stone had been excellent for the away side but he was unable to hold a cross as he collided with defender Kevin Holt, allowing Clescenco the opportunity to coolly dink the ball into an empty net to send the home supporters wild.
