Simon Murray’s second-half header was enough to give Ross County a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, where there was a late refereeing controversy.
The striker capitalised on some poor Killie marking to head Yan Dhanda’s dangerous cross past Will Dennis in the 53rd minute.
Kilmarnock thought they had equalised with five minutes remaining as defender Stuart Findlay headed home.
However, referee Kevin Clancy had already blown for a penalty – which Danny Armstrong then failed to convert.
Killie had enjoyed more of the ball, but struggled to create chances in a match which also saw referee Clancy reverse an earlier decision to award the visitors a penalty after a VAR intervention.
Aside from an early opening for Thomas Davies which was deflected wide, neither side was able to create anything clear-cut.
There was, though, a moment of drama in the 38th minute as Findlay tackled Murray in the penalty area and referee Clancy pointed straight to the spot.
However, it appeared the Kilmarnock defender had played the ball and VAR Greg Aitken called Clancy over to the pitchside monitor where he quickly reversed his decision.
Spurred on by their reprieve, Killie surged forward and Brad Lyons saw his flicked attempt parried away by County keeper Ross Laidlaw.
At the start of the second half, Matty Kennedy looked to inject some quality, picking up the ball and driving at the County defence before firing a left-footed shot just wide.
Ross County had offered little as an attacking threat, but they took the lead on 53 minutes.
Dhanda delivered a threatening free-kick from the right and Murray got free of a static home defence to head in at the near post from six yards.
Kilmarnock looked to respond, but they almost found themselves 2-0 down just after the hour mark as Jack Baldwin’s persistence created an opportunity for Jordan White, who could only side-foot over from eight yards out.
The home side introduced Andrew Dallas for his debut in the 66th minute and they bombarded the County box with crosses, but the ball just would not drop for them.
Kyle Magennis tested Laidlaw with a dipping shot from distance on 82 minutes before the late penalty drama.
Findlay appeared to have headed Killie level from Armstrong’s free-kick.
However, amidst confusion, the referee had already awarded a penalty to the hosts instead for a shirt pull on Lyons.
Kilmarnock were enraged – and their frustration was multiplied when Armstrong saw his poor penalty well saved by Laidlaw low to his right.
Al-Ittihad 0-5 Al-Ettifaq: Ekambi scores hat-trick in five-star display
Karl Toko Ekambi netted a hat-trick as Al-Ettifaq got back to winning ways in style with a 5-0 thrashing of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
He scored twice in four minutes at the end of the first half to send the visitors into the break 4-0 up before getting his third just 10 minutes after the break.
Seko Fofana had already given Steven Gerrard’s side the lead five minutes into the contest, while Moussa Dembele doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.
Al-Ittihad had the chances, but they could not find the back of the net, as they stayed fifth, but are now just six points above Al-Ettifaq.
Data Debrief: Clinical finishers
Al-Ettifaq had five shots on target against Al-Ittihad, scoring with all of them while creating an xG of 3.62.
With his hat-trick against Al-Ittihad, Ekambi has now scored 11 goals for the season, netting more than once for the first time since joining the club.
Al-Akhdoud 2-3 Al-Nassr: Brozovic stunner delays Al-Hilal coronation
Marcelo Brozovic scored twice – including a fine half-volley in second-half stoppage time – as Al-Nassr beat Al-Akhdoud 3-2 to delay Al-Hilal's Saudi Pro League title coronation on Thursday.
Former Inter midfielder Brozovic fired in a seventh-minute opener from outside the area before Cristiano Ronaldo tapped into an empty net to double the visitors' lead.
Sadio Mane struck the woodwork early in the second half and Al-Nassr relinquished control of the game from there, with goals from Hassan Al Habib and Saviour Godwin making it 2-2.
However, Brozovic blasted a bouncing ball home following a goalmouth scramble in the first of seven minutes of stoppage time to hand Al-Nassr a fifth straight win and keep them within nine points of Al-Hilal, with three games still to play.
They have only delayed the inevitable though as the leaders – who have only dropped four points all season – need just one more point to secure their crown ahead of facing Al-Hazm on Saturday.
Data Debrief: Brozovic upstages Ronaldo
While it's usually Ronaldo writing the headlines for Al-Nassr, he was upstaged by Brozovic on Thursday as the Croatian found the net with both of his shots, also leading all players on the pitch for final-third passes (19) and completing 90.1 per cent of his passes overall (81/95).
Rodgers promises Celtic's 'best version' in Old Firm clash
Brendan Rodgers has promised Celtic will be at their very best when they take on Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Saturday.
Rodgers’ side have a three-point advantage over their rivals and a superior goal difference going into the game, while a victory over Rangers would move them six points clear with just two games left to play.
Following the 3-3 draw in the Old Firm in April, Rangers stuttered with a draw and a defeat at the end of the first phase, while Celtic have won each of their last three matches to take control of the title race.
Going into the final league derby of the season, Rodgers is confident that his team are ready for the big test.
"When I look at the injuries and disruptions we've had this season, last weekend was about there in terms of availability, fitness and where the team is at," Rodgers told CelticTV.
"It's as good a place as we've been all season. When we will arrive into this weekend's game, this will be the best version of the team since I've been here."
Rodgers expects a raucous atmosphere at Celtic Park and highlighted how that helps the players in big matches.
He added: "The crowd in the Hearts game was brilliant for us. The emotion rolls down from the stands, and you see what it gives the players and how they respond to that.
"We will need the same at the weekend and I know we will get it. The supporters are liking what they see in the team. It should be a great occasion, and I’m really looking forward to it."
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