Yahoo News Kilmarnock sign off season in party atmosphere at Den's Park with Dundee draw
It was party mood at Den's Park as sombreros and beach balls were in full show amongst the away faithful as they signed off a successful season with a 1-1 draw at Dundee.
Gary Mackay-Steven made the most of his first start in Killie colours as he fired his side into a 24th minute - but the Dees answered back before the break as Scott Tiffoney broke the offside trap and squared across goal for Luke McCowan to make it double-digits for the campaign.
A frantic ending saw Killie reduced to 10 men as Robbie Deas was shown a second yellow while McCowan skewed an 89th minute penalty wide as it was honours even on the the final day of the campaign.
Kilmarnock gaffer Derek McInnes made a slew of changes from the side that were beaten by Celtic in midweek - including rare starts for Murray and Mackay-Steven. They were forced into a change even before kick-off, too, as keeper Kieran O'Hara pulled up injured in the warm-up and was replaced by Will Dennis.
There was a definite meaningless end of season feel to proceedings as neither club was able to create much in front of goal, although Dundee felt they had legitimate claims for a 12th minute penalty when Amadou Bakayoko was bundled over inside the box after racing on to a ball over the top of the Killie backline.
The game suddenly burst into life midway through the first half as a quick counter-attack led to the opener. A defensive clearance allowed Murray to run fully 50 yards up the park before seeing his strike blocked by the recovering Dees defence. The ball fell kindly to Marley Watkins who saw his attempt blocked too - but it was third time lucky for the away side as Mackay-Steven slammed home for his first in blue and white stripes.
He tried to make it a double seven minutes later but saw his curling strike from 20 yards fly narrowly over Jon McCracken's crossbar as the visitors began to take control of the contest.
Dundee looked to send the ball over the top of the Killie defence all afternoon and it paid dividends just before the break when Tiffoney was sent clear with the former Partick Thistle man squaring to McCowan to fire beyond Dennis for the equaliser. The flag initially went up for offside but the decision overturned.
The away side looked to take the game to their opponents in the early stages of the second half and twice went close in the opening few minutes. Watkins forced Jon McCracken to get down low and palm away his effort from distance before the Welshman saw his header from a dangerous Murray cross clip the top of the bar.
Murray certainly made the most of his starting berth with an impressive display that was so nearly capped off with a wonder strike as his free-kick from 25 yards beat McCracken all ends up, only to clatter the woodwork as Killie again went agonisingly close to re-taking the lead.
The game became disjointed following a number of changes for both sides and just at it looked to be petering out into a score draw there was late drama. Robbie Deas was shown a late second yellow - but only after a VAR check for mistaken identity as referee Calum Scott initially booked Stuart Findlay.
Dundee then squandered a perfect chance for a late winner as McCowan sent a penalty wide after Dara Costelloe was fouled by Joe Wright - which just added to the celebrations amongst the away fans.
For them it's all focus on just where their European travels will be taking them in July. Time to get those passports dusted off.
Dundee: McCracken; McGhee, Portales, Donnelly, Dodgson; Sylla (Boateng 70); Mulligan (Costelloe 45), Cameron (Robertson 63), McCowan, Tiffoney (Howley 85); Bakayoko (Main 70). Subs: Sharp, Astley, Robinson, Mellon.
Goals: McCowan (37)
Missed penalty: McCowan (89)
Kilmarnock: Dennis; Wright, Deas, Findlay, Ndaba; Mackay-Steven (Armstrong 60), Donnelly, Polworth (Stewart 45), Murray (Balagizi 71); McKenzie (Watson 86); Watkins (Cameron 60). Subs: O'Hara, Vassell, Kennedy, Van Veen.
Goals: Mackay-Steven (24)
Sent-off: Deas (84)
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