Kilmarnock battled against the odds to seal a crucial victory over third-place Hearts.
The Ayrshire side lifted themselves six points off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership as Dundee United lost away to Rangers.
Lawrence Shankland have the Jambos an early lead, but goals from Dan Armstrong and Christian Doidge before the break sent Killie in 2-1 up at half-time.
A red card for captain Rory McKenzie on the hour mark left Killie with their backs to the walls for almost 40 minutes, but they defended valiantly to secure a vital win.
It took just seven minutes for the visitors to take the lead when Shankland drove into the box and fired into the bottom corner.
But in the 22nd minute Killie were level again after Zander Clark tripped Kyle Vassell for a penalty, and Armstrong made no mistake from the spot after a VAR check.
Kyle Vassell had a great chance on the half hour mark as his looping header looked good, it left Clark stranded but it fell just over the crossbar.
Just before half time Rugby Park erupted as Doidge fired home from close range to give Killie a lead heading into the break.
VAR was a vital part of the game again when McKenzie was sent off for serious foul play after a check on the screen.
The Jambos instantly piled on the pressure as they sprayed efforts at the goal, but Sam Walker pulled off two vital saves.
The home fans were on their feet thinking Joe Wright had scored in the 69th minute as he crept in at the back post from a free-kick, but his effort slipped just wide.
Killie were screaming for a red card in the 72nd minute when Hearts’ substitute goalkeeper Ross Stewart appeared to carry the ball outside the box, but referee Euan Anderson wasn’t interested.
Killie defended as if their lives depended on it, and despite over seven minutes being added on it was the Rugby Park side who bagged all three points.
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