Max Stryjek is Kilmarnock hero in narrow cup win against former side Livingston

Max Stryjek was the Kilmarnock hero against former club Livingston as Stuart Kettlewell enjoyed a winning first home match in charge at Rugby Park.

Polish goalkeeper Stryjek made a series of excellent first-half saves in a 1-0 Premier Sports Cup victory.

Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior had a less-successful evening as some poor handling led to Mo Sylla’s own goal in the 31st minute.

Prior could only palm the ball out as Liam Polworth returned his half-cleared corner and it bounced off the unfortunate Sylla and into the net.

Livingston made the brighter start but Stryjek was on top form on his debut against the team he left three years ago.

The 28-year-old returned to Scotland after spells with Wycombe and 2024 Polish champions Jagiellonia Bialystok and he quickly staked his claim for the number one role after replacing fellow new signing Eddie Beach in the starting line-up.

Stryjek pulled off an impressive double stop from Stevie May and twice denied former Killie striker Robbie Muirhead.

The home side’s final ball had let them down before they capitalised on some decent pressure to make the breakthrough.

They defended well in the second half, although Stryjek showed some good handling when called upon and made a point-blank save from Danny Wilson’s header.

Prior pulled off a good late save to deny Killie substitute Marley Watkins.

Victory in the only all top-flight game of the group stage puts Kilmarnock in a commanding position at the top of Group H and sets Kettlewell’s side up nicely for their William Hill Premiership opener against the same opponents on August 2.