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17 Jan 2026

Drey Wright’s last-gasp finish helps Dundee knock out nine-man Kilmarnock

Drey Wright’s last-gasp finish helps Dundee knock out nine-man Kilmarnock

Drey Wright’s last-minute goal helped Dundee come from behind to knock nine-man Kilmarnock out of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup at Rugby Park with a 2-1 win.

The home side led at the break through Dominic Thompson before Ashley Hay equalised midway through the second half for Steven Pressley’s side.

Jack Thomson was the first Kilmarnock player dismissed for a second booking before Dundee found what proved to be the winning goal through Wright after a mix-up between Kelle Roos and Robbie Deas.

Lewis Mayo was then shown a straight card in stoppage time as Neil McCann’s first home game in charge of Kilmarnock ended in defeat.

Killie handed a debut to Roos as one of three changes from last week’s draw with Livingston, with Marcus Dackers and David Watson also starting.

Roos replaced former loanee Tobi Oluwayemi, who has returned to parent club Celtic. Scott Tiffoney and Bruce Anderson dropped to the bench.

Dundee, in contrast, made just one change following their defeat to Hearts, with Yan Dhanda replacing Finlay Robertson.

It was the visitors who started on top and created two excellent goalscoring chances in quick succession.

First to threaten was Tony Yogane, whose shot was cleared off the line by Ethan Schilte-Brown, before Hay saw his header crash against the crossbar before being cleared.

It was Kilmarnock, though, who took the lead after 11 minutes. Watson’s corner picked out Thompson and his stunning volley from just inside the box flew past Jon McCracken via a touch off both posts.

Dundee looked to respond quickly, but Hay’s header from Dhanda’s cross sailed over before Ryan Astley was denied from close range.

The second half began with Dundee still well on top. Hay saw another header from Callum Jones’ corner strike the crossbar before Dhanda saw his free-kick well saved by Roos.

Kilmarnock had barely threatened since their goal, but finally created another chance of note with Watson slipping in Dackers, whose low shot was pushed away by McCracken.

Dundee, though, continued to dominate and it was little surprise when they finally equalised after 69 minutes. Substitute Charlie Reilly slipped a pass through to Hay, who lashed a ferocious shot past Roos.

It got worse for Kilmarnock when Thomson was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Yogane with 11 minutes remaining.

With the tie seemingly set for extra-time, Dundee claimed a late winner. Dhanda’s high ball was spilled by Roos allowing Wright to tap into the empty net.

Kilmarnock finished the match with nine men when Mayo pulled back Dhanda as Dundee looked to add a third goal on the counter.

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