Summary

  • Kilmarnock play first second-tier fixture in 28 years

  • First Ayrshire derby since 2017

Live Reporting

Ben Banks

  1. Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    It's been the Chris Burke show so far at Rugby Park.

    He's been the constant threat for Kilmarnock and almost curled one into the top corner by stepping inside and firing high. Just wide.

  2. Backs against the wall

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    James McFadden
    Former Scotland forward

    Ayr are having to do a lot of defending just now. Innes Cameron has shown great striker play.

  3. CLOSE!

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    Another Chris Burke cross has caused havoc and Innes Cameron almost made it count.

    His header from Burke's corner was well-saved by goalkeeper Charlie Albinson.

    Ayr living dangerously.

  4. 'Tight league'

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    Julie Fleeting
    Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

    There is an opportunity for all clubs to get into the promotion play-offs. It's such a tight league.

  5. Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    Tommy Wright's team have clearly been working on corners.

    Kilmarnock have put plenty of dangerous crosses into the Ayr box so far.

  6. Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    It's been pretty quiet since Burke and Murray went close for Kilmarnock in the early stages.

    The home team are dominating the ball but haven't been able to do anything with it yet.

  7. 'Hungry team'

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    Cammy Bell
    Former Kilmarnock goalkeeper

    David Hopkin has a young, hungry team. Ayr are a team where young players go to in order to showcase their talent.

  8. CLOSE!

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    Chris Burke and Euan Murray go close for Kilmarnock.

    The veteran winger called for a penalty after his shot was turned behind for a corner.

    Euan Murray flashed the resulting header wide.

  9. A sense of normality

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    It's been a tight opening to the match but the Kilmarnock fans are making plenty of noise.

    Things are slowly beginning to feel like normal...

  10. Kilmarnock 'really strong'

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    James McFadden
    Former Scotland forward

    Tommy Wright wanted to get rid of the guys who failed last season. He's got a really strong Kilmarnock squad.

  11. KICK-OFF

    Kilmarnock 0-0 Ayr United

    We're under way at Rugby Park.

  12. 'Fantastic signing'

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Cammy Bell
    Former Kilmarnock goalkeeper

    It is a big signing for Ayr United. Afolabi will be a fantastic signing for them.

  13. New signing at Somerset Park

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

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  14. Wish you were here...

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Ayr United manager David Hopkin tells BBC Sportsound a travelling support - away fans not permitted to attend tonight's fixture - would have improved the 'atmosphere' at Rugby Park.

    "I'm sure all the Ayr fans watching in the house will be doing so with great intent," he said. "I wish they could be hear as the atmosphere would probably be better.

    "We are going to have a lot of energy in our team. We know it will be a tough game.

    "They are the favourites to go up. It will give us a good gauge of where we are."

    David HopkinSNS

  15. Where to watch

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Wondering where to catch the action this evening?

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United is the first Scottish Championship match live on TV via BBC Scotland.

    You can also listen on BBC Radio Scotland DAB/810MW.

    There is also live text coverage here throughout the match.

  16. 'Fantastic fixture'

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Julie Fleeting
    Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

    It is a fantastic fixture for both teams. Kilmarnock have got a very different side. Ayr will fancy their chances.

  17. 'Fans can play their part'

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright tells BBC Sportsound that the home fans in attendance could provide his team with an additional edge.

    "They have been well-prepared for it," Wright said. "It will be a great evening and 4,000 fans are in.

    "It will be a special occasion. The fans that we have had in already have encouraged the team.

    "We maybe just haven't had that cutting edge. The fans can play their part."

    Tommy WrightSNS

  18. STARTING XI's

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Kilmarnock starting XI: Hemming; Naismith, Murray, Stokes, Haunstrup; Polworth, Alston, McGinn; Burke, Cameron, Murray.

    Substitutes: Walker, Sanders, McGowan, Lyons, Armstrong, Robinson, Burrell.

    Ayr United starting XI: Albinson; Houston, Muirhead, Baird McGinty, Reading; Murdoch, Salkeld, Hewitt; McKenzie, Adeloye.

    Substitutes: McAdams, Fjørtoft, Miller, Maxwell, Chalmers, Afolabi, Moffat.

  19. Welcome

    Kilmarnock v Ayr United (19:45)

    Hello and welcome to this evening's live text for Kilmarnock v Ayr United.

    The Ayrshire rivals are locking horns in the league for the first time since 1993.

    Stick with us for the latest from Rugby Park...

    Rugby ParkSNS