Kilmarnock .... 1

Hibernian ........ 1

THE Edinburgh Samba Band provided the hip-shakin' pre-match entertainment for Kilmarnock's vital last game of the season, at Rugby Park, but the quality of football on parade was a far cry from the South Americans' silky stock.

None the less, the result - allied to Celtic's victory over St Johnstone - ensured that Bobby Williamson's side finished the season in fourth spot and with dreams alive of another foray into the lucrative European scene.

An understandably ecstatic Williamson reflected on what has been a tremendous season for the Ayrshire side and gushed: ''It's been a fantastic achievement in what is a very competitive league and I'd like to thank the players for all their efforts.

''Hopefully we can now try and close the gap between us and the top teams but that will be very difficult.''

For 89 minutes of the match Kilmarnock held on to their one-goal advantage, thanks to a Mark Roberts strike after some delightful football from blue-haired Gary Holt and few-haired Pat Nevin. However, a gorgeous Stevie Crawford goal from 25 yards with the last kick of the ball restored pride and parity for relegated Hibs.

''That was long short of our best performance,'' admitted Williamson, ''but in the end I think Hibs deserved a point.''

Now it's a matter of waiting for UEFA's decision on whether or not Scotland will lose a place in the UEFA Cup before Williamson can prepare his team for another assault on the Continent.

In the meantime, he will continue his search to find players who will be able to maintain, and even surpass, the club's success. ''I've got to try and freshen things up by bringing in another one or two new faces. There are a lot of people out of contract and I have been speaking to one or two players with a view to bringing them in.''

While the Killie manager looks to bring in out-of-contract players, one of his own, Mark Reilly, seems certain to end his seven-year association with the club.

Tommy Burns is set for another raid on Killie, with Jim McIntyre already a fixture in his second division Reading side.

''Kilmarnock made me what they said was their final offer a month and a half ago but it was unacceptable,'' began Reilly, whose farewell match was ended after only 35 minutes, when he received a hefty face knock.

''Tommy Burns spoke to me and I've verbally agreed to join Reading.'' Dispelling claims that his move to England is purely for financial reasons, Reilly added: ''Obviously I have to look after my family but I want to improve as a player and, having worked with him before, I believe Tommy can teach me a lot.

''Also, it's a chance to play in England. People may say it's the second division but Reading have just spent #40m on a new stadium and are very ambitious.

''The seven years I have been here have been magnificent and I had a lump in my throat today.''

Hibernian's last premier division hurrah for at least another season was applauded by a healthy travelling support and manager Alex McLeish heaved afterwards: ''Well, it's all over. Now we just want to get out of the first division but we know it's going to be hard.

''We'll be talking to players with regard to renewing contracts and letting people go. The squad will definitely be pruned.''