Killie had no answer to the irrepressible Scott Brown and Steven Fletcher in the first period. Brown took advantage of Garry Hay's slip to play in Dean Shiels in the 18th minute but Gordon Greer slid in to block his shot. Five minutes later Fletcher weighted his pass perfectly for Chris Killen, but Smith spread himself well to save. Hibs continued to press and the inevitable occurred in the 31st minute with a beautiful opener. Kevin Thomson wrong -footed the whole Killie back line with a delicate reverse pass which Shiels collected and then calmly lobbed the ball over the stranded 'keeper.
A single goal half time lead was scant reward for their total domination and Hibs found themselves pegged level within two minutes of the restart. Jefferies shuffled his pack at half time pushing three men forward, in an attempt to get Allan Johnston more involved, and it worked to perfection. Two minutes after the break, Johnston slipped a pass to set Greer free on the right-wing and he curled over the perfect cross for Colin Nish to volley home.
Hibs squandered a great chance to go back in front when Scott Brown brilliantly teed up Fletcher, but the striker was too cute with his header and it drifted wide of the post.
It was Kilmarnock who found the winner with a breathtaking solo strike from teenager Naismith. From a standing start he dribbled past three defenders in the space of five yards before shooting firm and low past Simon Brown.