Kilmarnock 1-1 Hearts: Stephen Kingsley strikes late to rescue Jambos point
Report as Hearts captain Stephen Kingsley scores an 86th-minute equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock and lift the Jambos back above Rangers into second place on goal difference
Saturday 19 September 2026 21:32, UK
Hearts came from behind to earn a draw at Kimarnock to move back into second place in the Scottish Premiership.
The Jambos arrived at Rugby Park eager to banish a dismal display in Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Falkirk, but a 16th minute own goal from Jamie McCart, as he tried to challenge Killie forward Joe Hugill, left them chasing the game once again.
Hearts' second-half pressure eventually paid off when Kingsley fired home in the 86th minute to lift them back into second place on goal difference from Rangers, but Wouter Vrancken's side will be frustrated with a return of just one point from two favourable fixtures before the three-week break.
Killie boss Neil McCann made two changes to the side that picked up a first league win of the season at Hibernian on Tuesday as injured goalkeeper Max Stryjek and on-loan Hearts defender MJ Kamson-Kamara were replaced by Calum Ferrie and Jamie Brandon.
There were three changes to the Hearts team that lost at Falkirk in midweek as Christian Borchgrevink, Kingsley and Tomas Magnusson were all added, while record signing Ageu was on the bench for the first time since suffering a long-term injury in February.
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Hearts thought they had gone ahead in the 11th minute when Kingsley's cross was forced in by a combination of Laurent Mendy and Killie defender Cathal McCarthy. Following a VAR check, however, the goal was ruled out for handball by Mendy.
It proved pivotal as the hosts went ahead five minutes later. Michael Schjonning-Larsen's clipped ball over the top sent Hugill clear and Hearts defender McCart, chasing back, prodded the ball past his own keeper Beau Reus as he slid in to challenge the forward 12 yards out.
Moments after Claudio Braga flashed an effort just wide for Hearts, boss Vrancken, who looked exasperated with his side's general lack of urgency in possession, made the bold call to replace centre-back Stuart Findlay with Harry Milne in the 32nd minute.
The change seemed to have a positive effect as the visitors looked more threatening towards the interval, with chances for James Wilson, Braga, Milne and Josh McPake in the last 10 minutes of the half.
Vrancken made a triple change just before the hour, as Ageu, Sabri Guendouz and JJ Williams were all introduced, and Guendouz had three attempts from distance within 10 minutes of entering the fray while Miller saw an effort deflected just wide.
Williams then sent a close-range header over from a Sabah Kerjota corner as Hearts started to crank up the heat, and the equaliser eventually came in the 86th minute when Kingsley pounced to drill home a low shot after Kerjota's free-kick from the right broke to him eight yards out.
Hearts chased a winner in the closing moments but were unable to find a way through, with Williams going closest in stoppage time.
