Kilmarnock recorded back-to-back victories in the Scottish Premiership for just the second time this season as they downed Livingston to leave them 12 points adrift at the foot of the table.

Former Manchester United forward Joe Hugill neatly put the hosts – who surprisingly beat league leaders Hearts here at Rugby Park last week – in front by directing in Marley Watkins’ cracking cross after a thrilling 25 minutes.

It was nothing less than Neil McCann’s side – and particularly the lively Hugill – deserved.

They should have doubled their advantage moments later through Scotland call-up Findlay Curtis, but Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior pulled out a smart save.

In a special week for the on-loan Rangers teenager, he did get his goal by rounding off a frantic counter-attack.

It was sweet relief for the hosts who appeared to leave all their confidence in the changing room at half-time as they were severely under pressure until Curtis’ strike and only saved by Livingston’s profligacy.

Brooklyn Kabongolo misguided a seemingly simple header, Cristian Montano went searching for the far post and substitute Lewis Smith left the post shoogling just minutes before they conceded the sucker-punch second.

With heads well and truly down, and staring at an immediate return to the Scottish Championship, Livi lost defender Kabongolo to a late red card for hauling back Curtis who was tearing down on goal.

Referee Ryan Lee initially issued a yellow card, but upgraded it to a red after he was called to the monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Killie remain in 11th, level on points with St Mirren, following the Buddies’ comeback win at Falkirk.

Match report: Amy Canavan

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