Kilmarnock 2-1 Arbroath - Rugby Park side earn top-flight return

Summary

James Craigen's early shot goes in off far post; Ash Taylor crashes in equaliser at second attempt before Blair Alston turns in second
Kilmarnock return to top flight at first time of asking
Arbroath now destined for promotion play-off semi-final

Live Reporting

Nick McPheat

'One big push' - Campbellpublished at 19:24 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
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What do the stats say?published at 19:20 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
Killie have the upper hand in regards to recent form, picking up 13 points from their last six outings compared to 11 for Arbroath.
A late 2-1 defeat at Inverness last Friday was a first loss in 10 for Derek McInnes' men. At home, they have been dominant on their artificial pitch, where they're seeking a seventh consecutive win tonight.
Arbroath aren't doing too badly either, with only one defeat in 10. But five of those have been draws and they've struggled on the road recently - three goalless stalemates and a 1-0 loss preceded a vital win over Hamilton Academical.
The head-to-head record is much happier reading for the Red Lichties. Dick Campbell's side are yet to concede a goal in the fixture this term, with a 0-0 in September followed by back-to-back 1-0 wins.
Image source, SNS
'I think Arbroath will get a result'published at 19:18 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
Kris Doolan
Former Arbroath striker on BBC Scotland
Quote Message
Killie have failed to score a goal against Arbroath this season, their team is built around the defence and their keeper. I think both teams will score but Arbroath will get a result.
Postpublished at 19:16 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
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'Killie need to handle pressure'published at 19:14 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
Cammy Bell
Former Kilmarnock goalkeeper on BBC Scotland
Quote Message
It's a huge night for the town and club. They need to handle the pressure. It's massive for the players. I'm confident they'll do it.
The permutations...published at 19:10 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
A win for Killie means the league title is theirs. Three points for Derek McInnes' men would put them four clear with one game remaining.
For Arbroath, victory puts Dick Campbell's side right back in the driving seat going into the last day.
A win for the part-timers and they go two clear of Killie heading into next week.
A draw and it's as you were going into the final matchday.
It would be too cliche to say, "you couldn't write it" - but you get the idea.
Image source, BBC Sport
Two changes for each sidepublished at 19:07 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
Derek McInnes makes two changes to the Killie side that suffered a late defeat at Inverness last Friday.
Out go defender Lee Hodson and on-loan Aberdeen midfielder Dean Campbell. Euan Murray and Rory McKenzie are in to replace.
For Arbroath, it's also two switches from last weekend's 5-1 win at home to Queen of the South.
Liam Henderson and Dale Hilson make way for James Craigen and Luke Donnelly.
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Livingston loanee Jack Hamilton leads the line for Arbroath
LINE-UPS from Rugby Parkpublished at 19:04 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
Kilmarnock: Hemming, E Murray, Taylor, Stokes, McGinn, Alston, Lyons, F Murray, McKenzie, Shaw, Lafferty.
Substitutes: Walker, Hodson, McGowan, Sanders, Campbell, Glass, Armstrong, Burke, MacKay.
Arbroath: Gaston, Stewart, Colin Hamilton, Little, O'Brien, Low, Chris Hamilton, McKenna, Donnelly, J Hamilton, Craigen.
Substitutes: Antell, Thomson, Gold, Swankie, Linn, Ford, Bakare, Wighton, Henderson.
The stakes don't get much higher...published at 19:02 British Summer Time 22 April 2022
Kilmarnock v Arbroath (19:45)
If anyone tries to tell you there's a bigger game in Europe this weekend, they're at it.
I'm going to guess most of you know the drill already, but just in case...
Two games remain in the Scottish Championship and one point splits leaders Kilmarnock and nearest challengers Arbroath.
Oh aye, almost forgot, they meet at Rugby Park tonight. That's why we're here after all, isn't it?
Get comfy, this is going to be a wild one.
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
A sun-kissed Rugby Park awaits a blockbuster occasion