Arbroath’s title dream is very much alive and kicking.
The Lichties extended their Championship lead with a hard earned but much-deserved win over their nearest challengers thanks to Jack Hamilton’s goal.
Arbroath, who finished the game with 10 men, might even have won more handsomely when inflicting a first league defeat on Derek McInnes.
It was the Livingston loanee’s fifth goal in four games and delighted boss Dick Campbell said: “It wasn’t a goal worthy of winning a game like that.
“But it doesn’t matter in a game of football. There’s been a lot of things said about Arbroath. We’re four points clear now.
“Nobody would deny us the right to win this game tonight. Even with 10 men. We defended resolutely in the last 10 minutes when Kilmarnock came at us.
“I was delighted with the attitude of our players. Look where that takes us, it takes us four points clear.”
Despite the defeat McInnes insisted the title was far from over. He said: “Overall, it’s a disappointing night.
“We’ve lost a game but not lost the battle.
"There are still 13 games to go but the players must realise we can’t miss too many opportunities to go top. Not too many positives to take.”