Marley Watkins notched a controversial winner as Kilmarnock claimed a treasured 1-0 victory over Dundee United.
A colorless encounter that introduced little in the best way of alternatives sparked into life within the 72nd minute.
United goalkeeper Jack Walton misjudged the flight of the ball, permitting Watkins to nod the ball residence. The guests furiously appealed for a foul, however the purpose can be allowed to face following a VAR test.
The Rugby Park facet have lifted themselves to ninth within the William Hill Premiership desk – seven factors forward of St Johnstone, who occupy backside spot.
United handed a debut to Allan Campbell, who signed from Charlton earlier within the week.
The previous Motherwell midfielder virtually made a right away affect when he prodded simply huge of the goal after the Killie defence struggled to cope with Will Ferry’s lengthy throw.
Neither keeper had been examined within the early exchanges. Nevertheless, that might change within the twelfth minute when Joe Wright introduced out an amazing save from Walton following a pin-point supply from Watkins.
An excellent driving run by Danny Armstrong ended with a shot which sailed nicely over earlier than Derek McInnes was pressured right into a first-half substitution.
Brad Lyons got here off the worst following an aerial problem with Campbell, resulting in the Killie skipper being changed by Liam Polworth.
Probabilities had been at a premium with neither facet capable of finding any type of fluency within the last levels of the primary half.
Kilmarnock’s Marley Watkins celebrates the winner
Fraser Murray ought to have carried out higher when he turned Armstrong’s cross over the bar, whereas on the different finish an acrobatic effort by Ruari Paton landed simply huge of the goal.
There was an enormous let-off for the hosts within the opening minutes of the second half when Luca Stephenson gained possession in a harmful space, however was let down by a slack cross at a vital second.
The woodwork got here to Killie’s rescue simply earlier than the hour mark. Ferry’s throw-in discovered Sam Dalby, who was unfortunate to see his header strike the crossbar with Kieran O’Hara crushed.
Killie opened the scoring with 18 minutes remaining in what was a second to neglect for Walton.
David Watson’s cross skipped up off Declan Gallagher and Watkins rose above the United keeper to go the ball residence.
The United gamers had been adamant Walton had been fouled and surrounded referee David Dickinson, although the purpose was allowed to face.
Jim Goodwin threw warning to the wind in the hunt for a leveller, introducing Kristijan Trapanovski and Glenn Middleton from the bench.
The transfer practically paid off after Middleton discovered himself bearing down on purpose, however he tried to sq. the ball for Dalby when a shot on purpose seemed to be the higher possibility.
There was a nervous end for the house supporters as their facet survived a VAR test for a doable handball within the last seconds earlier than the full-time sparked celebrations inside Rugby Park.
What the managers stated…
Dundee Utd supervisor Jim Goodwin…
“The true frustration is the style of the purpose we concede.
“I’ve watched it now from quite a few completely different angles and I am unable to perceive how the fellows within the VAR studio do not rule that one out or a minimum of ask the referee to come back view the monitor.
“Jack Walton is attempting to get off the bottom and it is not possible as a result of the Kilmarnock ahead’s arm is throughout his face earlier than he heads it into the purpose.
“It wasn’t the scoreline we had been hoping for, if the sport had completed 0-0 then I do not suppose there would have been many complaints from myself or Derek.”
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes:
“The purpose is scabby and it is untidy from their perspective. There’s nothing controversial about it, the keeper ought to be stronger.
“We have performed so a lot better and never received something from the sport.
“I feel Dundee United had been higher than us within the first half, they regarded like a group that had taken confidence from the place they’re within the league.
“There are alternative ways of profitable video games. At this stage of the season and within the context of the place we’re, we confirmed so many facets to get the job carried out.
“The outcome oversees all the pieces, it is a magnificent outcome and one which we had been badly needing.”
