Kilmarnock 2-0 Dundee: Scottish Cup last 16 place secured by fast start
- Published
Kyle Vassell got Kilmarnock off to the perfect start
Kilmarnock flew out of the blocks at Rugby Park to see off Dundee and secure a place in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup in the only all-Premiership tie of the round.
Kyle Vassell netted after just 18 seconds, and before the home celebrations had chance to die down, Marley Watkins headed home to double the home side's lead.
Dundee rallied, but spurned several good chances on a disappointing afternoon for Tony Docherty's side.
Kilmarnock will learn their opponents in the last 16 on Sunday, with the draw taking place live on Sportscene.
Derek McInnes anticipated a tight encounter before kick-off, but could not have wished for a better start from his players.
Vassell seized on hesitation by Adam Legzdins to nip in and poke the ball beyond the goalkeeper, and the fast start continued when Danny Armstrong floated a dangerous fee kick into the box and Watkins got the finest of touches.
Dundee looked rattled but did respond strongly. Luke McCowan's shot deflected off a team-mate and home but was ruled out for offside. Josh Mulligan was a yard off a tap-in but couldn't quite make up the ground.
Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay then breathed a huge sigh of relief when his miscue fell the right side of the post from his perspective as the visitors pushed for a route back into the tie.
They ought to have found just that when recent signing Dara Costelloe connected with a corner from six yards but his header flashed past when anything on target would likely have counted.
McCowan had another opportunity after a lovely, free-flowing move but dragged wide from the edge of the box.
Dundee couldn't find the key to unlock the home defence and their threat diminished as time ticked on.
A third for Derek McInnes' side would have made it a more comfortable afternoon and Vassell ought to have had it when he raced through, but a heavy touch at the vital moment took him too wide.
Substitute Corrie Ndaba also had a header kicked off the line as Kilmarnock's blistering opening proved decisive in what is an increasingly promising season.
What they said
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "We couldn't have wished for a better start.
"Dundee had a bit more control and threat than we would have liked, and we'd have liked to have played better. We looked a wee bit rusty, but it was a cup tie against a good opponent and we're just glad to get through it."
Dundee manager Tony Docherty: "It was calamitous - we lose the cup tie in three minutes. To lose two goals in that manner is very disappointing. We gave ourselves too much to do against a good team.
"Now it's onto league business, we'll lick our wounds and get ready for Tynecastle."