But they held firm to claim a second win on the bounce under Alex Dyer and ensure Hearts returned to the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Stendel handed a first start to January signing Marcel Langer, while Steven Naismith led the line 15 years to the day since scoring his first ever senior goal – at Tynecastle – for Kilmarnock.

Hearts were on the attack from the outset, with Euan Henderson stinging the palms of Branescu and a Lewis Moore delivery clipping the crossbar following a deflection off Nico Hamalainen.

Branescu was excelling in the opening exchanges and made a fine low stop to deny Halkett after the centre-half rose highest to meet a deep Moore delivery.

However, it was the visitors who claimed the lead midway through the first half. A flat Rory McKenzie corner was inadvertently flicked into the danger zone by Naismith and Findlay rose highest to power a header beyond Joel Pereira.

Things went from bad to worse as half-time approached when Alan Power took advantage of Hearts' risky high line to send Burke scampering through on goal. The winger's finish was sublime, belying a tight angle to chip the onrushing Pereira and double Killie's lead.

Hearts were afforded a way back into the game when Conor Washington raced onto a flick-on by fellow substitute Uche Ikpeazu, only to be flattened by Branescu. Referee David Munro pointed to the spot and Clare slotted home the resulting penalty.

In a moment of madness, Branescu then hurled the ball away as Clare sought to collect it from the net, which was deemed time-wasting by Munro, and the Romanian received his second booking in 60 seconds.

Substitute goalkeeper Jan Koprivec replaced McKenzie and Hearts had a lifeline.

A miraculous comeback seemed on when Halkett found space in the box to meet a Jamie Walker delivery and rattle a superb low finish beyond Koprivec for his seventh goal of the campaign.

But resolute Killie held firm to claim all three points from a thrilling affair.