Tommy Wright's first game in charge of Kilmarnock ended in defeat against Motherwell tonight.
Midfielder Allan Campbell's 70th minute strike was the difference between the sides at Rugby Park.
It's now six defeats in a row for Killie who remain 10th in the Premiership table – a point clear of Ross County in the play-off position and four ahead of Hamilton Accies in bottom spot.
Next up for the East Ayrshire men is a trip to Ibrox on Saturday for a showdown with runaway leaders Rangers.
This was the start of the Wright era but there was little in the way of clearcut chances in the opening 18 minutes until Killie registered their first shot on target.
Rory McKenzie got a shot away after cutting inside but it was deflected into the arms of Liam Kelly.
Devante Cole had a decent chance in the 22nd minute but his looping header was well held by Killie keeper Colin Doyle.
Chris Burke went close just after the half-hour mark when he attempted to latch on to a McKenzie cross but he couldn’t turn the effort in.
McKenzie had a good chance when the ball fell for him inside the box in the 52nd minute but his effort was blocked out for a corner.
Doyle pulled off an incredible save minutes later when a header was directed towards his goal and he reacted well to palm the effort away.
The visitors struck what proved to be the winner when Campbell was quickest to a loose ball and smashed an effort home.
Full-back Brandon Haunstrup saw his name in lights as the ball fell for him in the 87th minute, but he smashed the ball well over.
Burke curled a shot towards goal two minutes later but it was well saved by Kelly as the Steelmen held on for all three points.
