Kilmarnock 2-2 Hibernian
- Published
Highlights: Kilmarnock 2-2 Hibernian
Kris Boyd scored from the rebound after his penalty was saved as Kilmarnock came from behind to earn a point against Hibernian in a pulsating match.
The visitors went two up inside 10 minutes through Florian Kamberi and teenage defender Ryan Porteous.
Kilmarnock were reinvigorated by the break, and Jordan Jones curled in an outstanding effort before Boyd's leveller.
The penalty award incensed Hibs manager Neil Lennon, who was sent to the stand.
He shouted at referee Kevin Clancy before sarcastically applauding the official's decision.
Hibernian striker Florian Kamberi flicks the ball past Kilmarnock goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald for the opening goal
Both sides went into this match in top form - Hibs looking for a fourth straight win, Kilmarnock aiming for an eighth straight home victory. We got an electric start.
The ball was played out to Hibs left wing-back Lewis Stevenson, who was in acres of space. He delivered the ball into the box and Hibs striker Kamberi was the most alive to the opportunity. With just 27 seconds on the clock, the young Swiss striker flicked the ball home to stun the home side.
It set the tone for what would be a rampant start to the match from Hibs.
Midfield playmaker Scott Allan picked out Jamie MacLaren in the box, who in turn linked with Kamberi, and the Swiss striker's shot was deflected over the bar by Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay.
Hibernian's 18-year-old defender Ryan Porteous scores a powerful header against Kilmarnock
From the resulting corner, Hibs went 2-0 in front. Eighteen-year-old central defender Ryan Porteous - in for Paul Hanlon, who was missing the game following the birth of his son overnight - powered a header into the net as Hibernian doubled their lead with less than 10 minutes on the clock.
Straight after that, it was almost 3-0, a chance arriving quickly for MacLaren at the back post but with the goal gaping, the Australian clipped his shot over. Undeterred, moments later another chance fell to MacLaren and this time he forced a save from Kilmarnock goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.
The home side had been caught in a Hibs whirlwind and looked stunned as they searched for a way to fight back. But the home side were struggling to make any real impression in the final third, with Kris Boyd looking very isolated.
The veteran striker had to wait until the 29th minute for his first real chance. Rory McKenzie provided the cross from the right and although Boyd rose well for the header, the ball flew high over the bar.
Referee Kevin Clancy sends Hibernian manager Neil Lennon to the stand
Kilmarnock would go even closer five minutes later. A shot was fired in from Jones which deflected off Hibs captain Darren McGregor. The ball trickled narrowly wide.
At the other end, Kamberi forced another save before Jones threatened again. This time, the winger struck a fine shot from 20 yards which struck the post as the half ended 2-0 in Hibs' favour.
The next goal would be crucial and Kilmarnock came flying out of the blocks in the second half. A ball slung into the box found Youssouf Mulumbu who was just six yards from goal, but his volley was diverted over by Porteous.
But Kilmarnock would get the next goal and it would be a thing of beauty from their main threat, Jones.
Hibs manager Neil Lennon had to watch the remainder of the game from the Rugby park directors' box
The Northern Ireland winger found space on the corner of the penalty box and he curled a superb effort right into the top corner. The home crowd erupted as the game came alive once more.
Suddenly, in another Kilmarnock attack, Ambrose conceded a free kick. Boyd took it and although his strike was blocked, the follow-up effort struck the arm of Porteous and Kevin Clancy pointed to the penalty spot.
Boyd took the kick and although Ofir Marciano saved, Boyd followed up to make it 2-2 as the atmosphere inside Rugby Park reached fever pitch.
It was too much for Lennon, who was clearly incensed by the decision. Clancy came to the side of the pitch to speak to Lennon, who was right in the referee's face as he furiously vented his rage. The referee had no choice but to send Lennon to the stand. Lennon sarcastically applauded the decision as he was escorted away.
Kilmarnock winger Jordan Jones hit the post as well as scoring an excellent goal against Hibs
Kilmarnock were riding the crest of the wave of this sensational comeback.
Mulumbu suddenly came to the fore, with two shots in the space of a minute that looked certain to put Kilmarnock in front. On both occasions, Marciano made fantastic saves.
The chances kept coming as the momentum continued to build in Kilmarnock's favour. Substitute Eamonn Brophy fired wide, Jones had a low shot which looked like it was in the net but skewed wide, and Stephen O'Donnell curled an effort just wide. It felt like this match could only have one winner.
However the fizz died down in the final 10 minutes as this thrilling contest took a slight breather, although substitute Aaron Tshibola fashioned another chance which went close. In the end, an honourable draw seemed about right.