Kilmarnock comeback seals title and Premiership promotion

Kilmarnock secured promotion back to the Scottish Premiership in dramatic fashion as they beat closest challengers Arbroath 2-1 to seal the Championship title.

Seconds after Kyle Lafferty went close for the hosts, it was Arbroath who took the lead less than 10 minutes into the match as Scott Stewart broke up the field and crossed for James Craigen whose shot trickled past Zach Hemming.

Kilmarnock kept asking questions of Dick Campbell’s side and drew level on 79 minutes as Ash Taylor poked home at the second time of asking after his initial header was saved by Derek Gaston.

And in the final minute, the hosts sealed the title and promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking as Ollie Shaw held the ball up before feeding Blair Alston who caressed into the bottom-right corner.

The Red Lichties were second-bottom of Scotland’s fourth tier when Campbell took over in 2016 but six years and two promotions later, the Premiership dream is still a reality.

Arbroath will finish second in the Championship, meaning they may feature in the Premiership play-off final – live on Sky Sports – as the part-timers aim to pull off a fairy-tale rise to the top flight.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Kilmarnock’s players, management team and directors on winning the cinch Championship in such dramatic fashion,

“It has been incredible to see the title decided in a top-of-the-table match between Kilmarnock and Arbroath at a packed Rugby Park.

“It has certainly been a hotly-contested title race between the two sides, with many twists and turns, but Kilmarnock are worthy champions.

“We look forward to welcoming Kilmarnock back to the cinch Premiership after the club’s one year absence and wish Arbroath the best of luck for the rest of the season.

“We now await an exciting conclusion elsewhere in the division, with plenty still to play for in the play-offs, whilst relegation is also still to be decided.”