Neil McCann would have taken any victory on Saturday, but the Kilmarnock manager believes there was plenty to admire in his side’s entertaining 3-2 win over Motherwell at Rugby Park.
Goals from Tyreece John-Jules and captain Greg Kiltie, who netted twice, secured a crucial three points for Killie as they climbed above Hibernian and off the foot of the table. The result marked the Ayrshire side’s second league victory of the season and their first home win of the campaign.
Speaking after the match, McCann admitted he would have been content with a narrow victory but was delighted by both the result and the overall performance.
“I said beforehand I’d have taken a 1-0 win, but I’m more than happy with a 3-2,” he said. “There was a lot to like about the performance. The first goal came from a really good press and counter-attack. We made a few adjustments at half-time and I thought we fully deserved our victory in the second half.”
While pleased with the progress his side are making, McCann was keen to keep expectations in check despite an encouraging run of form that has seen Killie lose just once in their last five league matches.
“We created so many opportunities,” he added. “At times in the first half we were forcing things through the middle too often, so we changed it at the break and looked to get the ball into wider areas more frequently.
“There were moments when we had to dig in because Motherwell are a dangerous team, but I’m delighted to get that home win. I felt we were already moving in the right direction a few weeks ago. The result tightens things up in the table, but I’m not getting carried away. What matters most is the level of performance, and I think this group now genuinely believes it can win football matches.”
Saturday’s success was Kilmarnock’s first victory at Rugby Park this season and could prove to be a significant stepping stone as they look to build momentum and climb the Premiership standings in the weeks ahead.
