Kilmarnock Archives - Page 3 of 3

Fair’s fair as Dundee hold Kilmarnock in even contest

Kilmarnock 1 – 1 Dundee Dundee remain in hot pursuit of a top six finish after holding an out of sorts Kilmarnock to a draw in an even contest. Lyall Cameron put the visitors in front after blasting home a clearance that had a landed at his feet. Tony Docherty will be disappointed his side could only hold onto the lead for three minutes when teenager Wales finished a clever lay off from Kyle Vassell. In truth the scoreline reflected the split in dominance with Dundee very much the stronger of the two in the first half. Robby McCrorie was tested early on at Rugby Park but Dundee struggled to break the deadlock despite their dominance. Simon Murray had an opportunity to put his side ahead with an open goal in front of him but missed the ball completely. Derek McInnes’ men grew into the second half, Gary Mackay-Steven kept out by a strong Jon McCracken save and was guilty of skying a golden opportunity not long after. There will not be any panic just yet for McInnes but his side, currently sat tenth, have now won just one of their last six games. Attendance: 5, 454 Line-ups: Kilmarnock: R. McCrorie, R. Deas, L. Mayo, J. Wright, F. Murray (B. Wales, 78), C. Ndaba, B. Lyons, G. Mackay-Stevens (D. Armstrong 75′), B. Anderson (L. Polworth 78′), K. Vassell (I. Cameron 87′), M. Watkins Substitutes: D. Armstrong, O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, I. Cameron, R. McKenzie, K. O’Hara, L. Polworth, D. Watson, B. Wales Dundee: J. McCracken, B. Koumetio, A. Portales, R. Astley, F. Roberston, L. Cameron, M. Sylla (E. Ingram 46′), J. McGhee, J. Mulligan (O. Adewumi 66′), S. Murray, S. Palrmer-Houlden Substitutes: O’Adewumi, S. Braybrooke, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, H. Sharp, S. Tiffoney, J. Vetro Referee: Ross Hardie

December 1, 2024

Killie fail to crack Saints

A glancing Makenzie Kirk header gave the Saints a much needed victory at McDiarmid Park. The result means Kilmarnock must now overcome a slump of their own if they are to fight their way back into the top six. Killie began the fixture looking like to home side but the Saints grew into the game quickly. Benjamin Kimpioka’s curling shot parried by Robby McCrorie was the closest either side would come to a goal in the first half. Joe Wright fired one for the visiting side from distance but it sailed over the bar. Danny Armstrong similarly unable to hit the target with a free kick of his own, the ball passing comfortably past Josh Rae’s left-hand side. David Watson’s thigh injury meant he was replaced by Fraser Murray at the break as manager Derek McInnes was hampered in his attempts to find an equaliser. The second half seemed to pick up where the first left off with few chances created. That was until Andre Raymond’s whipped cross was met by a fantastic header from Makenzie Kirk to open the scoring. St. Johnstone had lost their previous three games but you wouldn’t have guessed it judging by their performance, looking much improved with the ball at their feet as the game progressed. In something of a rarity, they also looked solid at the back. The fourteen corners they defended without conceding a marked improvement on weeks gone by. Meanwhile Killie’s struggles to find the target continued, Liam Donnelly firing yet another shot over the bar for the away side. His evening would soon go from bad to worse as a second yellow saw the midfielder leave his side a man short for the second time this season. Unable to crack the defence open, they make the trip home empty handed once again. Resolute Saints hold out The honeymoon had clearly ended for manager Simo Valakari but tonight’s result helped prevent disillusionment from rearing its head in Perth. Three defeats in a row did not spell the end of the world but the Saints had some questions to answer about their defensive solidity. With twenty-seven shipped in thirteen, they entered this fixture as the league’s leakiest backline. Fair to say an impressive display for only their second clean sheet of the season will have put some of those questions on the back-burner. A first start for Bozo Mikulic, Valakari’s first signing, saw him paired with Jack Sanders at the back. The duo keeping out Marley Watkins and Darius Vassell, no mean feat given the damage they’ve done to other teams this season. Difficult games against Rangers and Aberdeen await in the coming weeks but the display tonight will give the side now just three points off to top six a much needed boost. Killie yet to kick on A fifteen minute delay to kick-off was perhaps a bit of foreshadowing for the side still waiting to get their own season going. Finishing fourth represented a big achievement for the Ayrshire side last season but McInnes’ ambitions will not let him be satisfied with it being a once in a few years occasion. The European run had stunted their start to the campaign but a few months on and with the international breaks in between, tired legs have ceased to be an excuse. Now with three defeats on the trot, the manager will need to re-energise his side if they are to fight their way back into the top half, now sitting six points behind St. Mirren. As the game wore on it became difficult enough for them to score with eleven men, but Liam Donnelly’s second yellow made the task all the more difficult. It is the fifth time they have seen a man sent off this season. Speaking to SPFL News Now, McInnes’ acknowledged his frustrations with the performance of the officials but was quick to point that they had ‘not lost the game because the referee, I need to stress that’.

November 23, 2024

Preview – St. Johnstone vs Kilmarnock

Craig Levein picked up his only league win of the season the last time these sides met. Just over three months on from the 3-0 victory, Derek McInnes will hope to come away with the spoils and create some distance from the Perth club. We take a look at the biggest talking points from the sides separated by only two points. Killie waiting to kick into gear Six games without a win would have put most managers amongst the bookies’ favourites for the sack, but not Derek McInnes. It seems the man can do no wrong after guiding Kilmarnock into the European places last season, making Rugby Park into one of the league’s most difficult grounds to visit in the process. The subsequent play-off games as the side were knocked out the Europa and Conference Leagues proved to be too tiring for a squad that seemed to lack the depth to handle the congested fixture list. Results improved as the side recovered from tired legs, winning half their games since their exit, with Rangers another casualty of Killie’s giant-killing prowess. Unfortunately, their impressive fourth place finish last season means McInnes has become a victim of his own success. The bar has now been set and fans will expect a similar result come the end the season. In order to get anywhere near the upper echelons of the table again, they must find some consistency in their results. Defeats to Ross County and Dundee are not as easily forgiven as they once were and another to the Saints would be a further setback in Killie’s attempts to cement their place amongst the top sides. The manager’s job is by no means on the line, but will nonetheless be desperate to avoid being on the receiving end of another bloody nose. Saints must halt slow decline Simo Valakari will no doubt realise that attacking football is little comfort to fans if they find themselves looking at the drop. What started as the most promising kind of new manager bounce, with six points from nine (Rangers grabbing the difference), has turned into something of a mini-slump for the Saints. Three defeats on the trot have exposed the fault lines in the squad for all to see. A destructive attacking trio on their day, Benjamin Kimpioka, Nicky Clark and Adama Sidibeh have given new life to a squad that looked out of ideas only a couple of months ago. For all their promise going forward, St. Johnstone have failed to solve the conundrum that has plagued fellow strugglers Hibernian, how to prevent sides from cutting through them. With twenty-seven shipped this season, they are the league’s worst defensive unit. The poor form of Ross Sinclair and Josh Rae between the sticks has not helped matters either. If Valakari is impatiently counting down the days until he can make his first purchases to remedy the situation, he will need to keep one eye on the seven games before the window opens. Not making the most of the twenty-one points available could see them too far back for any signings to turn things around.

November 22, 2024

Celtic Edge Past Resilient Kilmarnock to Return to Premiership Summit

Celtic reclaimed their spot at the top of the Scottish Premiership, edging out a resilient Kilmarnock side in a high-stakes encounter, thanks to decisive moments from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn that preserved their unbeaten league run. This match was anything but a routine outing for the defending champions. Kilmarnock’s intensity and tactical ingenuity—led by Derek McInnes—saw them pressing high, fielding two strikers, and sending Corrie Ndaba forward from defence, putting Celtic under constant pressure. Kilmarnock’s early promise almost paid off when Marley Watkins struck the post after beating Celtic’s keeper, Kasper Schmeichel, in a tense one-on-one. It felt like McInnes’ side might be on the verge of an upset. Vassell’s shot was deflected, adding to the frustration, and Celtic only just managed to repel wave after wave of Kilmarnock attacks. But as halftime loomed, McGregor found his moment. After orchestrating a forward movement, his lofted cross bypassed both his teammate and Kilmarnock’s keeper, Robby McCrorie, to find the back of the net—a goal that was a hard blow for the home side, given the balance of play. Undeterred, Kilmarnock fought on, with Innes Cameron and Brad Lyons keeping the Celtic defence on edge. Schmeichel again came to Celtic’s rescue, saving brilliantly from Matty Kennedy, before Kuhn put the game beyond doubt, latching onto a pass from Alistair Johnston and finishing clinically. The German’s composure in front of goal once again proved pivotal. Despite the narrow loss, Kilmarnock left the pitch with heads held high. Their pressing game and brave man-to-man tactics made life difficult for Celtic, and their intensity disrupted the champions’ rhythm repeatedly. This display suggests that Kilmarnock’s league position could rise swiftly if they maintain this level of play. For Celtic, this game was a reminder of the grit required to defend their title. McGregor’s leadership and Kuhn’s relentless scoring form underscore their resilience. Emerging victorious from such a grueling encounter should please Brendan Rodgers, as it’s precisely these hard-fought wins that can define a championship season.

November 10, 2024

Scottish Premiership Sunday Preview: Kilmarnock v Celtic and Rangers v Hearts

Kilmarnock v Celtic (15:00 GMT) Kilmarnock faces a setback as key defender Stuart Findlay is out for several months following an ankle injury at Dundee. Midfielder Liam Polworth could return to bolster the squad, while Kyle Magennis continues his recovery. Celtic, meanwhile, sees slight concerns with American centre-backs Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, who both missed Friday’s training but may still feature. Odin Thiago Holm, however, remains sidelined with ongoing calf issues. Rangers v Hearts (17:00 GMT) Rangers welcome Ianis Hagi and Danilo back into the squad, as they weren’t included in the recent European lineup. Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo may also make appearances, though Oscar Cortes isn’t quite ready. Tom Lawrence, unfortunately, is out for up to six weeks due to a leg injury. Hearts head coach Neil Critchley has no new fitness concerns and is likely to pick an unchanged side. Yutaro Oda and Calem Nieuwenhof are nearing a return but aren’t expected to feature at Ibrox.

November 10, 2024

Findlay Set For Months on the Sidelines

Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay is facing months out of action after being stretchered off in their defeat away to Dundee on Sunday. The Ayrshire side were faced a hammer blow with Findlay, who is currently on an extended loan from English Championship side Oxford United, suffering severe ligament damage and having to be removed from the pitch after just half an hour. Kilmarnock were a goal to the good when Findlay was substituted and doubled their advantage through Matty Kennedy just before half time. Derek McInnes’ side would then go onto face a difficult second half with their opponents mounting a tremendous comeback to level the game before the hour mark. As the game fizzled out, the away side probably would have settled for a point but Dundee weren’t finished and in added time they found a winner through Ziyad Larkeche and the three points went to the Dark Blues at the Scot Foam Stadium. The Kilmarnock manager blamed switching off and a lack of desire towards the end of the game as the reasoning for not seeing it out but praised Tony Docherty’s men for their 2nd half performance: “There’s 30 seconds to go we should show inside when the ball is played forward and we don’t match Mulligan’s run. Credit Dundee they get bodies in the box at the death and Larkeche’s desire to get on the end of it and score was more than our desire to stop it.” On Findlay’s injury McInnes commented: “Thankfully, there is no dislocation or fracture. We are waiting for the results of the scan but he could be out for two, three or four months.” Kilmarnock play host to league leaders Celtic on Sunday where star man Danny Armstrong is also a doubt with a hamstring injury sustained against Dundee.

November 6, 2024

Ross County Stage First Comeback of Season to Beat 10-Man Kilmarnock 2-1

Ross County came back from behind for the first time this season as they prevailed 2-1 over ten men Kilmarnock in Dingwall this afternoon. Despite going in front from Corey Ndaba’s fine strike, Killie were reduced to ten men and punished with goals from Jordan Wright and a Joe Wright own goal secured County all three points. County kicked off for what was a torrid affair through the first thirty minutes. Neither side was able to create many chances as both teams struggled to control the midfield. Danny Armstrong and Matt Kennedy were bright sparks for the visitors as they looked to get down the sides of the County backline. They offered Watkins and Vassell plenty of balls into the box, but Laidlaw would claim them all comfortably. The game then burst into life midway through the first half as Killie began to step it up a gear. They had a dangerous cross whipped in by Armstrong and was met with Marley Watkins, but, leaning back, he was unable to connect properly, and his effort went wide of the post. It was then the host’s turn to try their luck at goal. Noah Chilvers picked up the ball just to the left of the Killie box. His effort was dipping towards goal, but Ross McCrorie made a fantastic diving save to keep the game level. Stuart Findlay would almost score the goal of his life moments later, he picked the ball up midway into the County half and drove forward, skipping past three County defenders. A 1-2 on the edge of the box was played back to him. He’d then cut onto his right foot and shot well into the left-hand corner, but Ross Laidlaw was down with a big left hand to deny him the glory. The Killie pressure finally told, however, as on the 39-minute mark, a throw-in wasn’t dealt with by the Staggies’ defence. Corey Ndaba made a darting run to the loose ball and hit a sweetly struck shot low and hard into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead. County almost had the equaliser seconds before the half-time whistle; Chilvers again found himself 20 yards from goal; his strike was driven low, but it was straight at McCrorie, who collected it to put Kilmarnock ahead at the break. The second half looked like the pattern of the game would be very much the same as the first, with Kilmarnock looking the sharper of the two. That would all change, though, as just on the hour mark, the visitors would be reduced to ten men after Liam Donnelly picked up to quick yellows. Already in the book for kicking the ball away, he then committed a cynical foul less than ten minutes later, giving Matthew MacDermid no option but to dismiss the midfielder. The Staggies immediately punished Killie with a free kick. Chilver’s ball into the area was met with an Akil Wright shot being blocked, but Jordan Wright was on hand to fire it into the goal to draw County level. The red card had well and truly turned the game on its head, and County were firmly in the ascendancy now. Manager Don Cowie rolled the dice and made the attacking change, bringing on Alex Samuel in place of defender Ryan Leak as County pushed for the winner. Derek McInnes had attempted to shore things up, making numerous defensive changes, including taking off captain Kyle Vassell as Killie tried to withstand the County pressure. It was to no avail, though, as County deservedly took the lead with ten minutes from time. A deep corner from the left side deflected off the thigh of Joe Wright and skipped off the surface into the goal, leaving McCrorie with no chance. Kilmarnock did bring on Bruce Anderson to chase an equaliser in the closing minutes, but County stood firm to secure their first win since September. A late red card almost compounded the misery onto McInnes, but the VAR overturned it, deeming Joe Wright’s foul only worthy of a yellow. Don Cowie was full of praise for his side’s reaction to going behind: “It was about being calm at half-time and then looking to create a bit more of a threat.” “The sending off has a big bearing on it, but we earned the sending off through Chilvers showing that bravery and conviction.” When questioned on how important Countys home form is, he told SPFL News Now: “It is important in giving you that platform and base to work from, but you can’t be reliant on it, and you need those away points, and it is something we are striving to do.” Speaking to the media after the game, Derek McInnes was left feeling frustrated with a combination of his side and the decisions that went against them: “I thought in the main we dealt with the directness of Wright and Hale buzzing about him.” “But we lose the game through a combination of our own efforts and a couple of harsh decisions on us have had an impact on the game. And we’re scratching our head on how we’ve managed to lose a game where we’ve been so dominant.” He added: “The only game we’ve had when we’ve not been down to ten men was the result at St Mirren. So, I do think that frustration is partly caused by ourselves.” Ross County are back at home on Wednesday as they entertain Hibernian, whilst Kilmarnock goes to Tynecastle to face Hearts.

October 26, 2024

Ross County v Kilmarnock: Team News

Ross County make five changes to the team that lost to St Johnstone last Saturday. Elijah Campbell and Charlie Telfer miss out entirely through suspension whilst Scott Allardice, Michee Efete, Eamon Brophy and Josh Nisbet drop to the bench. Manager Don Cowie has looked to James Brown to cover the suspended Campbell in defence and has brought in the likes of Aiden Denholm, Josh Reid, Noah Chilvers and Jordan White into the side. Kilmarnock are unchanged from the team who toppled Rangers in last weeks 1-0 victory. Goal scorer Marley Watkins leads the line as the club’s top scorer alongside captain Kyle Vassell. There’s a highland connection in the Kilmarnock team as Robbie Deas and Watkins are both former Inverness players who would love to get one over on their former rivals.

October 26, 2024

Watkins Strikes Late and Mayo Stars as Kilmarnock Pile the Pressure on Philippe Clement

Souttar bullied and Butland in no mans land as Marley Watkins tucks the ball away in the 87th minute. The pressure mounts on Rangers manager Philippe Clement, with Rangers fans not shy in showing their frustrations from the stands. Derek McInnes on the other hand, will feel his side more than deserved their 3 points at the weekend as they were dominant throughout. Robbie Deas thought he had the opener in the first half but his goal was chopped off by VAR. Kilmarnock continued to limit Rangers’ opportunities and on another day could have had more than one if Kennedy and Watkins kept their composure early on. Ex-Rangers youngster Lewis Mayo was a standout performer with a solid performance at right back, nullifying any threat coming down the wide area for the away side. Mayo, a stalwart in the Kilmarnock defence since signing from Rangers in the summer of 2023 is a firm favourite at Rugby Park with his ever-reliable performances resulting in fans of the Ayrshire side labelling the 24 year old as “Mr Reliable”. And it’s not only fans holding the defender to high regard, his manager has also backed him to star at international level in the future if he continues to put in performances beyond his years stating in an interview by the BBC: Derek McInnes: “He’s hardly put a foot wrong. I think he will play for Scotland he could more than hold his own in the international set-up. The SFA are well aware of his capabilities. He’s a top professional, gives himself the best chance to have the best career and it’s that attitude that I want to work with.”

October 20, 2024

Kilmarnock

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