Kilmarnock makes it two Premier Sports Cup wins from two as they defeat Livingston
Kilmarnock took control of their Premier Sports Cup group with a 1-0 victory over fellow Premiership outfit Livingston at Rugby Park.
In new boss Stuart Kettlewell's home debut, the hosts were fortunate to pick up the points with the game decided by a Mo Sylla own goal on the half hour mark while Killie debutant Max Stryjek pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep a clean sheet against his former side.
The victory makes it two wins from two for Kettlewell's side and takes them a step closer to the knockout stages.
Kettlewell elected to ring the changes with Max Stryjek handed his Killie debut against his former club, replacing Eddie Beach in goal. David Watson, Liam Polworth, Kyle Magennis, Marcus Dackers and Djenairo Daniels were all handed starts at the expense of ex-Livi skipper Jamie Brandon, Greg Kiltie, Rory McKenzie and attacking duo Bruce Anderson and Scott Tiffoney.
It was the visitors who started the brighter with Stryjek twice denying Stevie May. Neat passing in the middle of the park led to Robbie Muirhead sending the striker through. His first effort was saved with the rebound falling back to him - only for Stryjek to thwart him again.
Killie threatened moments later but Brad Lyons' delivery across goal to the unmarked Daniels was too far in front of the striker for him to properly challenge Jerome Prior.
Goal mouth action was lacking so it was perhaps no surprise that the deadlock was broken in fortuitous circumstances around the half hour mark. A lack of communication in the Livi box saw the hosts take the lead when Prior's punch bounced off Sylla and into the net.
Livi reacted well, though, and twice went close to equalising before the break with Stryjek denying Muirhead on both occasions - firstly tipping an angled drive wide before making a smart save from a free-kick.
While the action was frantic in the second half, genuine chances were at a premium. Livi went searching for a leveller but Danny Wilson's header that flashed wide was the best they could muster while Marley Watkins was denied by Prior in the closing moments as Killie looked to put the game to bed.
Killie have the weekend off before resuming their Group H action on Tuesday night away to League One side Kelty Hearts.
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