Garry Hay doesn’t play = Killie lose. Hooky plays = Killie win. The superlative ex-fullback was playmaker in the centre of midfield, only switching to left mid when Silva was replaced by Fowler midway through the second half. Hooky was influential and had a fine game, only bested by MoM Conor Sammon who scored a composed hattrick and ran his fishy socks off, tracking back and distributibg the ball to his colleagues with aplomb. Aplomb. How often does a Killie fan get to think in those terms?

Remember the far off days when we used to fear lower league opposition in the cup! The days we squirmed in anguish as we were outclassed by teams like Airdrie. How we can laugh now and shake our heads at our gauche naivete!

Tonight we were never going to lose. Even when AU equalised, it seemed to be because we relaxed too much on the slender 1-goal lead and while in the past us fans would have growled and panicked and despaired, we sort of knew that we were going to come back and win by a comfortable margin.

Yet we made it hard on ourselves, or interesting if you prefer. AU scored two, could have had a couple more, and also hit the bar. Our defence had more sleepers than the House of Lords. Just as well our midfield and forwards were in control. Mostly. Pascali made a few bizarre passes that can be described as passe.  I mean, that could be described as  “of last season”. But we forgive Manuel because of his effort. Sissoko also looked unsettled, but made up for any indecision in defence with a goal from a bullet header at the back post.

It was an enjoyable evening altogether. Next we are away to Aberdeen this weekend. Hopefully Mixu will play Big Fish upfront in his sole striker role. Yes, it was just Airdrie and yes he had a bit of space in the box, but there can be no denying his composure and effort and – yes – skill! He deserves the chance after this.