Motherwell goalkeeper Francois Dubourdeau was left red-faced after giving away a late penalty - converted by Kris Boyd - to hand Kilmarnock all three points.

The visitors looked like leaving with at least a point, but instead the Ayrshire side gained revenge for Saturday's Scottish Cup defeat.

Dubourdeau elbowed Killie striker Craig Dargo inside the box with 11 minutes left of a dour struggle.

Killie gained revenge for cup defeat

And substitute goalkeeper Stevie Woods could not prevent Boyd scoring from the spot kick.

Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies had made five changes to the side that were knocked out of the Scottish Cup four days earlier by Motherwell.

Jefferies had to do without veteran goalkeeper Gordon Marshall, who was suffering a tendon problem and was replaced by Colin Meldrum.

Also missing from the Killie team were defender Chris Innes, who was sent off on Saturday, and suspended striker Andy McLaren.

Shaun Dillon and Paul di Giacomo were dropped to the bench as Barry McLaughlin, Freddy Dindeleux, Garry Hay and Gary McDonald started.

Motherwell manager Terry Butcher made only two changes, the suspended Steven Hammell and James McFadden being replaced by new signing Steven Craig and youngster David Cowan.

Francois Dubourdeau elbowed Craig Dargo

Well's 17-year-old striker, David Clarkson, showed some confident touches in the early stages but headed weakly straight at Chris Meldrum from close range.

A sizzling shot from Garry Hay broke the monotony after 35 minutes when it drew a fine save from Dubourdeau.

Poor control let Dargo down when he was clean through on goal but was instrumental in gaining victory when he was struck by Dubourdeau in the six-yard box after 79 minutes.

Substitute goalkeeper Woods' first touch was to lift the ball out the back of the net having been sent the wrong way from the spot.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Shields, Dindeleux, McLaughlin, Fowler, Fulton, Mahood, Dargo (Di Giacomo 89), Hay, Boyd, McDonald.
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Murray, Canning, Dillon.

Goal: Boyd 81 pen.

Motherwell: Dubourdeau, Corrigan, Kinniburgh, Partridge, Cowan, Lasley, Adams (Fagan 62), Leitch, Pearson, Craig (Woods 80), Clarkson.
Subs Not Used: Ramsey, Clarke, McDonald.

Sent Off: Dubourdeau (80).

Booked: Kinniburgh.

Attendance: 4,457

Referee: J Rowbotham.