Kilmarnock substitute Colin Nish scored twice as the Ayrshire side came from behind to secure a 4-2 win over Livingston at Rugby Park.

Livi had raced into a two-goal lead within the first 23 minutes through Lee Makel and Burton O'Brien.

But Killie manager Jim Jefferies pulled off a master-stroke when he surprised the home fans by replacing Kris Boyd with Nish.

Within 10 minutes, the sub had hauled the home side back into the game before debutant Mark Canning equalised in the 74th minute.

Nish then struck again five minutes later before veteran Gary McSwegan secured the win with three minutes remaining.

Killie started the brighter of the teams with Eric Skora and Danny Invincibile showing some neat touches in midfield.

It was the Frenchman's clever through-ball, which caused the first anxiety in the Livi defence but keeper Roddy McKenzie was quick off his line to clear.

At the other end, Livi striker Fernandez stung Colin Meldrum's hands after cleverly making room inside the box.

It was a warning Killie failed to heed as, in the 13th minute, Fernandez produced a beautiful reverse pass to send Lee Makel through to tuck the ball past Meldrum for the opening goal.

Kilmarnock pushed in search of an equaliser but failed to make any progress.

Livingston on the other hand, despite having less possession, always looked dangerous when they went forward and, in the 23rd minute, they went 2-0 up with a spectacular strike.

There seemed no danger when O'Brien had the ball on the edge of the box but his low drive gave Meldrum no chance.

It could have been even worse for the home side on 38 minutes when Livi captain Stuart Lovell missed a near open goal after Meldrum had spilled Lilley's shot.

Skora provided a chink of light for Kilmarnock soon after when he drilled a half-volley into the side netting.

Invincibile mis-kicked totally just before the break when well placed but other than that Killie looked a beaten team at the interval.

Jefferies sprung a surprise at the break by replacing the in-form Boyd with Nish.

The home fans were desperate for an early lift and Killie continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, but found Rangers-bound Marvin Andrews in the way.

However, in the 54th minute, they finally got their reward when substitute Nish nodded home after a fine run and cross from winger Stephen Murray.

Five minutes later, left-back Garry Hay rampaged forward and it took a strong hand from McKenzie to deny him.

Jefferies made his second change 20 minutes into the second half with McDonald replacing Gordon Greer.

The substitution seemed to cause his side to stutter though, and, on the break, Lilley shot just wide.

Livi boss Davie Hay brought on Richard Brittain for Oscar Rubio with 20 minutes remaining in the game.

After 75 minutes, Invincibile squared the ball for Canning and his low shot found the corner of the visitors' net.

Three minutes after his equaliser Canning was withdrawn as McSwegan came on.

Kilmarnock's comeback was complete when Nish claimed his second with an excellent looping header from McDonald's cross on 79 minutes.

Then three minutes from time, McSwegan made it four from close range, having hit the post just seconds before.

Teams

Kilmarnock Meldrum, Fowler, Greer (McDonald 66), Dindeleux, Hay, Invincibile, Canning (McSwegan 78), Dodds, Murray, Boyd (Nish 45), Skora.

Subs Not Used: Smith, McGregor.

Goals: Nish 54, Canning 74, Nish 79, McSwegan 87.

Livingston McKenzie, Dorado, Andrews, Rubio (Brittain 70), McAllister (McGovern 75), Makel, Lovell, O'Brien, McLaughlin, Lilley, Fernandez.

Subs Not Used: Creer, McMenamin, Snowdon.

Booked: Dorado.

Goals: Makel 13, O'Brien 23.

Att: 5,023

Ref: J Rowbotham (Scotland).