Shocking defending from the Tangerines in the 13th minute gifted the visitors the lead. An Allan Johnston corner sailed over David McCracken to the unmarked Steven Naismith, who was given time to run in and guide the ball into the top corner.
And it was freak goal four minutes later which doubled the lead from yet another corner. Gary Wales, again unmarked, headed the ball down to Naismith at the edge of the box. With his back to goal he hooked the ball high into the sun, seeing it drop into the top corner, despite the frantic efforts of Derek Stillie to prevent the goal.
But with Killie running the proceedings, United had two great chances to reduce the deficit. In the 25th minute David Robertson sent David Fernandez clear. However, with Barry Robson screaming for the ball the Spaniard elected to curl the ball narrowly wide.
Then three minutes later, a fantastic save from ex-United keeper, Alan Combe, prevented Charles Mulgrew's 25-yard free-kick from bursting the net.
McCracken gave United a much-needed lift two minutes after the break, powerfully heading a Derek McInnes cross down past the stranded Combe.
And the game was turned on its head three minutes later when McInnes controversially equalised. The captain's mis-hit shot from the edge of the box went into the net through the legs of Fernandez, who looked at least three yards offside. However, he was surprisingly deemed not to be interfering with play and the goal stood, much to the fury of the Killie team and management
In contrast, United were now in command with Collin Samuel coming close in the 65th minute with an excellent run and strike.
And Killie were very fortunate in the 75th minute whe Colin Nish clearly punched the ball away in the box, but the referee claimed he was unsighted and the visitors breathed a sigh of relief.