The story of Kilmarnock Football Club started back in 1869 when young cricketers who played on Barbados Green (now the Howard Park) decided that they needed something to occupy their time during the winter months when cricket was not an option. They found themselves playing a form of primitive football at their first ground, near South Hamilton Street. This sport was by no means anything like the football that we know and love now, it was more like a type of Rugby; hence their ground was named Rugby Park. Four years later, in 1873, the Scottish Football Association formed and a competitive league and Scottish cup commenced. Even at those early stages in the development of football, Rangers and Celtic were dominant in the league - the only club outside the Old Firm to win the league between 1905 and 1947 were Motherwell in 1932 - but Killie acquired a reputation as a formidable cup side, despite their first ever Scottish Cup match ending in 2-0 defeat to Renton. For their true grit, determination and skill, Kilmarnock were first awarded the Scottish Cup on 17th April 1920 by beating Albion Rovers by 3 goals to 2. And there was an even more respected victory nine years later in 1929 when Killie defeated Rangers 2-0 on 6th April. There then followed World War II and a drought for the club. In the 30 years between 1930 and 1960, Kilmarnock reached the final of the Scottish Cup on four occasions (1932, 1938, 1957 and 1960) but, much to the misfortune of the clubs loyal following, was defeated in each final by Rangers (twice), East Fife and Falkirk. As well as winning the league, the League Cup was also remaining allusive for the Ayrshire club. In season 52-53 they reached the final as a B Division side but were defeated by Dundee. In 1961 they lost to their old nemesis Rangers and to Hearts in 1963. But Kilmarnock's finest hour to date came on the Spring day of April 24th 1965 when, at Tynecastle in Edinburgh and against all odds, the club defeated Hearts 2-0 to lift the Scottish League trophy. | 
