Kilmarnock 1 Heart Of Midlothian 1

Last updated : 07 March 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Kilmarnock struck three minutes from time to earn a point from a 1-1 draw with Hearts at Rugby Park.

Killie were dangerous on the break and again Eric Skora's touch and imagination caught the eye. He had Killie's best early chance.

David Lilley headed the ball into the danger area and Skora's flick and turn bewildered Andy Webster, but his powerful shot found only the sidenetting.

Kevin McKenna should have put Hearts ahead in the 14th minute when the visitors broke forward. Former Jambo captain Gary Locke failed to cut out Robert Sloan's pass and KcKenna was away and clear. He opted to shoot from the edge of the box, but shot too high.

Killie went close twice in the closing minutes of the half.

A rare mistake from Webster gifted possession to Stevie Murray, and the winger fed Kris Boyd whose shot on the turn went narrowly past.

Then, a minute from the break, Danny Invicibile fed Skora with a measured pass. The Frenchman showed composure as he turned away from Sloan, but his shot lacked sufficient venom to beat Craig Gordon.

Colin Meldrum's injury jinx struck again as he had to limp out of the action two minutes into the second half after suffering a calf strain.

Skora's free-kick delivery seemed the key most likely to unlock the Hearts defence and Invincibile looked certain to score in the 57th minute when Skora flighted over a cross from the right, but he powered his header straight at the keeper.

It was something of a surprise when the visitors took the lead on the hour. Sloan's deep corner reached Phil Stamp who fired a low shot back into the packed goalmouth and Webster stuck out a foot to divert the ball past Graham Smith.

Killie had to wait until the 87th minute for the equaliser. Murray's corner was flicked on for Invincibile to dive and head home at the far post.