Substitute Marley Watkins' injury-time equaliser earned Kilmarnock a dramatic point after Amar Fatah's sensational strike seemed to have led Dundee United to back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins for the first time this season.

Kilmarnock were almost immediately reduced to 10 players after scoring as substitute Jack Thomson took out Fatah, who was racing clear in a thrilling finish at Tannadice.

Jim Goodwin's side missed the chance to narrow the gap on sixth-place Falkirk to eight points with two games in hand as their chase for a top-half finish continues to frustrate.

For Kilmarnock, it is a massive positive after a creditable display as they move nine clear of Livingston at the bottom having played one match more.

On a poor surface, lashed with rain throughout, United started brightly and Luca Stephenson cut back for Panutche Camara but his first-time effort from an angle clipped the crossbar.

The home side threatened again and looked to have got their reward when Will Ferry was caught by Brad Lyons. Fatah took responsibility but his penalty wasn't directed far enough into the corner and Kelle Roos did well to save.

Kilmarnock claimed a penalty after the break when Findlay Curtis went down under Iurie Iovu's challenge, with the ball clearly striking the defender's arm in the process. Referee John Beaton was not called to review, to the Ayrshire side's clear frustration.

From there, United looked the more likely to score. Vicko Sevelj saw one cleared off the line and Stephenson had a shot from distance well saved.

The opener was outstanding as Fatah cut inside and curled a sublime shot in off the post.

Ethan Brown was close to an equaliser before Watkins got the perfect flick with his head to find the far corner and earn what may prove a big point in Kilmarnock's campaign.

On chances United should have won. On the balance of overall play Kilmarnock may feel they should have. In the end neither did in a frentic finish.

Fatah's strike was worthy of winning any fixture and maybe ought to have but the visitors simply would not go away.

It was all the more impressive for Fatah given how dejected he looked earlier when Roos saved his spot-kick.

Successive league victories would have made a huge difference, though, and the late concession is a brutal blow to Goodwin and his side.

It seemed they were going to put pressure on Falkirk in sixth. Now it looks a long shot again. Consistency of results has proved elusive for United this season.

Performance-wise, Neil McCann will be satisfied in the main. His Kilmarnock side showed real capability on the ball and tried to play on the ground in challenging conditions.

They looked a well drilled, confident and cohesive unit but the hard bit, creating and finishing chances, was the evasive element until the drama at the end.

Kilmarnock played well and look transformed under McCann. There's a lot to be encouraged by but lying 11th in the table they'll know wins will make the key difference.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "The end result feels like a bit of a defeat given the circumstances of how we concede the equaliser, and also given the opportunities that we had during the game.

"I thought it should have been a fairly comfortable and straightforward win but unfortunately I'm stood here talking about dropping points from a leading position again, and not being able to see out the game. That's the main frustration."

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "For sheer character, determination, grit and bravery they got a really good point.

"It shows what this group feel about themselves that when we go down to 10 men they are still pouring forward in the latter stages to try and get the winner.

"I'm so glad for all the fans that travelled up to watch us on a horrible day. There's so much to like about Kilmarnock right now."

Dundee United are playing Premiership catch up as a result of postponements and host Aberdeen on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

Kilmarnock have a week of preparation before their league trip to face Falkirk next Saturday (15:00).