Kilmarnock clinch fifth spot as Hibernian self-destruct

KILMARNOCK produced a fine second-half fightback against Hibernian to ensure their coffers swelled by an extra £70,000.

The Rugby Park side clinched fifth place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League as they leapfrogged Aberdeen, although the Easter Road club were the architects of their own downfall.

Jim Jefferies side triumphed with second-half strikes from Steven Naismith, Gordon Greer and Colin Nish after Hibs had lead at half-time courtesy of a Steven Fletcher goal.

But Hibs capitulated in the second half and David Murphy received a red card in the 48th minute for handball and Naismith scored from the resultant penalty.

Five other Hibs players were booked while goalkeeper Zbigniew Malkowski also received his marching orders for two bookings for dissent.

KILMARNOCK: Combe, Fowler, Greer, Wright, Leven, Invincibile (Di Giacomo 84), Locke (Wilson 79), Johnston, Naismith, Nish, Wales (Murray 70).

HIBERNIAN: Malkowski, Shields, Caldwell, Konde, Murphy, Whittaker, Murray, Glass, Shiels (Brown 87), Fletcher (Campbell 68), Dalglish (Konte 76).

Referee: A Freeland (Scotland).