Highlights: Kilmarnock 2-0 Livingston
Watch Kilmarnock move 12 points clear of Scottish Premiership bottom side Livingston with victory at Rugby Park.
Available in UK only
Kilmarnock fans, we asked you about the important 2-0 win over Livingston at Rugby Park. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Robert: A win's a win. Joe Hugill and Findlay Curtis were exceptional and once again Jamie Brandon, Marley Watkins and Greg Kiltie got top marks. However, the referee was abysmal and had to get VAR to make a decision on a red card that the entire stadium knew was a goal-scoring chance.
James: An excellent performance in a vital game. Killie were worthy winners and were never under any concerted pressure. The two centre-backs, George Stanger & Robbie Deas, completely nullified the Livi strikers allowing the midfield players to create more chances. Hugill and Curtis were both excellent and thoroughly deserved their goals. Three points again and you definitely feel Killie are on the up.
Gazza: Imagine if Killie had jettisoned Stuart Kettlewell earlier. We now look like scoring in every game, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds have created a new Greg Kiltie, in addition to Curtis, Hugill and Tyreece John-Jules. We could be a dark horse next season. Aberdeen are my favourites for play-offs.
Gerry: Two well-worked and well-taken goals, and we maybe could have had another couple. Some strong performances from Hugill, Findlay, and Watkins. Brandon and Stanger have stiffened up the defence since their return. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going after the break and pick up the points needed to pull clear of 11th place. Seven Cup finals to come.
Alan: Another great performance, not the most flashy, but certainly looking like a team again. Like most people I wasn't sure about McCann but have to say he has totally changed my mind. He is good to listen to for a start, so the players must feel the exact same, unlike the previous manager who waffled on for 15 minutes saying nothing.
Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park
Image source, SNSIf you rocked up at Rugby Park on Saturday, you'd be forgiven for thinking Joe Hugill was a veteran around these parts.
The forward has fit in seamlessly since joining at the end of January and was at the heart of the action in Kilmarnock's huge victory over Livingston.
The 22-year-old opened the scoring with a superb, deft finish before doing the hard yards on the counter to set up Findlay Curtis for a much-needed second.
"It's a great ball from Marley [Watkins]," Hugill told BBC Scotland of his goal.
"He's obviously working the channels in behind, to then get his head up pick me out was great. I got good contact on the ball as well, so it was a great goal."
The former Manchester United youth player added: "I'm loving it up here. I've settled in straight away - the manager, Doddsy, all the lads have been spot on with me.
"I think it's a good working team and I think we've shown that on the pitch as well.
"That all comes from the manager and the coaching staff who are obviously putting the belief in us to play the way we play, and then it's down to us executing the plan.
"It's a massive win today and I'm enjoying it."
Image source, SNSKilmarnock recorded back-to-back victories in the Scottish Premiership for only the second time this season as they downed bottom side Livingston to leave them 12 points adrift at the foot of the table.
Have your say on the game here
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Neil McCann tells BBC Scotland: "It's fantastic. It's another clean sheet. We did brilliantly.
"We scored two fantastic goals. It's a very pleasing three points.
"They're playing with a bit of belief. We defended so well as a group.
"We got our second goal, I didn't think we ever looked in trouble after that.
"I'm so happy for the whole team with getting the result. I'm happy for Findlay Curtis. Scotland call-up, getting the second goal today.
"A lot of people will say we're under pressure but we look like we're handling it now but there's a long way to go."
Image source, SNSKilmarnock boss Neil McCann has no new injury concerns. Tyreece John-Jules (quad), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) remain out.
Livingston pair Joel Nouble and Brooklyn Kabongolo are both doubtful after picking up injuries against Hibs last weekend while Connor McLennan (ankle) is still out but Aidan Denholm is closing in on a return after a long-term hamstring injury.
David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSFindlay Curtis isn't the only Kilmarnock player with a chance of playing at the World Cup finals this year.
While the on loan Rangers forward has been called up to the Scotland squad for the first time, team mate George Stanger has ambitions to represent New Zealand at the finals.
The 25-year-old, whose father played rugby for Scotland, qualifies for the All Whites through his mother.
Stanger was called up to the full international squad for the first time last autumn but has yet to make his debut.
The "Killie Kiwi" was sidelined with injury from December until the start of March but returned last weekend in the 1-0 over Premiership leaders Hearts.
Darren Bazeley though has left Stanger out of his squad for the challenge matches against Finland and Chile.
"After the game I got a text from the New Zealand manager right away to congratulate me being back on the team and on a good result," Stanger said.
"I've had quite regular dialogue with him about things.
"He phoned me last week to let me know that I wouldn't be in the squad for the coming couple of matches due to my lack of minutes."
But Stanger, who joined Killie in the summer from local rivals Ayr United, says he can force his way back into international reckoning with good performances in Killie's battle to avoid relegation.
"The only way I'm going to get myself involved is to be doing well here and to help Killie stay up this season," he said.
"With the World Cup in mind my main focus is here, because that's the only thing that's going to help me get to that is performing here and doing well here.
"It would be an amazing experience to be involved in that, it's something as a player I've always dreamed of but my full focus on helping Kilmarnock stay up this season."
Image source, SNSFormer Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell has praised Findlay Curtis' "huge impact" on the club - but was delighted Neil McCann said the winger isn't guaranteed a game.
Curtis, 19, this week earned a first senior Scotland call-up after impressing since joining Killie on loan from Rangers two months ago.
"I thought he was excellent last weekend [against Hearts]," Bell told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I really did. When I saw him live at the game I thought everything he'd done, his touch, his directness, his movement, his workrate, every single element of his game was excellent.
"Since he's come to Kilmarnock he's had a huge impact on the club. I was surprised when Rangers let him go, to be honest, but I think it's the best thing for him.
"He's moved away, he's got games and he's playing regularly but it's great to hear Neil saying that he's got no guarantees of playing.
"He needs to knuckle down, make sure he's producing that every single week or else he'll be out the team. So there's a demand there.
"I think he's been a real shining light for Kilmarnock."
Image source, SNSKilmarnock are unbeaten in six Scottish Premiership meetings with Livingston (W3 D3); they had lost five in a row against them in the competition beforehand.
Livingston have lost three of their last four Premiership visits to Kilmarnock, although the exception was their most recent, a 2-2 draw on matchday one this season.
After only winning two of their opening 23 league matches of the season (D8 L13), Kilmarnock have since won three of their past seven (D1 L3), with these three wins coming in their past four at home (L1).
Livingston's tally of 15 points is the lowest by any side in their opening 30 matches of a Scottish top-flight campaign since Livingston themselves in 2005-06 (12).
Against Hearts last time out, Michael Schjonning-Larsen became Kilmarnock's 15th different goal scorer (excluding own goals) in the Premiership this season, as many as they had in the whole of 2024-25. Killie last had more different players find the net in a campaign in the competition in 2018-19 (17).
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSRising star Findlay Curtis has gone from the Rangers fringes to Scotland squad - via an impactful stint with Kilmarnock - in the space of eight months.
The 19-year-old began the season with a start and a goal in Rangers' 2-0 home win over Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying, but struggled to cement a first-team spot under both Russell Martin and Danny Rohl.
Custis made 21 appearances - but just five starts - for Rangers across all competitions, scored three goals and set up a further two before heading on loan to Rugby Park to play under former Ibrox assistants Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.
Since making the switch to Ayrshire, the versatile youngster has been a standout in a Kilmarnock side fighting for survival.
Curtis has started all but two of Killie's six league games since then - he was ineligible to face parent club Rangers - and played several different positions.
In last weekend's deserved 1-0 win over leaders Hearts, he started on the left side of attack. Against Falkirk the week before, he was on the right and against St Mirren in February he was deployed at right-back. Talk about versatility.
While Curtis has just one assist so far (in Killie's 4-3 win over St Mirren last month) he has been impressive in attack. Despite having only arrived eight weeks ago, his 20 shots is the second most of any Kilmarnock player this season.
Curtis has also created seven chances from open play and three big chances - again the second highest of any Killie player.
The victory over Hearts summed up Curtis' prowess. Scotland boss Steve Clarke was in attendance at Rugby Park to watch the youngster and was clearly impressed as he handed Curtis his first senior call-up for this month's pre-World Cup friendlies.
Custis' five shots last Saturday was the most of any Killie player, in fact only Hearts' Claudio Braga (eight) attempted more. The teenager had six touches in the opposition box - again only Braga (10) had more - and won a game-high 12 duels.
Killie are second bottom of the Premiership, joint on points with St Mirren and nine above Livingston, but if they can keep Curtis firing there can surely be optimism around their chances of survival.
David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Neil McCann says Findlay Curtis must earn his place in the squad
Kilmarnock head coach Neil McCann has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's visit of Livingston.
Here are the main points:
McCann is "buzzing" for Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis, who received his first Scotland call-up for this month's friendlies, and says it is a "feather in the cap" for Kilmarnock having helped to develop the winger this season.
The Rugby Park squad are "delighted" for Curtis as well, and McCann says: "He's integrated so well to the group you'd think we was a Kilmarnock player."
He adds: "I think what it probably does is give maybe a wee bit of confidence to the group that there's eyes on us. I know it was a televised game the other night there against the league leaders, which gives its own profile, but it shows that there's an opportunity there for you if you come and perform."
While McCann has been impressed with Curtis, he stresses "Findlay is not guaranteed a place, he has to earn it" and adds: "Although he was great against Hearts, there's no guarantees he plays this weekend because we have players really asking questions."
McCann says the past week has been "great" following their win over leaders Hearts and "the luxury is that after a result like that you can allow the guys to really enjoy it".
He believes "the evidence was there that we are a good side" and feels Killie "just need to get the consistency" in their performances.
Killie occupy the relegation play-off spot and host bottom club Livingston on Saturday, with McCann describing it as a "huge game" but "not the biggest game of the season".
Marvin Bartley, who took over from David Martindale at Livi, has "really started to get a tune out of the players" and McCann insists: "We can't go into this game thinking we've cracked it, we absolutely haven't."
While Killie could go above St Mirren and out of the relegation play-off place, depending on the Buddies' result at Falkirk, McCann says "that's not going to be the message" and feels "the big prize is three points, whether that is going to take us out of that spot is out of our control".
On former Killie manager Jim Fleeting, who died this week, McCann recalls "a legend in Ayrshire who did so much for grassroots and coaching in this country" and says "he'll be sadly missed".
Team news: McCann says the squad is "looking great" and there's "no fitness worries at all".
Image source, SNSFormer referee Steve Conroy thinks it is "mission creep" with VAR in Scottish football before new changes to the laws for the upcoming World Cup.
VAR was introduced in Scotland almost four years ago but has frequently been criticised by fans, players, managers and former players.
Now there could be more changes to the scope of technology as football's law-making body the International Football Association Board (Ifab) backed plans to increase the powers of VAR.
For this summer's World Cup in America, VAR will be allowed to intervene on second yellow cards and the awarding of corners, provided the process doesn't slow down the flow of play.
Ifab has also expanded the countdown rule around goalkeepers where they have eight seconds to release the ball from their hands to include goal kicks and throw-ins.
But former referee Conroy thinks involving the technology in more decision-making is bad news for the game.
"It's inescapable that there is more and more mission creep with VAR," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"The authorities seem hell-bent on using it more and more and relying on it and I think that is to the detriment of football.
"I know Ifab are talking about getting them involved for corners and second yellows and all that sort of stuff. As [Celtic interim manager] Martin O'Neill said, soon enough we'll just referee from a port-a-cabin somewhere.
"And this is all happening at the same time as every football supporter survey tells you that they just want it binned."
Sandy Armour
Fan writer
Our Achilles heel all season has been our tendency to lose soft goals so it was refreshing to see a solid defensive display against the league leaders.
I actually predicted a 1-0 Killie win in last week's column, however, that was more in hope than expectation.
It was an outstanding all-round performance with every player showing what it means to pull on the famous stripes.
Special mention must go to man of the match Aaron Tshibola, who put in a superb shift and the big man could be vital in our remaining games.
Greg Kiltie has been hugely improved under Neil McCann and is once again showing the kind of quality we always knew he had.
The manager has brought a positivity to the whole place and it would be good to see more fans turn up this week as we face a massive game at home to basement club Livingston.
Another win would probably consign them to the Championship and we would drag other clubs into the play-off battle.
Finally, we were saddened to hear former manager Jim Fleeting has died after a long illness. Jim was our manager at the rebirth of the club and made some huge signings that helped us climb back up the leagues. Condolences to Bobby, Mary and all the family.
Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine
Image source, SNSFindlay Curtis says he was shocked to receive his first Scotland call-up and revealed the news had his mum in tears.
Curtis, 19, is on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers and has been given his first chance to impress as head coach Steve Clarke prepares to lead Scotland at the World Cup finals in June.
Scotland host Japan at Hampden on Saturday 28 March before taking on Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday 31 March.
"It's unbelievable, I didn't expect it at such a young age but it's a dream come true and I just can't wait to get going," Curtis told Kilmarnock's in-house media channel.
"I got a call yesterday from the gaffer here [McCann] and he said you're in the consideration set-up, and I'm thinking to myself 'It's mental'. Then he phoned me and said I'm in the full squad.
"I was bursting with pride and told my mum and dad. My mum started crying. It's huge."
Image source, SNSFormer Kilmarnock manager Jim Fleeting has died, aged 70.
Fleeting managed Killie between 1989 and 1992 after a stint with Stirling Albion. He later led the Scotland Women's National Team in 1998.
His playing career began with Norwich City before he moved to the USA to join Tampa Bay Rowdies.
He then spent five years with Ayr United before spells with Clyde and Greenock Morton.
After management, Fleeting became the Scottish FA's director of football development and trained renowned coaches such as Jose Mourinho
In a statement, Kilmarnock said: "The thoughts of everyone at Kilmarnock FC are with Jim's family - Irene, Barry and Julie - at this difficult time."
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Image source, SNSJerome Prior - Livingston
Five saves at Easter Road are unlikely to save Livingston's season, but they brought a clean sheet and a point nonetheless.
Warren O'Hora - Hibernian
Another solid showing from the centre-back and a clean sheet.
Kieran Tierney - Celtic
His character and class continues to help keep Celtic fighting for a league and cup double.
Michael Schjonning-Larsen - Kilmarnock
A huge goal against Hearts from the Estonian international to earn his Kilmarnock side a massive three points in their fight against relegation, and throw a massive spanner in the works of the Hearts title tilt.
Luca Stephenson - Dundee United
A brilliant, brave back-post header looked like it would give Dundee United all three points in the derby, but it wasn't to be.
Alex Gogic - St Mirren
If any player ever deserved the classic football hard man head bandage it's Alex Gogic. But the Cyprus international goes the extra mile.
With blood erupting from his head after a clash with a team-mate, there was no bandage required. Instead it took staples to stem the flow, topped off by a massive dollop of Vaseline. What a warrior.
He must be the most old-school player in the Premiership, and we love him for it. Great defensively against Rangers.
Nico Raskin - Rangers
Full of energy in the hurly-burly of midfield in poor conditions in Paisley. He delivered the assist for the vital goal.
Tuur Rommens - Rangers
Got high up the field to decisive effect as he sealed a big three points for Rangers.
Yang Hyun-Jun - Celtic
Two goals in a huge game to sink Motherwell. That is now six goals since Christmas for the South Korean international.
Barney Stewart - Falkirk
The young striker is brimming with belief after graduating to Premiership football. 16 goals now in all competitions for the 21-year-old - albeit half of them while on loan at Championship Dunfermline. Four goals in his last 3 games, huge potential.
Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock
Has brought a bit of X-factor to the Kilmarnock attack. Looks like a player who can ignite things for the Rugby Park side as they fight to get out of the play-off spot.
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
The Scottish Premiership leaders stumble to a third successive away defeat as Kilmarnock dig out a deserved three points.
Available to UK users only.
Kilmarnock fans, we asked for your opinion on the vital 1-0 win over league leaders Hearts. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Amy: Neil McCann got his team selection spot on (unlike against Falkirk) and we thoroughly deserved the three points. Should have been two or three up at the break. Aaron Tshibola was an absolute colossus in the midfield and was hands down the best player on the park. Hope you're getting nervous, St Mirren.
Anna: I'd have settled for a point but to get all three with a performance like that is priceless given the situation we're in. The team were solid all over the pitch and stopped Hearts playing their normal game.
For Michael Schjonning-Larsen to score his first goal for the club was pretty special. He has really impressed me with his performance and he could well turn out to be the best signing Neil McCann has made for us.
Vicky: Best performance by the boys in blue and white for a good while. Greg Kiltie, Tshibola and [Jamie] Brandon were outstanding. Important win and three points. Gave 100% for 100 minutes and thoroughly deserved the victory.
William: Is it worth sticking with this team line up as they seemed to gel from the game's start? Injuries aside, probably the most logical choice given our dreadful season.
Alan: An excellent performance and result, great performances from Tshibola and Kiltie in particular. Beggars belief how we were that bad at Falkirk. We are giving ourselves a fighting chance, but need to win next week against Livingston.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Neil McCann tells BBC Scotland: "There's a lot to like. I'm so proud of the players. We've had two weeks to dwell on the Falkirk result.
"The message was to play with risk and bravery, but that we would have to match Hearts.
"We knew they would throw balls in the box and be physical, but to a man we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the three points.
"We did all the stuff off the ball so well. Derek [McInnes] is a first-class manager and we had to adjust our tactics to respect how Hearts would play.
"We had everything tonight and could have scored more as well. We tried to stay composed, they stuck their chests out and deserve their victory.
"The bar was set when we came in - what we expect as a coaching team. What we're doing at home is so pleasing. I want it to become a fortress."
Hearts' charge at the top of the Scottish Premiership was dealt a shock blow as Kilmarnock stunned the league leaders with a deserved victory at Rugby Park.
Have your say on the game here.
