Kilmarnock end Celtic's grip on Viaplay Cup

Kilmarnock battled to an impressive Viaplay Cup win over holders Celtic, inflicting a first cup loss for the Glasgow club under Brendan Rodgers.

But his side struggled to create openings against the energetic hosts and Marley Watkins touched in the only goal on 59 mins.

Kilmarnock, who beat Rangers at Rugby Park on the opening day of the Premiership, pressed bravely and worked with unflagging spirit.

Despite having just 30% of possession, Derek McInnes' side had the best of the few chances there were.

Defender Corrie Ndaba twice went close in the first half, with an early volley and a header in stoppage time. After the break, Kyle Magennis had a shot pushed round the post by Joe Hart.

Watkins started the move that led to the goal with a strong surge down the left and he was in the right place to divert Daniel Armstrong's shot across goal into the net.

Kilmarnock goalkeeper Will Dennis was seldom troubled, making a few routine stops.

When Celtic substitute Yang Hyun-Jun did get a good glimpse of goal late on, Brad Lyons made a fantastic lunging block.

Kilmarnock were camped in their own penalty area during seven minutes of stoppage time, holding firm to spark wild scenes of celebration in the home ends of the stadium.

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Kilmarnock outwork Celtic for deserved victory

Celtic had won six of the past seven editions of this tournament, while Rodgers won seven out of seven trophies in his first period in charge.

This time, the former Liverpool and Leicester City boss has fallen at the first hurdle.

Rodgers will be frustrated at the lack of zip in his side's attack and may have concerns about his options on the bench.

Kilmarnock snapped into tackles and regularly unsettled the visitors' new-look central defensive partnership of Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke, with the Swede making his debut just days after signing.

Magennis did a great job of nullifying the influence of Celtic skipper Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, with assistance from 18-year-old David Watson, who never stopped running.