'Irish Messi'published at 70 mins
Kilmarnock 1-0 Ayr United
Ayr United substitute Daire O'Connor was dubbed 'the Irish Messi' earlier in his career.
He joined Ayr this summer from Cilftonville.
No pressure...
Image source, Getty ImagesSummary
Kilmarnock play first second-tier fixture in 28 years
First Ayrshire derby since 2017
'Irish Messi'published at 70 mins
Image source, Getty ImagesDebut delight?published at 66 mins
Kilmarnock 1-0 Ayr United
Ayr United manager David Hopkin is making much-needed changes.
Striker Jonathan Afolabi - who joined on-loan from Celtic earlier today - replaces Mark McKenzie.
Michael Hewitt is replaced by Daire O'Connor.
Postpublished at 64 mins
Kilmarnock 1-0 Ayr United
Ayr United were on the ropes in the first half but now the referee should be counting to 10.
Kilmarnock are in full control and Ayr need to change something to even salvage a point.
'Big club'published at 21:04 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 1-0 Ayr United
James McFadden
Former Scotland forwardQuote MessageLiam Polworth is a fantastic signing for Kilmarnock. These players are coming to a big club.
Rugby Park risespublished at 59 mins
Kilmarnock 1-0 Ayr United
Kilmarnock's Championship goal tally is off and running for the season.
It's given the thousands of home supporters at Rugby Park a huge lift.
The next 10 minutes are key for Ayr United if they want to remain in the game.
Image source, SNS
GOALpublished at 55 mins
Kilmarnock 1-0 Ayr United
Chris Burke's pass into Blair Alston eventually finds its way to Liam Polworth, who fires into the Ayr United net.
It's a much-deserved goal for Kilmarnock.
'Need to score'published at 20:55 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
James McFadden
Former Scotland forwardQuote MessageHe has to do better. Cameron has to score. He can't let it affect him.
CLOSE!published at 49 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Innes Cameron must score. Another brilliant Chris Burke cross found the young striker with the goal at his mercy.
He heads wide from inside the six yard box.
Huge chance.
Ayr penned inpublished at 20:51 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Chris Iwelumo
Former Scotland strikerQuote MessageAyr fans should be happy it's 0-0. They haven't had much of the ball.
KICK-OFFpublished at 45 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
We're off again at Rugby Park.
Can either side find a winner?
Leading by examplepublished at 20:44 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Chris Burke turns 38 this season.
It certainly doesn't look like it. You could have made a full half-time highlights package based purely on his contributions alone.
He looks the most likely to grab a goal.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock's key manpublished at 20:41 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Leanne Crichton
Scotland internationalQuote MessageBurke's been outstanding. He's so intelligent.
Adeloye down 'a bit early' in penalty callpublished at 20:38 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
James McFadden
Former Scotland forwardQuote MessageI think he goes down a bit early. I think he goes down rather than being pushed.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 45+1 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Just seconds before the half-time whistle, Kilmarnock captain Chris Stokes was booked for a foul on Adeloye.
The Ayr striker is putting himself about.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 20:33 British Summer Time 2 August 2021
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
There's been little action in terms of clear-cut chances at either end and the teams head down the tunnel level.
Postpublished at 43 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
The Ayr United players swarm around Don Robertson as the referee waves away a penalty claim.
Kilmarnock right-back Jason Naismith was tight to Adeloye as the Ayr striker tumbled in the box. No penalty given.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 41 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Jordan Houston joins Adeloye in the book after a tackle on Fraser Murray.
His tackle left referee Don Robertson with no choice but to book the Ayr defender.
Postpublished at 39 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
First chance - of sorts - for Ayr United.
Adeloye got some room outside the Kilmarnock box but Jason Naismith committed a fantastic tackle as the striker entered the penalty area.
Postpublished at 37 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Kilmarnock have had over 60% of possession but they've rarely threatened the Ayr United goal.
Ayr haven't offered much at the other end either though.
It was predicted that this would be tight and it's certainly panning out that way.
Image source, SNSImage caption, Wright may be frustrated
YELLOW CARDpublished at 32 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United
Tomi Adeloye goes into the book after an act of petulance.
Seemingly annoyed that an advantage wasn't played after a free-kick was given, the Ayr striker slammed the ball into the ground in frustration.
The first booking of the night.