Brad Lyons Seals Kilmarnock’s Cup Win Over Dundee United

Lyons Fires Kilmarnock Past Dundee United Into Quarter-Finals

Brad Lyons struck the winner as Kilmarnock edged Dundee United 2-1 to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, where they will host St Mirren.

Killie Strike Early in the Sun

In the Ayrshire heat, Marcus Dackers gave Killie the perfect start after latching on to Ben Brannan’s superb long ball and blasting past Yevhen Kucherenko.

United’s afternoon worsened when Max Watters limped off injured after just 17 minutes. His replacement, 18-year-old Owen Stirton, levelled quickly with a composed finish from Amar Fatah’s pass.

Lyons Delivers Decisive Goal

Both sides traded half chances, but Killie retook control late on. From a Lewis Mayo knockdown, returning captain Lyons volleyed through Kucherenko’s legs to seal the tie.

Reaction

Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell:

“If you’d offered us this start when I came in, we’d have bitten your hand off. We controlled spells, let them back in, but the response was excellent. We deserved it.”

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin:

“Thursday’s 120 minutes in Europe showed. But no excuse for the goals – the first was shocking, the second embarrassing. We’ve been warned and didn’t deal with it.”

What’s Next

• Kilmarnock will host St Mirren in the quarter-finals.

• Dundee United regroup after a draining week that included their Conference League exit to Rapid Vienna.