Kilmarnock vs Hearts: Scottish Premiership updates & match report – BBC Sport

Ten-man Hearts clinched seventh place in the Scottish Premiership after Stephen Kingsley’s late strike at Kilmarnock earned a fourth successive win under caretaker manager Liam Fox.A drab opening half sparked to life when Hearts attacker Yan Dhanda was sent off following a VAR review for lunging at Stuart Findlay, after referee Dan McFarlane had initially given a free-kick in his favour.Under the guidance of Chris Burke – with Derek McInnes stood down as manager because of his expected move to Hearts – the hosts pushed to make the most of their numerical advantage but couldn’t breach their opponents’ defence. And just as it seemed that a goalless draw was likely, Kingsley stepped up to strike home in off a post in the closing minutes.The win means Fox remains undefeated in interim charge of the Tynecastle side before he departs the club.For both clubs, the winds of change are blowing with new management teams and potential squad overhauls on the agenda after underwhelming campaigns.But there was little to get excited about until Dhanda recklessly handed Kilmarnock an advantage. The ball got away from the Englishman as he ran forward and, as Findlay came stepped into his path, the attacking midfielder clearly caught him. The initial award in his favour was overturned and to the initial bemusement of the crowd, it was Dhanda, not Findlay, who was ordered off.Kilmarnock, though, couldn’t quite capitalise despite their best efforts.Brad Lyons went close, as did substitute Bruce Anderson, but it was Hearts who ought to have scored when Cammy Devlin exchanged passes with Lawrence Shankland before Robby McCrorie did well to tip over.That warning wasn’t heeded and, when the home defence dithered, Kingsley didn’t and his effort found the back of the net for a final-day victory.Kilmarnock unable to go out on a highA new dawn beckons for Kilmarnock and the sense is most welcome that. They’d have loved to have gone into this summer off the back of a win to send the fans home happy. But it was not to be, despite having that numerical advantage.McInnes clearly delivered success but his departure opens the door for a fresh approach that may reinvigorate the support. Sometimes the time just feels right for all concerned.This is a club that now has a great foundation in place having consolidated their Premiership place. Not the greatest of seasons, and European commitments did take a toll, but job done and with a number of the squad out of contract, there’s an opportunity for the new manager to implement their own approach with effective recruitment.It will be a fascinating summer to see how it unfolds.Hearts show fight with McInnes poisedAll change at Tynecastle as well with McInnes’ appointment expected in the coming day or two.It’s been a positive end to a campaign that was so frustrating for the most part but work will surely start right away. Presumably first on the agenda is clarity on Shankland’s future. The travelling support certainly embraced their captain when he was replaced.No-one at Hearts is hiding from the fact that this season has been bitterly disappointing. There can be no repeat.They will want to start the new campaign in complete contrast to how this one began with recruitment key. Kilmarnock caretaker manager Chris Burke: “It felt good. The players have been excellent and made me comfortable. I’m just disappointed we concede at the end. “It’s up to the board what they decide and what they’re looking for, the profile for the manager. They have a great bunch of players staying on for the next manager.”He’s got a good group, a good core, and that will help the next manager hugely.”Hearts interim head coach Liam Fox: “I’m thrilled for the players, staff, supporters. We understand it’s been a disappointing season overall. I’m hoping those four wins on the bounce sends them away feeling a wee bit better.”I’m naturally disappointed to be leaving, but I tell the players all the time you’ve got a choice of what you do off a disappointment.”I can choose to be angry or upset, but I’m choosing to be thankful and positive about the opportunity and the learnings.”