Kilmarnock picked up a crucial win at Dundee United to bag a spot in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.
Kyle Vassell's first Killie goal secured a spot in the last eight for the Ayrshire side, and in turn it will give them confidence heading into a crucial league run.
Despite not picking up three points in a league game away from home, it's a 100 per cent winning record on the road in the cups this season.
Christian Doidge rose highest on the half hour mark to win a header, but he couldn’t keep the effort down as it flew over the crossbar from six yards.
It took 40 minutes for a goalkeeper to be tested as Rory McKenzie fired a low 25 yard effort towards goal, but it was tipped wide well by Mark Birighitti.
Four minutes into the second half Craig Sibbale smashed a shot towards goal as Sam Walker had to get to full stretch to reach it and turn it out for a corner.
Just a minute later United piled on the pressure as Liam Smith had a free header, but thankfully for the visitors he fired his header against the crossbar.
Charlie Mulgrew tried his luck from a free-kick in the 53rd minute but it flew over leaving Walker untroubled.
Vassell leapt highest to get his head on Dan Armstrong’s corner in the 55th minute to give Killie a much-needed lead.
Mulgrew had a dig at goal from just outside the box in the 74th minute but he couldn’t steer it on target as Walker watched it float high and wide.
United were reduced to 10 men when Loick Ayina tripped Vassell and was shown his second yellow card.
Vassell almost had his double when he flicked a header towards goal in the 81st minute, but it was well saved.
Aziz Behich almost scored a stunning equaliser in the 87th minute as a looping volley looked to be heading goalbound, a but a relieved Walker watched it smack off the crossbar.
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