Livingston took the lead in the thirteenth minute with the first worthwhile attack of the match. David Fernandez produced the kind of reverse pass which only he of the players on this pitch was capable of playing. It was weighted perfectly to meet Lee Makel's clever run, and the midfielder showed great composure to lift the ball over the committed Colin Meldrum.
Killie's defensive frailty was in evidence again in the 23rd minute as a failure to react allowed Livi to make it two. Makel played a short corner to Burton O'Brien who tip-toed to the edge of the box unimpeded and simply drilled a low shot into the far corner of the net.
Livi captain Stuart Lovell passed up a gilt-edged opportunity to rub further salt into the wounds six minutes before the break. Colin Meldrum allowed Derek Lilley's 30 yard shot to slip from his grasp and Lovell had the goal at his mercy, but could only find the side-netting.
Killie took off Kris Boyd, tired after his midweek international, at half-time and brought on Colin Nish. The move paid off handsomely as the sub headed Killie back into the match in the 55th minute as he rose to meet Stevie Murray's deep cross and dispatch the ball in at the opposite post.
Mark Canning had waited five years and Jim Jefferies handed him his debut in this match. The 20-year-old grabbed his chance and scored the equaliser in the 75th minute when his shot from the edge of the area deflected past McKenzie.
There was no stopping the home side now and another great header from Nish put them in front in the 79th minute.
His fellow substitute Gary McSwegan sealed the win in the 87th minute. His powerful shot had smacked off the post, rebounding to Eric Skora who squared across the goal. Marvin Andrews couldn't clear and McSwegan was on hand to scoop the ball home.